Date and Time (Digitized) – 2025:05:31 14:14:01
In 2025, my journey to visit France’s “Most Beautiful Villages” took me to those that were added to the list last year but that I couldn’t visit at the time due to their location. The villages added last year were scattered across various regions, from the southern areas like the Côte d’Azur and Occitanie, to the more central regions such as Aveyron and Cantal, and up to the north-central areas like the Loire and Normandy. This year, I decided to visit four of the newly listed villages in the central to northern parts of the country.
However, these regions already host many villages that have long been part of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” list. So, while I was there, I took the opportunity to revisit some of the most memorable ones I had seen in the past.
One of these particularly memorable villages is Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, which I will introduce in this post. I first visited this village back in 2010, the year I began my journey of exploring France’s most beautiful villages. Even then, it was known as one of the most stunning and popular villages on the list.
At the time, Google Maps hadn’t yet become widely available, so I struggled through the drive using a paper Michelin map. I clearly remember that the route to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie was particularly tough—a narrow country road surrounded by forest on all sides. On this recent trip, I did drive through narrow forest roads again, but perhaps because I approached from a different direction this time, the route didn’t feel as difficult as it had back then.
So, it was a return visit after 15 years. The parking lot had changed in shape and size, and now charged a fee, but the location was the same, and of course, the village’s beauty and lively atmosphere remained just as they had been 15 years ago. As I turned onto the final road leading to the village—just as I had back then—the view of the village suddenly coming into sight brought back a wave of emotion.
Unlike my visit 15 years ago, the weather this time wasn’t completely clear, and the season was different too—it was a bit cloudy and humid, unlike the May weather I remembered. Still, I think I was able to take many great photos.
For a detailed description of the village, please refer to the information below.
Saint‑Cirq‑Lapopie is a breathtaking medieval village perched dramatically on a limestone cliff about 100–150 m above the Lot River, in the Lot department of Occitanie, southwestern France ([wanderingsnow.com][1]). Officially recognized as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, it also earned the title of Le Village Préféré des Français in 2012, boosting its popularity by around 20% ([fr.wikipedia.org][2]).
🏰 Highlights & Heritage
- Medieval architecture & fortifications The village features stone and half‑timbered houses from the 12th–16th centuries, narrow cobblestone lanes, arcaded shops, and remnants of three medieval castles atop the cliff ([journee-mondiale.com][3], [cahorsvalleedulot.com][4]).
- Rock of La Popie & castle ruins From the promontory known as la Popie, you get sweeping views of the Lot Valley and remains of the old seigniorial fortress, including a 13th-century tower ([cahorsvalleedulot.com][4]).
- Religious monuments The fortified Romanesque-Gothic church of Saint-Cirq-et-Sainte-Juliette dates back to the 12th–16th centuries. Its architecture includes a square bell tower, Baroque statues, and medieval carvings ([fr.wikipedia.org][5]).
- Cultural legacy Recommended by Surrealist poet André Breton (“I no longer want to be anywhere else”), whose summer residence is preserved in the “Maison André Breton” ([ordinarytraveler.com][6]). The painter Henri Martin, native to the village, was also inspired by its charm ([medievalhistoria.com][7]).
- Art & museums Explore the Musée Rignault, housed in a 19th-century mansion, showcasing works by impressionists and contemporary artists ([leshautsdesaulies.fr][8]).
🌿 Visitor Experience
- Scenic strolls Walk through sloping medieval streets, vibrant with flowers and artisan galleries, and admire fine stonework and Gothic arches at every corner ([frenchcountrycottage.net][9]).
- Nature & activities Wander the cliff-top paths, take in panoramic valley views, or enjoy the Lot River by canoe, boat, or riverside trails ([leshautsdesaulies.fr][8]).
- Local crafts & food Discover craft workshops—from ceramics to woodturning that hark back to the village’s medieval trades—and taste regional dishes like cassoulet and Quercy lamb, paired with Cahors Malbec ([leshautsdesaulies.fr][8]).
- Pilgrimage route It lies on an alternative route of the Via Podiensis for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela, with a pilgrim shelter and historic hospitality ([fr.wikipedia.org][5]).
📌 Why It’s So Beloved
- A perfectly preserved slice of medieval France, with layered history—from feudal stronghold to bohemian artist enclave.
- Dramatic location, panoramic cliffside views, and a charming pedestrian village that feels timeless.
- Rich cultural heritage tied to renowned artists and writers.
- Handy location: around 30 km east of Cahors and 2 hours north of Toulouse—with accessible river and hiking activities ([en.wikipedia.org][10]).
✅ Visit Tips
- Best time: Spring to early autumn for optimal weather and blooms; avoid peak summer weekends to skip crowds.
- Getting there: Park in the lower lot and walk up through the welcoming stone archway into the village .
- Guided tours: The Tourist Office offers guided walks covering the castle ruins, historic houses, church, and poet’s house .
Saint‑Cirq‑Lapopie offers a magical blend of cliff-hugging medieval architecture, rich arts legacy, and sweeping views of the Lot Valley—no wonder it captivated the French and earned its place among the country’s most picturesque villages.
