Hiking between the Causse and the Lot Valley, in the heart of the Quercy region
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationThe Lot / Massif Central
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions63.8 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a unique getaway in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park and the Lot Valley . Explore authentic local heritage sites : butterfly-shaped wash houses , caselles (shepherd's huts), dry stone walls , and sompes (Roman wells). Enjoy breathtaking panoramas over the Lot and Vers valleys , where you'll find idyllic swimming spots to cool off during the warmer months. Conclude your escape with a visit to the city of Cahors , renowned for its charm and exceptional views .
To make your stay even more enjoyable, we welcome you to a spacious and comfortable cottage , complete with a swimming pool perfect for relaxing after your explorations. Savor Elsa's homemade cuisine , prepared with delicious local produce , for a complete immersion in the flavors of our region. A stay combining discovery , authenticity , and relaxation – perfect for nature and heritage lovers!
The highlights
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Visit to iconic sites: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Cahors, Mont Saint Cyr, Lot Valley
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Local cuisine: homemade meals with local and organic products
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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 accessible to everyone if you are used to walking daily.
We are in an environment where the elevation gain is not very significant, you just need to be used to doing between 15 and 25 km per day.
I can, upon request, suggest routes of varying difficulty.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 242 m
- Average daily descent: 139 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Program
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Settle in and relax at the Poudally gîte
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 161 m
- Negative elevation 163 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From 2:30 pm , you will arrive at the gîte and settle into your room. Enjoy the afternoon relaxing in a peaceful setting, with access to the swimming pool for a well-deserved moment of relaxation. Dinner at 7 pm.
Day 1 -
Loop of the sumps
- Transportation Car - 00h14 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 167 m
- Negative elevation 145 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Start your day with a friendly breakfast in the gîte's common room. Then head to the village of Concots to explore the Sompes hiking trail , a true haven of peace nestled in the heart of the Causse plateau . This route is dotted with numerous heritage treasures , ideal for enjoying a day full of discoveries. Return to the gîte in the afternoon, where you can relax with access to the swimming pool . The day ends with dinner at 7:00 pm at the communal table in the restaurant .
Day 2 -
Following in the footsteps of André Breton
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 24km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 264 m
- Negative elevation 132 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Start your day with a convivial breakfast in the communal dining room of the Poudally guesthouse restaurant. Then, head to the village of Bouziès for an immersive hike to the famous Saint-Cirq-Lapopie . The route includes a section along the Chemin de Ganil and the towpath, carved into the cliff, offering magnificent panoramic views of the Lot Valley. This short walk leaves you time to explore the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie , either with a guided tour offered by the tourist office, or by taking a boat trip on the Lot River to discover the village from a different perspective.
Return to the cottage in the late afternoon for some relaxation by the pool. At 7:00 pm , enjoy dinner at the communal table in the restaurant.
Day 3 -
To Vercingetorix and the cliffs of St Géry
- Transportation Car - 00h27 - 21km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 348 m
- Negative elevation 132 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Start your day with a friendly breakfast in the gîte's common room. Then head to the village of Vers to explore its valley, a place that is both wild and verdant . The more adventurous can enjoy a refreshing swim in the river. Continue with a walk on the limestone plateau , offering breathtaking panoramic views and a spectacular view overlooking the Lot Valley.
Return to the cottage in the afternoon for some relaxation by the pool. At 7:00 PM , a delicious dinner will be served in the common room.
Day 4 -
Cahors and Mont Saint Cyr
- Transportation Car - 00h27 - 21km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 270 m
- Negative elevation 119 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Start your day with a friendly breakfast in the gîte's common room. Then head to Cahors to explore the city, discovering its hidden gardens and remarkable spaces. Next, gain some altitude by visiting Mont Saint Cyr to admire a breathtaking panoramic view of Cahors, particularly enchanting at sunset . Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing moment on a café terrace and soak up the local atmosphere. End of your stay .
Day 5
Note
PARTICULAR DIFFICULTIES: Risk of flooding of the towpath during floods of the Lot.
Accommodation
The Poudally gîte , located on the GR65 Way of St. James (Le Puy-en-Velay route), is a stopover and holiday hostel that has been welcoming hikers for over 15 years. With a capacity of up to 30 people, it offers rooms for 2, 4, or 6 people . This family-run establishment offers a friendly, warm atmosphere , perfect for meeting new people.
Nestled in the heart of nature, the cottage guarantees a true escape . A swimming pool is also available for your relaxation. Numerous activities are offered on site: pétanque , molkky , ping-pong , foosball , giant Mikado , and a wide selection of board games (Werewolf, Yogi, Code Names, Skyjo, etc.).
Access
The fifth day marks the end of the stay, with the discovery of Cahors and Mont Saint-Cyr .
You must vacate the rooms in the guesthouse before 9:30 am.
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), otherwise we can offer you hikes starting from the gîte with small heritage but you will not have access to the most remarkable sites.
Accessible by car via the A20 exit 58.
Price details
The price includes
- A self-guided hiking holiday
- Half-board
- Accommodation in a 6-person dormitory in a gîte
- Maps and hiking guides provided
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Drinks consumed on site
- Car travel to reach the starting point of the hikes
Options
- Extra night before the stay - Bed in a 6-person dormitory (adult) : CHF48.48 / person
- Extra night before the stay - Bed in a 6-person dormitory (child) : CHF45.74 / person
- Extra night before the stay - Bed in a 4-person dormitory (adult) : CHF52.14 / unit
- Extra night before the stay - Bed in a 4-person dormitory (child) : CHF48.48 / unit
- Additional night before the stay - Double room (2 adults) : CHF114.35 / unit
- Extra night before the stay - Double room (1 adult and 1 child) : CHF108.86 / unit
- Additional night after the stay - Bed in a 6-person dormitory (adult) : CHF48.48 / unit
- Additional night after the stay - Bed in a 6-person dormitory (child) : CHF45.74 / unit
- Additional night after the stay - Bed in a 4-person dormitory (adult) : CHF52.14 / unit
- Additional night after the stay - Bed in a 4-person dormitory (child) : CHF48.48 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Double room (2 adults) : CHF114.35 / unit
- Additional night after your stay - Double room (1 adult and 1 child) : CHF107.95 / 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
- Maps
Equipment to bring
- 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...
- Hiking poles.
- From late April to early May, pack your swimsuit for the pool and river swimming.
On site, you can wash your clothes by hand or in a washing machine (€4/machine), so don't bring too much!
