Figeac to Cahors through the beautiful Célé Valley. Beautiful medieval towns and villages. Charming scenery.
The famed pilgrim’s route of St James of Compostela was in fact many routes, taking into account the fact that pilgrims were travelling from different parts of Europe. This section is what is called in France a ‘variante’ , or alternative route, that was used by pilgrims between Conques and Cahors. It takes you through beautiful medieval towns, past shrines and churches, all set in gorgeous countryside along the river Cele.
Price:
£795 Per person.
Single room supplement £200
Included:
Not Included:
Departure Dates:
Any day from April to the end of October.
Day 1:
Arrive Figeac, a charming town with handsome medieval centre.
Day 2: Figeac to Espagnac.
Today the highlight of the route is Beduer, a pretty village overlooking the Corn Valley and also Espagnac Sainte-Eulalie with its remarkable priory. Overnight Espagnac. 25 kms/15.6 miles (can be shortened – please ask)
Day 3: Espagnac to Marcilhac.
Several highlights today – Saint Sulpice, the former residence of the noblest Quercy family, then Marcilhac sur Cele, huddled around the ruins of an ancient abbey. Overnight Marcilhac. 15 kms/9.3 miles
Day 4: Marcilhac to Cabrerets.
Pass Sauliac sur Cele, with its old houses and cave filled cliffs. Finally, arrive at Cabrerets, with its mysterious ‘Chateau du Diable’, for overnight. 19 kms/11.9 miles
Day 5: Cabrerets to Saint Cirq-Lapopie.
A pleasant and reasonably short stroll to the historic village of Saint Cirq-Lapopie, with its beautifully preserved streets and medieval architecture. Overnight Saint Cirq (dinner not included here).14 kms/8.75 miles
Day 6: Saint-Cirq to Vers.
Follow a towpath incised into the rock face – one of the more spectacular feats of engineering from the 19th century – to Vers, where there are remains of a Roman aqueduct, for overnight. 22 kms/13.75 miles
Day 7: Vers to Cahors.
Pass through the village of Arcambal, with its beautiful Renaissance church and imposing chateau, and then walk down through the hills to the Cahors, located at a bend of the Lot. Overnight Cahors (dinner not included). 18 kms/11.25 miles
Day 8:
Depart after breakfast.
Figeac Hôtel les Bains** – Lovely hotel situated on the banks of the River Cele.
Les Anons du Célé, Espagnac Ste Eulalie – Charming chambre d’hôtes in the village.
La ferme (farm) de Cazals, Marcilhac – The chambre d’hôtes is located in a working farm.
Cabrerets Auberge de la Sagne – with swimming pool
Saint Cirq Lapopie Auberge le Sombral, well located in the heart of the village
Vers La Truite dorée** – Situated on the River Vers
Cahors Brit Hotel Cahors – Le France** – Le valentré**
