If you have a
recommendation for
something to see or do,
please e-mail us...
Although Le Presbytere is a great place to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of modern living, some people like to to get busy and do stuff!
This page highlights some of the suggestions both we and our guests have for things to see and do while staying at Le Presbytere.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Distance: 21km (about 25 minutes drive) (map) (web)
The cliff-edge village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is perched high above the south bank of the river Lot. The village was saved from ruin when poet André Breton came to live there in the early twentieth century, and though it's now an irresistible draw for the tour buses with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and gardens, it's still worth the trouble, especially if early or late in the day. Our visitors particularly like the views from the top of the ruined château, the small atelier workshops, and the many fine restaurants.
Les Grottes De Lacave
Distance: 50km (about 51 minutes drive) (map)
Discovered in 1905 and open to the public since then. There are 1.6 km of galleries and you reach them via a little train that travels into the hillside.
Rocamadour
Distance: 71km (about 1 hour 17 minutes drive) (map) (web)
The town of Rocamadour clings to the cliff face. We recommend parking at the bottom and starting with the old town. Zig-zagging cobbled streets work their way up the cliff, with many cafes, restaurants and shops. At this stage the walk is quite steep, so beware if you have problems with mobility. From the old town there are steps up to the religious center, with its many churches, chapels and museums. You can then either walk up the rest of the cliff following the pilgrim's path, past the 13 stations of the cross, (or be sensible, take the James Bond style lift, and do the stations in reverse on the walk down!) At the top is a more modern chateau, you can only visit its ramparts, but its worth it for the view across the valley, and dizzying drops to the old town below. Not one for those suffering with vertigo! (Try combining this visit with one to the Gouffre de Padirac).
Gouffre de Padirac
Distance: 73km (about 1 hour 18 minutes drive) (map) (web)
Your visit to Gouffre de Padirac starts with a journey by lift to the bottom of a sinkhole, traditionally known as one of the gateways to hell. You follow the underground river through an underground gorge. This opens up to a full river, which you traverse by boat! At the other end there is a large number of galleries (steep steps, be warned). The return journey takes you by the largest stalagtite in Europe.
Conques
Distance: 78km (about 1 hour 23 minutes drive) (map) (web)
Conques sits on the edge of the gorge of the River Dourdou, in a beautiful setting, surrounded by mountains and forests - the approach from the south is along an especially attractive stretch of river. In the village itself, parts of the original town walls and gates survive, sealing in the narrow village streets (many are cobbled) and many fine medieval houses spread out across the hillside - almost all sem to have great views into the valley below. It really is one of the 'not to be missed' villages of France. The Conques site was classified as a historical monument in 1838 and remains registered with the Worldwide Patrimony at UNESCO. Cars are not permitted into the village, parking is available on the outskirts.
Pic du Midi
Distance: 301km (about 3 hours 26 minutes drive) (map) (web)
For those who like to travel a bit farther afield, the Pic du Midi is about 3 hours drive away. You could combine this with a visit to Toulouse, or even Lourdes. The view from the Pic du Midi, at 2877m high covers most of the Pyrenees and southern France. Reached by cable car from the ski-resort of La Mongie, the peak has a restaurant, museum, and many terraces for viewing all round. Even in the middle of summer there can be snow at the peak, so pack accordingly. The weather can be changeable, so its best to phone ahead to see what the visability is like at the top, though our visitors have been on sunny and cloudy days and its still a great day out!
