The sites around the convent
20km Around Vaylats
The treasures of Quercy just a stone’s throw from the Vaylats Convent...
Between wild valleys and sunlit plateaus, Quercy reveals itself in all weathers. Once shepherds’ land, you will see many dry-stone walls as you walk across the plateaus, even caselles or gariottes still found in many places. It is even from this name that the Causse du Quercy gets its name, famous for its black-rimmed eyes; this Quercy sheep can be spotted wandering here and there across the Causse. Many treasures that are still little known can be discovered all year round! Castles along the River Lot, phosphatic caves carved into the rock, unique sporting activities (the world’s third-ranked site for cave diving), small producers sharing their expertise and bringing out new tastes and flavours with truffles, Malbec wine, walnuts in all their forms, local beers, Rocamadour, Quercy saffron, and many other recipes that you may have the pleasure of tasting.
20km Around Vaylats
Visit
Cénevières Castle
A castle unlike any other, inhabited by its owners and furnished to reflect the passages of history, this Renaissance heritage never stops being talked about; never stops delighting. One thing is certain: a visit will not leave you unmoved...
All year round by reservation from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
1 hour minimum
20km Around Vaylats
Truffle
Passion Truffles
Not far from there, it is Marie-France and Nouchka who invite you to discover truffles. A place where local terroir and traditions meet a luxury product. On Tuesdays in January, you can even head into the world of trading at Lalbenque market.
All year round by reservation, on Fridays at 10:30 am. In January, on Tuesdays at 10 am. In summer, on Mondays at 5 pm and on Wednesdays at 6 pm.
1.5-hour visit to the truffle grove or a 2.5-hour visit to the truffle grove and the market
20km Around Vaylats
Visit
The Phosphate Caves
The Phosphatières du Cloup d’Aural are former mines dating back to the late 19th century. Their exploitation led to the discovery of fossils. These fossils tell the story of the evolution of fauna, landscapes and the climate in the region over nearly 30 million years, which is almost unique in the world.
All year round by booking from 10:15 am to 5:30 pm
From 1h to 2h30 Guided tour + Thematic trails + Exhibition room
20km Around Vaylats
Go-karting
Karthors
One of the most beautiful karting tracks in France with an 800-metre, FFSA-approved undulating track for maximum thrills. Karthors offers karting from the age of 3: baby kart, children's kart, adult kart for leisure and sport, and two-seater kart for shared thrills. Panoramic terrace with an unobstructed view of the track, picnic tables, drinks and ice creams.
All year round
Booking recommended
20km Around Vaylats
Visit
Ratz Craft Brewery
We invite you to come and discover our traditional and authentic craftsmanship through visits by reservation. Find our draught beers available at the bar and enjoy a friendly setting to taste them.
Monday to Friday at 11 am and 3 pm and Saturday at 11 am
45min - 1h + Tasting at the end of the tour
20km Around Vaylats
Visit
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Located in the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park, it is thanks to the phosphate caves that the latter obtained the UNESCO Geopark label. Stepping into this particular phosphate cave is like changing countries... A journey to the other side of the world...
Self-guided tours all year round, and guided tours on Tuesdays at 10:30 am.
Approx. 2 hours of visit
20km Around Vaylats
Cahors Tandem
Skydiving
Give the gift of a one-of-a-kind adrenaline rush: the excitement of a freefall at over 200 km/h, followed by the serenity of a canopy flight where you can admire breathtaking landscapes. Whether it is for a first jump or a repeat experience, every moment is designed to offer a memorable adventure, in complete safety, with our experienced instructors.
From 1 March to 30 November
By reservation only
20km Around Vaylats
Airvolia
First flight
Fly over our beautiful region aboard a Savannah light aircraft (microlight class) with a qualified instructor. Pleasure flights, Discovery flights - a tourist route of the Lot valley, its castles and major sites, St Cirq-Lapopie. Or opt for an introductory flight in the pilot's seat. You'll be able to take photos and keep an unforgettable memory.
All year round, 7 days a week, depending on the weather
First flight 20 min to 40 min
Between Lot & Célé
Of stone and water, discovering unspoilt valleys…
The Lot, a river flowing through the department of the same name, has a rather gentle pace, making it ideal for discovering the well-known sights and villages such as Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Cahors, and the hilltop castles perched on the sides of cliffs. At Conduché, between Bouziès and Cabrerets, the Célé begins, the tributary of the Lot, a preserved and wild river. Along this river, you can discover the Châteaux des Anglais, dating from the Hundred Years’ War, built into the cliffs here and there and hidden from view, even from the most curious. You will also find many Romanesque priories, once home to monks, now leaving only traces of their history. These valleys bear witness to the natural richness of the Lot department, with limestone cliffs and peaceful rivers that are ideal for sporting activities such as canoeing, fishing, climbing, caving or cave diving, via ferrata, and more...
Between Lot & Célé
Cave
Pech Merle Cave
A unique history, a unique place, unique ancient cave paintings dating back nearly 30,000 years; Pech Merle will amaze you and stir your imagination with a generous helping of stalactites and stalagmites.
From April to November, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
1 hour minimum + visit of the museum
Between Lot & Célé
Multi-activity
Outdoor activities
Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, kayak polo, canyoning, via ferrata, archery, caving, orienteering, rally, rope climbing, climbing or even via corda; so many activities that will help you discover the natural side of the Lot department, at the confluence of the Lot and the Célé.
All year round by reservation.
A half-day or for the whole day.
Between Lot & Célé
Horse riding
Pech Merle Equestrian Farm
Whether for a stroll or a hike, on horseback or in a carriage, the Pech-Merle farm is the ideal starting point for many journeys, particularly along the Camino de Santiago. On-site breeding of half-bred Arabs.
Open all year round
By reservation only
Between Lot & Célé
Cruises
Gabare flat-bottomed boat cruises
Traditional wooden boat hire or themed cruises at the gateway to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: the choice is yours!
Every day from mid-April to mid-October, from 9 am to 6 pm.
From 1 hour to 7:00 am depending on the booking
Cahors, Medieval City
With medieval decors, try a dive into history...
Strolling through the narrow streets of Cahors is to plunge into the medieval era, between cobbled streets and half-timbered architecture. The Valentré Bridge will surprise you with its grandeur as well as its legendary history. As for Saint-Etienne Cathedral, it recently celebrated its 900th anniversary. You can still find the Holy Coif worn by Christ at the time of his burial. The remains of the ramparts still present mark the Cadurcian city with its history. The small covered market in Cahors has an intimate feel with many small producers, and is just as entertaining as the Cahors market, voted the most beautiful market in Occitanie in 2021. Do not pass through Cahors without paying it a short visit. To finish, or indeed to begin, the remains of the amphitheatre will confirm a history dating back to the Roman era...
Medieval Town
Cahors
Cahors, medieval town
Cahors charms its visitors with its timeless beauty and rich history. A must-visit destination for lovers of heritage, gastronomy, and the French art de vivre. During your visit, you will discover two UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments: the famous Valentré Bridge and Saint-Etienne Cathedral. Take the time as well to stroll through the narrow streets of the old town and discover the fabulous Secret Gardens.
Guided tours on Fridays by reservation
1h 30m
Cahors, medieval town
Cruises
Fénélon Cruises
Embark on the boat Le Fénelon for a few hours or for a whole day, with lunch on board. Two packages are available: a 4-hour return cruise from Cahors via Arcambal (15 km), or between Cahors and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (40 km - followed by a visit to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie). Guided cruises on the sun deck, with catering on board in the air-conditioned lounge. Discover the beauty of the Lot Valley landscapes.
By reservation only
From 1.5 to 4 hours depending on the chosen cruise
Cahors, Medieval Town
General admission
The Little Train of Cahors
The Little Train invites you to discover the town of Cahors on a live-commentated circuit lasting approximately 45 minutes. 'As you wind through the streets, you will encounter the witnesses of its rich history': you will travel through the protected area, and your driver-guide will teach you all about major historical monuments such as the Valentré Bridge, St Etienne Cathedral, the Henri IV house, and many others... But they will also help you discover 'their' town, and contemporary Cahors. A combined ticket option is available with the 1h20 Cahors Loop Cruise aboard the boat ‘Le Valentré’, from April to October.
From mid-April to mid-October. Departures at 11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00
45 minutes
More down-to-earth
Off the beaten track, be the authors of your own desires
The Lot department is crossed by the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James), which splits into three distinct variants that are equally rich and diverse, whether explored on foot, by bike, or on horseback. The heritage of the Lot can be discovered here and there as you progress, dotting your route like a book in which you discover an image and its history page after page. Whether in the valley during summer or on the limestone plateau (causse) in winter, the paths are pleasant, clean, and well-signposted. They have become a must-see of tourism in the Lot.
Down-to-earth
Departure Vaylats
Around the Convent
Discover a rich rural heritage and wild nature spots to explore the Quercy landscapes, starting from the Vaylats Convent.
EASY
3h00 9.71 km
Down to Earth
Departure Vaylats
Circuit du Puit de France
In the heart of the Quercy, between hills and valleys, a wealth of dry-stone heritage is on hand for walkers to rediscover the history of our countryside. This beautiful hike will lead you to the village of Belmont-Sainte-Foi and the lake of Marcenac (picnic area).
Difficulty: Hard
5:00 am
Down-to-earth
Departure from Bouziès
Between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
The Ganil towpath is a thread connecting man and nature, a link carved directly into the rock that bridges past and present. Here, your footsteps follow those of the barge-pullers, the men who hauled the ‘gabares’ along the River Lot by sheer physical strength. Today, this waterside path can be explored on foot for a timeless stroll. Prepare to be amazed by this work shaped by history, and admire the monumental bas-reliefs carved into the cliff face along the way.
Difficulty: Easy
3h 00 9.71 km
Down to Earth
Depatures from Vaylats
Cloup d'Aural Phosphate Caves Circuit
This trail is partly on the Camino de Santiago and runs alongside old phosphate mines where many fossils lie. In 2007, the geological heritage inventory of the Lot department revealed the presence of a geological heritage of unsuspected richness. This inventory showed the presence of a highly diverse heritage with clues to the opening of the Central Atlantic Ocean 170 million years ago, an exceptional karst morphology, rare mineral forms, etc. - Discover the heritage of this route on the "Geological Times" interpretation panels along the path. - Particular difficulties: Please note there is a possibility of confusion, as another longer route uses part of this itinerary. - Circuit accessible to horse riders and mountain bikes.
Difficulty: Medium
3h 30m
Down-to-earth
Departure from Lalbenque
The Truffle Trail
This trail, starting from Lalbenque, the “capital of the truffle”, will lead you to discover well-preserved gariottes and caselles (dry-stone huts), castles and the La Rouquette fountain. - Discover the heritage of this trail on the "Circuits Lot & Dordogne" App and on the panels along the route featuring a QR code and a downloadable sheet on: www.parc-causses-du-quercy.fr - Specific difficulties: to see the Peyrelevade dolmen, make a 200 m round trip on "le chemin de la pierre levée" before continuing straight ahead at the crossroads.
Difficulty: Medium
3h 00 10.9 km
Down to Earth
Departure Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
On the Heights of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Discover the natural heritage of the Quercy causses and enjoy an unusual view of the village of St Cirq Lapopie.
Difficulty: Medium
1h 30m 3.3 km
