St Cirq Lapopie / Pech Merle make up one of Quercy's major attractions, designated a "Great Site of Occitanie". Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a storehouse of mediaeval architecture, clings to a rocky outcrop 100 metres above the Lot. Deep in the cave of Pech Merle, you will be following in the footsteps of the prehistoric people who were there 25 000 years ago !
See also
The village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
The village of Saint Cirq Lapopie, an architectural treasure, is an invitation to stroll through the paved lanes, past the half-timbered houses and up to the viewpoint.
Then go and meet the artists and artisans who work there. Go into the mediaeval sop premises, now transformed into studios.
Painters, wood turners, milliners and potters will share their passion with you.
If you want to go further from Saint Cirq Lapopie, follow the signs towards the towpath down below the village. An interesting walk along beside the Lot awaits you.
The Pech Merle painted cave : prehistory within reach of your hand
A few kilometres from Saint Cirq Lapopie, don't miss the chance to see the Pech Merle cave. One of the oldest known in Europe, this painted cave is one of the finest expressions of prehistoric art.
This cave provides a complete sample of natural geological formations, in between which prehistoric engravings and paintings more than 20 000 years old unfold before your very eyes : mammoths, horses, bison, signs, human hands and silhouettes, footprints… a prehistoric art gallery !
The visit continues in the museum built at the entrance to the cave, where there is an exhibition of over 1000 items which speak of 350 000 years of human evolution. A real must-see !
