Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: Something for your travel bucket-list

Many people are dreaming of a pretty little village somewhere in France. This one is situated 100 m above, and overlooking the River Lot and the beautiful Lot Valley. Here you will find narrow winding streets and stone buildings, some dating back to the 13^th century. Some beautifully restored houses and a beautifully restored hotel form part of its heritage. Saint Cirq LaPopie has become a popular tourist spot after it was elected in 2012 as the “Favorite village of the French”.

What to do and see in Saint Cirq LaPopie, France

Musee Rignault
Vsisit Maison du 13e Siecle
Le musée du vin : Located in the upper village. This is a Wine Museum and shop with friendly staff. You simply must buy your wine and 100% duck foie gras here.
Although you will not be able to buy most of the bigger objects, you might find a small treasure to take home at Aux Petites Trouvailles, next to the Wine Museum. Even just browsing the shop is an experience.
For photo opportunities and stunning views, go to “Point d’Observation du Cirque de Venes (Venes Cirque lookout point).

Photos: From a while back – Trouvailles en Quercy

Where to eat in Saint Cirq LaPopie, France

There are quite a few restaurants to choose from. Among the popular places to eat, is the Le Gourmet Quercynois and at the foot of the castle is the Auberge du Sombral which has been a family-owned business since 1971.

As part of the Camino de Santiago

The Way of St James

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is on the French pilgrimage route, the Way of St. James. Coming from Cabrerets pilgrims would pass through and then continue to Cahors, visiting St Stephen’s cathedral. If you are doing the Camino you will definitely have time to take in the beauty of this area.

The Camino de Santiago (“Pilgrimage of Compostela”) – known in English as the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrim paths that leads to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in Spain.

Apparently, the remains of the saint were buried here.

With all this in mind, the Camino Francés or French Way is apparently the most popular route.