Where to go in South West France? discover our ideas for outings from Pagel.
Located less than an hour by car, we advise you to leave for the day to take full advantage of these exceptional places.
The Gouffre de Padirac
The Gouffre de Padirac can be combined with a visit to Rocamadour, as only 8 km separate these two unmissable places in the South West France.
Unique in Europe, the Gouffre de Padirac takes you on a dizzying descent underground, 103 meters deep! young and old will be amazed, led by the audio guide; we embark on a visit of 1h30, out of time, where underground lakes and marvelous cavities follow one another.
If you come in July August in the Lot, we advise you to book your visit before your departure. Time slots are quickly taken by storm during the summer period. Audio guides allow you to follow the visit in all the most common languages; a version adapted for children is also available.
Rocamadour
Visiting South West France also means stopping off at Rocamadour. This world-famous medieval city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in successive levels encrusted in the rock, it has become a high place of pilgrimage. We love its narrow streets, its history, its churches; its uniqueness makes it the unmissable destination during a one-week stay in south west of France .
Like all very touristic places, we recommend that you visit Rocamadour outside the summer period.
Le gouffre de Padirac
Saint Cirq Lapopie
Saint Cirq Lapopie is one of the most beautiful villages in Soth West France. Elected in 2012 ""Favorite village of the French"", it is the charming asset of the department. Overlooking the waters of the Lot, it offers a breathtaking view and an exceptional built heritage: shops, church, restaurants, houses, fortified gates, everything is in unison for a walk in the Middle Ages. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a classified site with 13 historical monuments. The visit of this medieval city can be combined with the discovery of the towpath. By parking in Bouzies, you have the possibility of joining Saint Cirq Lapopie by taking this easy path, cut in the rock, or embarking on the mythical gabares, wooden boats of yesteryear. Cruises can be made one way to Saint Cirq Lapopie to allow a return on foot by the towpath (1h20 on foot).
Among the most beautiful villages of the Lot, Capdennac le Haut, Figeac, Autoire, Cardaillac, Loubressac, Carennac are also to be discovered.
Pech Merle cave
The Grotte de Pech Merle, very close to Saint Cirq Lapopie, is part of the Grands Sites Occitanie. High place of parietal art in France, it is authentic and presents 70 animal and human representations.
Located in the Célé Valley, it can also be combined with a swimming break in the river or a canoe trip. Several natural beaches along the river are accessible from the road, especially in Cabrerets.
Other outing ideas
The Green Lake of Catus (5 minutes by car)
It is our village lake and it is a clean and safe place to swim. A playground, canoes and pedal boats are available as well as a tennis court, a multi-sports ground and a picnic area. It is a pleasant place to stroll with a restaurant and snack bar. Fishermen can also practice their activity there.
The pterosaur beach
(15 minute drive)
The village of Crayssac has the particularity of having a rather special beach: without sand and without sea, the Pterosaur Beach is a unique paleontological site, which can only be discovered during guided tours from May to November.
Explore the vineyards of the Lot by bike.
Our partner, La Bicyclette Prayssacoise, offers a diverse range of bicycles tailored to your needs: hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, electric bikes, tandems, and children's bikes, as well as practical accessories such as trailers, saddlebags, and child seats. With their expertise in rental and maintenance, they will guide you to make this experience an unforgettable moment of your stay in the Lot. Take advantage of the bike delivery service for 1 day or more, starting directly from Pagel's cottages.
Cape Nature
(20 minute drive)
Tree climbing, lazergame, mini-golf... a range of activities for all ages in Pradines, Cahors.
Cahors
(30 minute drive)
First city of the Lot!
From the Valentré bridge to the Saint-Étienne cathedral, Cahors combines southern atmosphere and historical riches. Enclosed in a loop of the Lot valley, it is one of the must-see sites to visit when you stay in South West France. Don't miss the Pont Valentré, the old town and its half-timbered houses, the Saint Etienne cathedral, the boulevard Gambetta, the many gardens and squares where it is good to stroll.
With children, to make discovery more fun, we recommend the little train or boat trip.
Rocamadour - Lot Tourism - Teddy Verneuil