Family hike in the heart of the Quercy region and its heritage
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationThe Lot / Massif Central
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions28.8 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Discover the authentic heritage of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park through walks suitable for the whole family . Between butterfly houses, Roman wells, caselles (small stone huts), and dry stone walls , immerse yourself in the history and traditions of this unspoiled region. Enjoy landscapes typical of the black diamond , the precious black truffle , and explore the old phosphate mines of Bach , a fascinating paleontological site not to be missed!
After your excursions, relax in a comfortable and spacious cottage , complete with a swimming pool perfect for cooling off and unwinding. To delight your taste buds, Elsa offers homemade cuisine prepared with delicious local produce , for a complete immersion in regional flavors. A stay combining nature, culture, and gastronomy for an unforgettable family experience!
The highlights
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Dormitory accommodation, but double rooms are available as an option.
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Discovering the truffle-growing landscapes of Quercy and the phosphate mines of Cloup d'Aural
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A friendly atmosphere and wonderful encounters with hikers on the Camino de Santiago
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The hikes are fairly easy, but I can adapt and suggest other hikes if needed (more or less difficult). The terrain remains relatively flat.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 255 m
- Average daily descent: 219 m
Management
Program
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The truffle trail and settling into the Poudally gîte
- Transportation Car - 00h05 - 3km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 279 m
- Negative elevation 216 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting from the village of Lalbenque , this 10.8km hike (approximately 3 hours ) follows the truffle trail . The route description and maps will be sent to you by email.
From 2:30pm , check into your room at the Poudally guesthouse , with access to the swimming pool for a relaxing moment.
At 7pm , a friendly dinner in the restaurant room, in the company of the other hikers.
Day 1 -
A walk from wells to wash houses
- Transportation Car - 00h08 - 6km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 156 m
- Negative elevation 152 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Breakfast at the gîte before setting off on a hike of your choice:
- From Laburgade ( 5km by car): 11km in 3 hours
- From the gîte : 18km in 4h30
Whichever route you choose, you will explore the small heritage of Quercy, between wells and wash houses .
In the afternoon, enjoy the swimming pool and some relaxation. At 7 p.m. , dinner together at the gîte.
Day 2 -
Circuits of the Cloup d'Aural phosphate mines
- Transportation Car - 00h15 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 329 m
- Negative elevation 287 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast at the gîte, head to Bach ( 10km away) for a hike around the Cloup d'Aural phosphate mines . The gîte can provide you with magnifying glass cards to insert into the trail markers.
A guided tour of the phosphate mines is recommended (extra charge, payable on site) to better understand this unique site.
Day 3
Accommodation
You will stay 2 nights at the Poudally gîte , located on the GR65, the Way of St. James .
This family-run guesthouse has been welcoming hikers for over 15 years in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere , perfect for meeting new people. Surrounded by nature, it's an ideal place to recharge .
Enjoy the swimming pool and the many games available: pétanque, molky, ping-pong, foosball, giant mikado and board games.
Access
The stay ends at the end of the hike around the Cloup d'Aural phosphate mines.
Go to the starting point
Accessible by train at Lalbenque Fontane station (8km from the gîte) or at Cahors station then by Lio bus at the stop in the village of Lalbenque (3km).
To access the hikes, there is no public transport, you need a private car (possibility to rent in Cahors), you can access these hikes on foot or by bike by going a few more kilometers (10km maximum).
You can arrive by car via the A20 exit 58.
Price details
The price includes
- A self-guided hiking holiday
- Half-board
- Accommodation in a shared 6-person dormitory in a gîte
- Maps and hiking guides provided
- The tourist tax
- Sheets and towels
The price does not include
- Drinks consumed on site
- Picnics
- The entrance to the Cloup d'Aural de Bach phosphate mine visitor site
- Car travel to reach the starting point of the hikes
Options
- Additional night after the stay - Bed in a 6-person dormitory (adult) : CHF49.40 / unit
- Additional night after the stay - Bed in a 6-person dormitory (child) : CHF46.65 / unit
- Additional night after the stay - Bed in a 4-person dormitory (adult) : CHF53.06 / unit
- Additional night after the stay - Bed in a 4-person dormitory (child) : CHF50.31 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Double room (2 adults) : CHF117.09 / unit
- Additional night after your stay - Double room (1 adult and 1 child) : CHF111.61 / unit
- Extra night before the stay - Bed in a 6-person dormitory (adult) : CHF49.40 / unit
- Extra night before the stay - Bed in a 6-person dormitory (child) : CHF46.65 / unit
- Extra night before the stay - Bed in a 4-person dormitory (adult) : CHF53.06 / unit
- Extra night before the stay - Bed in a 4-person dormitory (child) : CHF50.31 / unit
- Additional night before the stay - Double room (2 adults) : CHF117.09 / unit
- Additional night before the stay - Double room (1 adult and 1 child) : CHF111.61 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Topos and maps provided
Equipment to bring
- Sleeping bag or dream bag if you don't want to rent one on site
- Earplugs for shared rooms, that's not bad!
- Camera
- Water bottles
Clothing to bring
- Good hiking shoes are essential; here the pebbles are our friends, but sometimes if the sole is too thin, they can hurt your feet at the end of the day...
- From late April to early May, remember to pack your swimsuit for the pool.
- On site, you can wash your clothes by hand or in a washing machine (€4/machine), so don't bring too much!
