When it comes to choosing the most beautiful village in France, be sure that Saint-Cirq-Lapopie will have its place among the finalists. Moreover, during the first edition of the TV show The Preferred Village of the French, it was Saint-Cirq-Lapopie that attracted the favor of viewers. It must be said that this village perched in the Lot Valley has no shortage of assets.
We discover it first, at the turn of a bend, following the road that runs along the Lot. Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France,Saint-Cirq-Lapopie plays the balancers at the top of a cliff, a hundred meters above the waters of the Lot. This stone jewel is set in green landscapes of hills, among which the Lot meanders.
A village with 13 historical monuments
As soon as you enter the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, you dive into the middle ages. Walking through the narrow cobbled streets, you can admire stone houses dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries, but above all 13 monuments classified as historical monuments including a superb church of the 12th-15th centuries, the Bordes house of the 14th century, a pigeon loft or even a water mill.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a village of artists
As you walk through the streets of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, you will discover many shops located where the village’s artisans once worked. The village is now home to more than a dozen artists who were inspired by the exceptional setting of this perched village. The tradition of hosting artists is not new. During prehistory, the walls of the Pech Merle cave, near the village, were decorated by the artists of the time. Be sure to admire them during your visit to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. The most famous artist who lived in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie was probably André Breton, french poet and writter, who contributed to the popularity of the village. The Daura houses, international residences of artists, still highlight the artistic character of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. This former 13th century hospice now houses a centre of contemporary creation. From Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, you can also follow the contemporary art course in the Lot Valley. Works by contemporary artists follow the route that connects Daura houses to the contemporary art centre in Carjac. You will be able to admire the works in villages or in the heart of natural sites. A great way to discover contemporary art.
Discover Saint-Cirq-Lapopie from the Lot
One of the most pleasant ways to discover Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is probably from the Lot. Cruises are indeed organized on the Lot. They offer you an absolutely stunning view of the perched village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.
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