Don't miss Figeac & its surroundings:
between beautiful villages & nature corners of the Lot and Célé Valleys
You plan to To escape to Figeac? We give you in this article. 10 essentials to guide you in the discovery of this beautiful city that is part of the Remarkable Sites and Cities of France, also labeled « City of Art and History ».
Figeac is one of those places that we loved to discover in France This is the charm, simplicity and art of living in the southwest! Combining landscape beauty and exceptional heritage, Figeac is also close to other major sites such as Cahors, Conques, Rocamadour, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie... This makes it an ideal drop point to radiate and soak up the character of the Lot and Célé Valleys !
WHAT YOU FIND IN THIS ARTICLE
→ Visiting ideas: what to do & what to see in Figeac, 10 musts.
→ Route: a discovery loop not to miss anything of the most beautiful places around Figeac, between nature and medieval villages.
→ Experiences / unusual: Two experiences to discover Figeac and its surroundings otherwise.
→ Good addresses: Bed and Breakfast in the heart of nature, charming hotels, restaurants, tastings, producers... Figeac and its surroundings.
> Our weekend in Figeac in video
> Figeac, 10 must-sees during the visit to this city of Art&d
Old city based on the banks of the Célé, Figeac is this subtle balance between modernity and tradition. A commercial and dynamic city for centuries, its historic centre and winding alleys immerse visitors in a setting straight out of the Middle Ages.
1. The viewpoint and the Church of Notre-Dame-du-Puy
See you on the heights! The Church of Notre-Dame-du-Puy dominates the historic centre of the city and is an ideal place to start the visit to Figeac. Besides being one of the two « poles » around which the medieval city developed (its construction is estimated between 1270 and 1280!), it is a nice point of view to embrace from one glance the roofs of the city... And its relief! Around the Church, the stone stairs, benches and shaded green spaces call for calm and relaxation. In addition, the parking lot of the Mirepois (just next door) is free. This is where we left our vehicle to continue the exploration on foot in the streets of Figeac!
2. Place Champollion & Les Halles
It's the meeting place for morning coffees and evening drinks! You can't miss Champollion Square when you visit Figeac. It's a little on this pretty, dynamic square that beats the heart of the city: here, bars, shops, restaurants and terraces nest in the middle of beautiful medieval facades. A few steps away, the square housing the Halles (Place Carnot) is no less full of life.
3. The Place of Scripture
It is precisely from Champollion Square that the Place des Scriptures reveals itself at the detour of a large arcade. In a beautiful medieval courtyard surrounded by a Gothic gallery, a huge black granite plate covers the ground. It is engraved with symbols, including hieroglyphs: it is the replica of the famous Rosette stone. Or the fragment that allowed François Champollion, famous Egyptian native of Figeac, to decipher hieroglyphs.
Jean-François Champollion : His name hovers over the city and we love his story! Born in Figeac in 1790, this passionate (and determined) man used to study Eastern languages from adolescence. Among the greatest mysteries of history, that of hieroglyphics fascinates him. Very quickly, he worked on the inscription of the Rosette stone and removed hundreds of documents. His knowledge of the ancient scriptures and languages acquired from a young age and his extraordinary perseverance enable him to reach the goal of his life: decipher the mystery of hieroglyphics!
4. The Champollion Museum – The Scriptures of the World
How not to chain with the World Writing Museum And his splendid "face of a thousand letters"? On this monument, each opening (window, arcade) reveals a glazing made of a copper sheet pierced with more than 1000 characters of giant writings*. When you walk through the arcades, you discover a museum that looks like a real journey through the world's writings (some are so beautiful that they come close to real drawings!). The museum is housed in the home of Champollion and gives a nice place to the work of the Egyptologist made in Figeac.
5€ entrance, 2€50 at a reduced rate. Apart from July and August, admission is free every first Wednesday of each month. Guided tour 4€ No one. Opening hours Here.
*Do not miss the end of the day, when the sunlight comes back to the facade... And light up the golden windows.
5. Saturday morning Market
We were talking about Champollion Square and Halles a little higher: this is where the market is held every Saturday morning! Every 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, a large fair adds to it and stands simmer throughout the city: from Halles and Champollion Square to Vival Square (where the Tourist Office is located), extending even on the entire boulevard of Dr Juskiewenski. We love these producer markets where residents as visitors mix and meet to fill up good products.
In addition to the market and fair: Figeac night market on 22 July, 5 and 19 August 2021.
6. The Château du Viguier du Roy
It's actually a hotel, but not that. Located in the centre of Figeac, the Château du Viguier du Roy consists of a set of historic houses and buildings. Remarkable from afar thanks to its 14th century tower (Viguier tower)One can enjoy its extraordinary setting without necessarily sleeping there. The courtyard of the bar (free access) dates back to the 18th century and plunges its visitors into a glass in a delicate setting in the past. In the middle of the ensemble made of white stones and pretty arcade galleries, the medieval garden and its fountain bring freshness and greenery and overlook all. The restaurant of the Château is not far away, you can enjoy excellent cuisine, colorful and refined. The whole is classified as Historical Monument.
Zoom on the Viguier Tower: it is the last and main vestige of this medieval residence. This symbolic building was used to affirm the presence of royal power (the Viguier was the king's "representative") in the city. It is not open access, but the hotel staff has the key. Depending on its availability, it can accompany it for a climb above Figeac roofs.
7. Saint-Sauveur Abbey
The Abbey of Saint-Sauveur was founded in... 9th century! It is the largest church in Figeac and is at the origin of the development of the city. It once welcomed the monks and the devotions of pilgrims. Below the historic quarter and at the edge of the Célé, the alleys leading to it are pleasant and it is good to walk under its large voutes for a break full of calm, freshness... and spirituality.
8. The Salons of the Puy College and the Museum of History
We are again on the heights of the historic city center, in front of a major monument of Figeac. Here are hidden from rooms with sumptuous decors and the Museum of History, thought like a cabinet of curiosities. On our weekend in Figeac, we were unable to visit the museum but had the chance to discover the Salons: a rich apartment of Louis XIV's era. Both lounges are decorated with woodwork and painted canvases and instantly plunge the visitor into an incredible panorama of baroque paintings. Yet not especially attached to the style of the era, we found these rooms sublime, full of details, stories... And a particularly delicate beauty.
Open from 1 July to 31 August every day from 2.30pm to 6.30pm, on request the rest of the year. Guided tour on request.
9. The alleys!
We give here a lot of specific places... But one of the things to do in Figeac is to get lost in its alleys! What about our advice? Let yourself be guided by a few places that are close to your heart, but improvise the way to discover them: we loved walking through the alleys, from the largest to the narrowest, from the flatst to the steepest. The whole historic city centre of Figeac is beautiful and has a lot of charm, walking randomly through the streets that connect the flagship places (sometimes making detours!) is a treat.
10. Bonus: « discovery circuit of Figeac keys », the ultimate circuit to not miss anything!
This number 10 is not a place but a document: « the discovery circuit of the Keys of Figeac« . Designed by the Tourist Office, we find this leaflet super well done: in our opinion, we can't do better and that's why we're talking about it here! It is a thick paper booklet that forms a real map once unfolded. In 30 « Keys », it indicates a very simple to follow and super complete circuit to wrestle and discover Figeac at its own pace. Practical and pretty, we discovered this illustrated map after our random wandering of the alleys and... We realized that she was perfectly tied to all the points we loved!
The paper document is available for 30cts at the Tourist Office or in digital version for free Here. 30 keys, 26 monuments, 1h30 walk about. Visits (unusual) are also possible with lecturer guides.
> Discovery route of Figeac and its surroundings : Espagnac, Saint-Supice, Marcilhac-sur-Célé, Cajarc, Laroque-Toirac, Faycelles...
To go further: here is a route to discover the surroundings of Figeac, without ever having too much road! It can be realized over 1 or 2 days: with Figeac as « base camp » or in mode « roadtrip » (i.e. spending a night in one of the villages of your choice). After sleeping in the historic centre of Figeac we had a second night in bed and breakfast in nature and had loved the balance that these two types of experiences provided! At the rhythm of turn Célé meanders then those of the Lotsmall villages Crazy charm on this route. Between two: natural corners that it is good to discover on foot, by bike or even... In electric Mehari! More info following.
Figeac, leave.
Figeac is the starting point of this route. Now head south east along the Cele... It is said of this valley that it is wild and poetic At once! Between river banks, villages with crazy charm, limestone cliffs and moors with Mediterranean vegetation... This route will not prove otherwise!
Corn
16 minutes from Figeac, possibility of taking a first break in this village where the study. Not far from the Church, a bridge spans a stream with flowery shores. Everything comes out of a cave like magic! One can approach to observe the resurgence: the underground seems to be immense! At the foot of the cliffs and at the edge of the Célé, Corn is a Good introduction the landscapes of the Valley and the Quercy National Park.
The source of the Bual
Micro detour before the next stop: at the bridge at Sainte-Eulalie, turn left. A few hundred meters further a path that seems to come out of another world Start! At the end of it (5mn on foot) a water source incredibly pure blue nests. Water is visible at the bottom of the basin in summer but does not flow into the stream. It is necessary to fall in the time when they are high to observe it in his bed. More information about its location on this card (at the bottom of the page).
Spain-Sainte-Eulalie
Located on the GR 651 (variant of the path of St-Jacques-de-Compostelle) Espagnac is a pause full of sweetness and serenity... Feeling that is probably coming as we cross / chat with all those hikers who seem to enjoy taking a well deserved break here! The former priory has retained all its character. It now houses a stage cottage for pilgrims, but not that. Don't hesitate to go under the arch and walk around the building. You'll end up on his big flowery courtyard on the edge of the Célé. Some chairs and tables are arranged, drinks and snacks are offered to hikers... The whole is at the first lodges to appreciate the atypical tower that the priory kept.
The English Castle and its cliff path
Leaving Espagnac, Open your eyes... In the cliffs lies the Castle of the English. The term « English castle » means the fortifications on cliffs Lot and Cele valleys. The oldest buildings could date from the 11th or 12th century. They were the property of lords to establish their power and served as a cut off to the population in case of attack.
Walk: from Brengues, departure of the « trail of cliffs » which leads to the fortified gate of the cliff and to the foot of the castle. 2h, 5km, easy level. More practical information and a route of the right route Here.
Saint Sulpice
At the finish in Saint-Sulpice, take on the right the road that begins to climb. After serious turns in « Z » and barely a few minutes' drive, the height taken is impressive and view of the breathtaking valley Hey! A parking lot is located after the turns. It is the perfect point of view to observe the peculiarity of Saint Sulpice: built against (and in!) the cliffs, its semi-troglodytes houses!
Marcilhac-sur-Célé
A little over thirty minutes from Figeac, Marcilhac-sur-Célé is our village love. Here too, we breathe charm and tranquility: white stone buildings, beautiful flowered alleys... We love its place in the center of the village: treed and just by the river, it is a Great place to land, picnic... Or watch the locals play petanque (and challenge them?)!
Then there is the site of abbey and Romanesque ruins Here the narrow streets open and plunge us into austere beauty, another time! Finally, we like it for its many adventure possibilities: embarking on a canoeing for let yourself slide along the Cele ; go to electric mountain bike on the small yaw road that rises above the village... It's a wonderful doorway on beautiful little trails crisscrossing the limestone plateaus. Between Mediterranean vegetation, small paths lined with stone walls... And pretty cazelles, those old shepherd shelters.
Market in Marcilhac-sur-Célé: Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm in July and August.
A night immersed in nature... To Upper Metairie.
We're going to love each other? Come on, we're gonna love each other! Not far from Marcilhac-sur-Célé, we discovered the guest rooms of the Métairie Haute... And we loved it! The place is perfect if you have want to take a break in these discoveries and spend a night away from everything. More is said in the section just after: The right addresses > Accommodation.
Cajarc
From Marcilhac-sur-Célé, we descend the limestone reliefs to reach Cajarc: here, It's a new valley. We left the banks of the Cele for those of the Lot! From now on, the road goes up to Figeac by the 662: it is said that the « Route 66 » Lot! Cajarc is a beautiful medieval city, active and full of secrets. We enjoyed walking around, from the central square to its port on Lot. Many houses, alleys or small squares are real paintings... And it's also a greedy city! Rdv in our section good addresses. As there are too many things to say about Cajarc, the best thing still is that you discover everything by Here.
Market in Cajarc every Saturday afternoon + fair every 2nd and 4th Wednesday morning in July and August.
Laroque-Toirac
The reason why we recommend a stop at Laroque-Toirac will jump your eyes as soon as you arrive... Hanging on his cliff, the castle of Laroque-Toirac is remarkable. It is open for the visit from July to September, but only the steep streets of the village offer a super lookout on the valley.
Faycelles
Another one of our favorites... And another super gazebo on the valley Hey! From Laroque-Toirac, the road winds and slowly reaches Faycelles. If we were to sum it up in a single word, it looks like... Pittoresque ? « Original arrangement, worthy to be painted, seductive appearance, which one notices, which has relief, color... » Yes, that word fits him well! As cut off from the rest, life seems very sweet on this between the Lot and Célé valley Hey! We enjoyed discovering it so much in the daytime that we came back to it at sunset (Faycelles is only 10 minutes from Figeac). The ambient calm was indescribable. We met with happy and proud residents to talk about « their » village.
Figeac, end of the loop.
This is the end of this loop to the discovery of Figeac and its surroundings. We took a lot of fun on this two-day route. To prolong the pleasure, this discovery loop can even be extended: if it interests you, the circuit is to be discovered Here.
> Experiences to discover Figeac and its surroundings otherwise
There are also ways a little more unusual Explore this corner of the Lot: the electric mountain bike and the E-Mehari!
I discover Figeac and its surroundings in E-Mehari :
The banks of rivers are quiet, the villages also, the small roads cross plains, forests, valleys where birds sing... And we take full advantage of all these atmospheres, hair in the wind (or not!) thanks to the silence and autonomy of the E-Mehari. It's Loc&Roll Cajarc offers to rent this latest electric version of Citroën Mehari, small collector cars. In addition to the fact that the owners are super friendly, we enjoyed the driving: we take pleasure in walking the small roads while soaking up the decor even better.
Various circuits are offered (roadbooks are available with the vehicle) and the rental time adapts to the demand.
I discover Figeac and its surroundings by electric mountain bike :
C’est le mix parfait pour allier confort de découverte et proximité avec la nature ! Le VTT passe partout, sans bruit, et grâce à l’assistance électrique, on monte les pentes les plus raides quasiment sans efforts. Il offre la possibilité de visiter les petites ruelles des villages comme les sentiers calcaires ou vastes landes des plateaux du Célé. C’est vraiment un de nos moyens de découverte préférés.
Nous avions loué les nôtres chez Lot & Bike à Cajarc.
> Les bonnes adresses de Figeac
Hébergement : chambres d’hôtes en pleine nature ou hotel de charme
- Hôtel Mercure Le Viguier du Roy à Figeac : nos 10 incontournables de Figeac nous ont déjà emmenés à parler de lui. Le Viguier du Roy est un véritable palais médiéval en plein cœur du centre historique de Figeac. Si le tarif n’est peut-être pas accessible à tous les budgets (à partir de 110€ pour une chambre) sa situation, son cadre exceptionnel, la qualité du service et la gentillesse du personnel en font LA bonne adresse pour se faire plaisir et profiter d’un point de chute idéal dans Figeac. Le Viguier du Roy nous enveloppe dès l’arrivée de la douce ambiance qui règne dans cette ville d’Art et d’Histoire.
- ♥ Chambres La Métairie Haute à Marcilhac-sur-Célé : nichées sur le haut d’une colline, entourées d’une forêt que les propriétaires prennent soin de laisser sauvage… Karel et Juliette ont conçu ces chambres d’hôtes en accord avec leur propre mode de vie et leurs valeurs : en harmonie avec la nature qui les entoure. Au cœur du domaine immense, les deux chambres d’hôtes se situent dans une petite grange indépendante rénovée. Effet bulle de calme garantit. On n’en dit pas plus… Mais l’endroit comprend aussi une salle pour la pratique du yoga et un bar à plantes, toujours tenus par les deux propriétaires.
- Chambre d’hôtes du Conquans à Figeac : voilà une autre adresse de charme à Figeac ! Toujours en plein centre historique, Ericia & Arthur, les propriétaires, ont voulu faire honneur à la beauté originelle et à l’histoire de cette immense demeure datant du 14e siècle : chambres chaleureuses, parquets authentiques, volets en bois… Dès le seuil, on a l’impression de pénétrer dans un chateau, parfait pour se mettre instantanément dans l’ambiance ! Ericia et Arthur sont adorables.
Restaurant : les bonnes tables autour desquelles se (rassasier) rassembler
- Le Jardin sur le toit à Figeac : on a aimé prendre une pause le midi sur cette terrasse ombragée qui surplombe les rues de Figeac. Le Jardin sur le toit porte très bien son nom ! On peut y manger une cuisine du terroir ou aux accents thaï, le tout au milieu d’un décor plein de verdure et de couleurs. Les prix y sont en plus très corrects.
- La Dinée du Viguier à Figeac : c’est le restaurant du Viguier du Roy. Si tu as envie de te faire plaisir avec une cuisine savoureuse, rafinée, colorée, faisant la part belle aux bons produits d’ici, vas-y sans hésitations ! On a adoré la gentillesse de l’équipe, d’Anthony, le chef, et le festival de saveurs auquel on a eu droit pendant tout le repas !
- ♥ Chez Moulino à Cajarc : on avait vraiment besoin d’une pause et on avait faim, ou cet endroit est vraiment vraiment une bonne adresse ?? Les deux !! On est tombés amoureux de ce restau au style bistrot et bar à vin qui a un super rapport qualité-prix ! L’ambiance est détendue, l’équipe joyeuse, l’arrière cour ombragée ressourçante… Et la cuisine, un régal. On a tous pris des plats différents et on s’est tous régalés. On sait déjà qu’on reviendra profiter de cette adresse de terroir.
- ♥ Auberge Beauville à Espédaillac : un style différent, mais impossible de choisir entre ces deux coups de cœur. L’auberge Beauville à Espédaillac est pour nous une des meilleures adresses du coin, ces restaus comme on aime. Attention ici, pas de chichis ! Comme son nom l’indique, on est dans une auberge et, selon la tradition familiale qui perdure depuis plus d’un siècle, on fait revivre l’ambiance et la cuisine d’autrefois. Des plats simples, 100% terroir, délicieux et généreux… Le tout dans une superbe bâtisse, que demander de plus ? On vient ici prendre le temps, se faire plaisir et déconnecter, sans faire mal à son porte-monnaie.
- Pâtisserie Lagarde à Cajarc : nous n’avons pas eu le temps d’y goûter, mais tout le monde s’accorde à dire que la Pâtisserie Lagarde est la bonne adresse des gourmands ! Il parait qu’on déguste ici un des meilleurs pastis de la région ou encore les géodélices : aux fruits exotiques, aux noix caramélisées ou au safran, des petits “rochers” façon chocolat qui s’inspirent de la géologie des Causses du Quercy.
Producteur : dégustations et produits locaux… Directement à la ferme !
- The Fromagerie du Val Riant à Sabadel-Latrouquière. Implantée au cœur du Ségala lotois, on fabrique dans cette ferme des fromages de vache fermiers au lait cru. Fabriqués de façon traditionnelle et artisanale, c’était un bonheur de retrouver chez la famille Vermande le goût du « vrai » fromage. Tomme du Clocher, Tomme Grise, Carré du Val Riant, Bleu, le Louché… Il y en a pour tous les gouts. Au cœur de cette commune de 80 habitants, Corinne est fière de dire que ses 18 vaches Holstein paissent tranquillement sur un terrain de 50 hectares et sont « élevées à l’herbe, rien de plus ! ». Et elle a raison ! Son fromage « 100% nature » n’en est que meilleur. Enfin, ici le confort de la bête passe avant-tout et c’est aussi ça, une bonne adresse producteur !
Cadeau pour la fin ? Voici l’arme ultime pour découvrir Figeac et ses alentours :
On va être honnêtes : on va te parler ici d’un guide confectionné par l’Office du Tourisme du Grand Figeac alors qu’en temps normal on a nous-même plutôt tendance à partir en mode « recherches Internet » et ignorer ce genre de brochure ! Pourtant, ceux qui connaissent le mieux une destination sont ceux qui y vivent ! Et ce sont aussi les personnes qui ont mis au point ce guide, alors pourquoi s’en passer ?
« Le Mag » est gratuit, téléchargeable ici, ou disponible en Office du Tourisme. Le mieux, c’est sûrement de le demander en ligne pour recevoir la version papier par voie postale, puis de la feuilleter tranquillement chez soi avant le départ. Idéal pour repérer les lieux / les expériences dont tu as le plus envie, et c’est quand même beaucoup plus sympa que des recherches sur Internet ! Le guide est agréable à lire et regroupe absolument toutes les infos que tu pourrais vouloir connaître sur cette destination : incontournables, histoire, marchés, fêtes, idées de visites, rencontres, bonnes adresses, itinéraire “Figeac en 48h”, exemple de visites guidées…
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This way, other ideas for getaways France or other roadtrips in the heart of exceptional villages.
[…] le site de l’office du tourisme du Lot, qui est très bien fait. Et sur les conseils d’Entre2poles, j’ai contacté l’office du tourisme du Grand Figeac, ils sont adorables et très […]
J’ai trainé mes guettes dans le coin et encadré des rando Kayak et c’est vrai que Marcilhac-sur-Célé c’est ma préférée aussi. Il y a un coté encaissé très typique. En hivers je sais pas comment ca doit être. Merci pour cet article. Je vais y retourner.
Bravo 👍 magnifique article 👍
Merci beaucoup Michel !
Très bien fait. On a envie d en savoir plus
Merci beaucoup Michel !