Points
Day 1 : Cordes sur Ciel (Tarn) - Voted the Nation’s Favourite Village in 2014
Cordes-sur-Ciel is 84 km northeast of Toulouse (1 hr 10 min).
> Morning:
Sightseeing in Cordes-sur-Ciel: this is one of the most beautiful bastide villages in Midi-Pyrénées, founded by Count Raymond VI of Toulouse in 1222, its quaint streets running down the hillside from the Puech de Mordagne, lined with Gothic façades and artisans’ workshops. Cordes-sur-Ciel is one of the Great Tourist Sites in Midi-Pyrénées.
> Afternoon: visit the Jardin des Paradis next to the town walls and/or the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in the Maison du Grand Fauconnier. You can also follow a walk around Cordes that treats you to some unusual views of the village.
> Overnight in Cordes-sur-Ciel.
Day 2 : Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (Tarn-et-Garonne) - 3rd in the Nation’s Favourite Village vote in 2015.
> Morning: you leave Cordes-sur-Ciel for Saint Antonin Noble Val.
29 km – 30 min.
Sightseeing in Saint Antonin Noble Val: with its pleasing architectural unity, retained from medieval times, this village nestling at the foot of the Roc d’Anglars in the Aveyron Gorge is an absolute gem. The belfry, market square, shady streets and lovely atmosphere are a delight. On Sundays, one of the region’s most beautiful markets is held here.
> Afternoon: in summer, you can do no better than go for a paddle in a canoe on the Aveyron! All year round, explore the Aveyron Gorge on foot or by car, wending your way between the limestone causse plateau and the sheer cliffs lining the river, perhaps taking in the hilltop villages perchés of Penne and Bruniquel along the way.
> Overnight in Saint Antonin Noble Val.
Day 3 : Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (Lot) - Voted the Nation’s favourite Village in 2012
> Morning: you leave Saint Antonin Noble Val for Saint Cirq-Lapopie, passing through Caylus and Limogne-en-Quercy on the way.
47 km – 60 min.
Recommended stopping points en route:
- The Château de Cas: this beautifully restored château is in the Bonnette Valley between Saint Antonin and Caylus.
- Caylus: a lively, pleasant small town with a fascinating medieval past on the border of the départements of Tarn et Garonne and Lot. A good spot for lunch.
- The Château de St Projet: this château between Caylus and Limogne-en-Quercy once provided a home for Queen Margot, who hid there from her pursuers in 1585.
> Afternoon:
Sightseeing in Saint Cirq-Lapopie: with its rooftops and façades jostling for space at the top of the cliff high over the River Lot, Saint Cirq-Lapopie is a one-of-a-kind destination where nature and heritage come together with extraordinary harmony. The whole village is listed as a Historical Monument. It is also a Great Tourist Site in Midi-Pyrénées.
> Overnight in Saint Cirq-Lapopie or nearby (in Bouziès or Tour de Faure for example).
Day 4 : to Conques (Aveyron) – 5th in the Nation’s Favourite Village vote in 2013.
> Morning: spend more time exploring Saint Cirq-Lapopie, or follow a walk along the towpath from Bouziès, 5 km downstream. Cut through the base of the cliff towering above the Lot, this man-made walkway is unique.
> Afternoon: you leave for Conques, via Cajarc and Figeac.
93 km - 1 hr 45 min
Recommended stopping points en route:
- The Château de Cénevières: this magnificent Renaissance château overlooking the River Lot is owned by the welcoming De Braquilanges family.
- Cajarc: this pretty town on the banks of the Lot is not only the birthplace of author Françoise Sagan, it is also the capital of the Quercy saffron-growing region. It’s the perfect place to stop off for a coffee or lemonade under the shade of the plane trees.
- Figeac: this Great Tourist Site in Midi-Pyrénées merits thorough exploration. The historical centre, remarkably well preserved and restored, is still a buzzing, lively place. - Don’t miss the Musée Champollion museum of writing systems from around the world.
> Overnight: to do the town justice, you’ll probably want to spend the night in Figeac, which is roughly half way between Saint Cirq-Lapopie and Conques, before continuing on your way.
Day 5 : Conques (Aveyron)
> Morning: you leave Figeac for the Aveyron département and Conques
Recommended stopping points en route:
- Capdenac-le-Haut: this former Gallo-Roman oppidum overlooking the whole of the Lot Valley is officially recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
- Terra Olt in Saint Parthem: a fun series of displays, interactive features and recreated scenes from times gone by in the valley of the Lot (once known as the Olt), which has shaped the beautiful countryside here.
> Afternoon
Sightseeing in Conques: a major staging post on St James's Way to Santiago de Compostela (the Le Puy route – GR65), Conques is an important spiritual centre and a pinnacle of Romanesque art. Famous for the Abbey Church of Sainte Foy, the village is set in completely unspoilt countryside of wooded hills, adding to its character.
> Overnight in Conques and end of the tour
Why not extend your tour with a trip to Rodez, a Great Tourist Site in Midi-Pyrénées and home to the Museé Soulages, just 40 km away? The great artist Pierre Soulages created the new stained-glass windows for Conques Abbey in 1994.
In 2012 the people of France began voting every year for their favourite village in a television programme on the France 2 channel. The success of this friendly competition between the regions has shown just how keen the French are on not only their heritage in general but also on all the wonderful places that Midi-Pyrénées has to offer.
In its first four years, two of our villages have been voted the Nation’s Favourite, with two others runners-up! Cordes-sur-Ciel, Saint Antonin Noble Val, Saint Cirq-Lapopie, Conques: explore the region’s countryside on this tour and discover these villages of charm and character.
Day 1: Cordes-sur-Ciel (Tarn) – Voted the Nation’s Favourite Village in 2014.
Day 2: Saint Antonin Noble Val (Tarn et Garonne) – 3rd in the Nation’s Favourite Village vote in 2015.
Day 3: Saint Cirq-Lapopie (Lot) – Voted the Nation’s favourite Village in 2012.
Day 4: to Conques (Aveyron) – 5th in the Nation’s Favourite Village vote in 2013.
Day 5 : Conques.
*Our circuit suggestions can be tailored to suit your preferences and budget. The duration is given as a rough guide only.
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