Saint-Cirq is topped by

Saint-Cirq is topped by a mighty bell tower, above a chapel built during the Gallo-Roman era. Beautiful 13th to 16th century stone and half-timbered houses (13 of which are registered historic buildings) line the steep winding streets. The River Lot curls its way along the bottom of the limestone cliff. Head to the bottom of the village for a 3-mile walk along the river. You’ll be glad to know it’s flat, and well worth the effort for the beautiful scenery. You can rent a boat or take a guided river tour from the tiny port. The 17th century locks of the Lot river helped the village to prosper commercially as garbarres (flat bottomed boats) transported local produce, tobacco and wine to Cahors and Bordeaux. The village was famous for its craftsmen woodturners and it’s said that they collectively invented the wooden taps for wine barrels! Today the village is home to many artisans and galleries and boutiques line its medieval streets. During the middle of the 20th century, the pointillist artist, Henri Martin and the Catalan artist, PIerre Daura loved to holiday in Saint- Cirq, as well as the American photographer Man Ray. The surrealist writer, André Breton spent his summers here and his former 13th century house, the oldest in the village and a former sailors inn, now hosts the International Centre of Surrealism. Over many thousands of years humans have left their handprints, quite literally, in the Quercy region. Some of the earliest traces of cave dwellers dating back to 25,000 BC, can be found in the Grotte du Pech Merle, just below Saint-Cirq. The caves are still open to the public, unlike the famous caves of Lascaux, a 100 km northwest, which have been closed since 2006. There are plenty of places to take a break, watch the life of the village going on, indulge in the local cuisine and a glass of the fullbodied red wine the area is famous for. There’s a tiny wine museum which showcases local produce and wines including tastings. For LE MOULIN SUR CÉLÉ An enchanting luxurious riverside retreat in the beautiful Célé Valley Experience la France Profonde www.lemoulinsurcele.com an authentic taste of the Lot, Le Gourmet Quercynois will satisfy your soul. In a 17thcentury house, regional specialities star - duck, truffles and their renowned apple pudding which features pastis and plum liqueur in puff pastry served with salted caramel ice cream. Tip: Drive to the upper parking lot unless you’re a seasoned climber, as the lower parking lot is quite a strenuous hike to the village proper. Stay at: Le Moulin-sur-Célé opens its doors in the summer of 2023. An exquisite holiday home in a magical setting, surrounded by glorious countryside and vineyards in the Lot Valley. Less than 30 minutes from Saint- Cirq-Lapopie, Cahors and the wonderful Rocamadour, Le Moulin-sur-Célé is a destination in itself, a private refuge, perfect for families, couples and friends in a sublime natural environment with pool, tennis court and private sandbank along the river. Find our more: lemoulinsurcele.com Tourist office: cahorsvalleedulot.com 54 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 55