Strangely enough, Autoire is not one of the best-known sites in the Lot region. It is often overshadowed by Rocamadour, the Gouffre de Padirac or Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. However, this small village located just a few kilometres from the Dordogne valley has a lot to offer: a beautiful heritage that has earned it a place among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, as well as a magnificent waterfall. In short, it’s a place not to be missed during your next camping holiday in the Lot, Dordogne or Corrèze.
Renaissance heritage in the Lot region
Autoire nestles between Gramat and Saint-Céré, not far from the Dordogne valley, in a natural cirque of high limestone cliffs (150 to 200 metres), a natural setting for this little gem. You are immediately charmed when you arrive in Autoire. It must be said that no recent construction disturbs the landscape. Only historic houses with brown roofs and blonde stone walls greet you. The village is very small. It takes less than an hour to visit. So take the time to stroll through its narrow streets and admire all the houses, whether half-timbered or corbelled, with their turrets and dovecotes. Among the must-sees on your walk in Autoire are a beautiful fountain decorated with bronze dolphins in the heart of the village, a Romanesque church and the Château de Limargue, a beautiful medieval residence recognisable by its stair tower. The history of the village of Autoire dates back to the Middle Ages. However, it was in the 17th and 18th centuries that it was enriched with the beautiful manor houses that give it its identity today. The village was then used as a second home by the notables of Saint-Céré and was nicknamed the “Little Versailles”. Come and see for yourself if it deserves its nickname when you visit Autoire during your next camping holiday in the Lot.
The most beautiful waterfall in the Lot
Once you have finished visiting Autoire, head for the waterfall, located about a 15-minute walk from the village. The 1.2 km trail starts at the car park at the entrance to Autoire (if you have a motorhome or a vehicle over 2 metres high, this car park is not accessible, but there is a second car park on the other side of the village). The walk is easy, but depending on the weather, the ground can be slippery. So remember to wear good shoes. At the end of your short hike, you will be rewarded with a beautiful 30-metre-high waterfall. It is the highest in the Lot. After periods of drought, you may be a little disappointed by the flow of the waterfall. However, in spring or autumn, after a few days of rain, the waterfall is simply magnificent. If it rains during your camping holiday in the Lot, you know what to do the next day.
The Château des Anglais in Autoire
The most courageous will continue their walk to the Château des Anglais. A remnant of the Hundred Years’ War, this castle nestles in the high cliffs of the Cirque d’Autoire. Along the path that leads there, you will enjoy beautiful views of the village of Autoire. Around the castle, the vertiginous cliffs (150-200 metres) are a mecca for rock climbing, with more than 150 routes. If you don’t feel up to walking along the slopes of the Cirque d’Autoire, you can reach the Château des Anglais from the viewpoint at a place called Siran. An 800-metre trail will take you there. This trail has a much more modest elevation gain than the route from the village.
Our campsites near Autoire
A selection of campsites with a majority of pitches for caravans, tents or motorhomes near Autoire.
Leave a Review