St. James of Compostela, from Figeac to Cahors via the Célé route

We continue our exploration along the Célé Valley, a hidden waterway often overlooked by traditional tourist guides. The valley's slopes rise between 100 and 200 meters, opening onto a rolling landscape typical of the Causses region. A captivating and welcoming setting awaits you, promising heartwarming views and moments at every turn.

Distance: 26.3km - Elevation gain/loss: +531m - -551m - Walking time: approximately 7 hours

This time, we'll leave the valley to explore the treasures of the right bank, nestled in the limestone plateaus. This region is rich in geomorphological wonders, offering a natural spectacle of caves, peaks, valleys, and rocky escarpments. And despite the limestone and often arid nature of the plateaus, this area boasts soothing vegetation, adding to the beauty and diversity of the landscape.

Distance: 19km - Elevation gain: +570m - -490m - Walking time: approximately 5h30

After a day of hiking, it's a pleasure to explore the village at your own pace, strolling through the alleyways that catch your eye. Classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," the village boasts over 13 historical monuments. The cobbled streets will lead you to the Place du Sombral, the Rue de la Pelissaria, or the Maison de la Fourdonne, where the medieval architecture lends a unique beauty to every corner.

Don't miss a visit to the church of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, dedicated to Saint Cyr and Saint Juliette. This impressive 15th-century religious building is a splendid example of Gothic architecture, adorned with beautiful frescoes inside, bearing witness to its fascinating history.

Distance: 22km - Elevation gain/loss: +700m - 620m - Walking time: approximately 5h30

The village of Vers has always been an essential transit point for armies, traders, and pilgrims traveling between Cahors and the northern and eastern regions of France. From the Middle Ages onward, a small castle was built there, not to house a local lord, but to monitor and control an important strategic route.

Vers also served as a stopover for bargemen transporting goods on flat-bottomed boats to Bordeaux. Before continuing their journey, they would stop at the chapel of Velles to pray to the Virgin Mary, imploring her protection for the rest of their perilous expedition.

Distance: 21km - Elevation gain/loss: +570m - -640m - Walking time: approximately 5h30

The navigable Lot River:

The Lot River was once navigable along its entire length, from Entraigues to Aiguillon, but it was decommissioned in 1926. From 1945 onwards, the construction of small hydroelectric power plants made navigation impossible. However, since the 1990s, with the construction of locks, 110 km of the Lot are navigable again. During this leg of the journey, you will pass by or see four of these locks.

Cahors in the Gallo-Roman period:

During the Gallo-Roman period, Cahors, formerly called Divona Cadurcorum, was the capital of the Cadurci tribe. The city developed around the sacred spring of the Cadurci, located at the Chartreux fountain, near the Valentré bridge. By the 1st century, Cahors had become a prosperous city, boasting a bridge over the Lot River, a theater seating 6,500, thermal baths, and luxurious villas. The city was already renowned for its wine and linen fabrics, which it exported extensively.

John XXII:

Jean Duèze, born in Cahors in 1244, became Pope John XXII in 1316. He died in 1334 in Avignon, but during his pontificate, he worked to develop his native city. In 1331, he founded the University of Cahors, one of the first in France, with faculties of theology, medicine, law, and arts. Its students enjoyed the same privileges as those at the universities of Paris and Toulouse. The university merged with the University of Toulouse in 1751.

Night in a B&B

Distance: 18km - Elevation gain/loss: +250m - -260m - Walking time: approximately 4h30

End of stay after breakfast.