From Bouziès to Saint Cirq Lapopie
Arriving in Bouziès, after taking a photo of the superb Château des Anglais, we take the signposted path along the towpath to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a village that has been named one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" and has also been awarded the title of "Favourite Village of the French" by Stéphane Bern's TV programme of the same name. From the outset, the trail follows the river and skirts the cliff. From 1845 onwards, 300 metres of the cliff were dug out to allow horses to pass through, so that the gabares, or flat-bottomed boats, could travel upstream loaded with local goods. The goods loaded were mainly Cahors wines and dried plums, but also the products of wood turners, more specifically wine barrel taps. The path then crosses fields and turns into a steep path leading to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Lot. At this time of year, the village is in hibernation. Few tourists are present, and you can admire this magnificent place with its narrow streets, the ruins of the old castle, its small cobbled squares, its restaurants and shops selling regional produce, not forgetting its breathtaking view over the Lot.
Then back to Bouziès, this time taking the road that is also little used at this time of year. This road overlooks the towpath and the river below. Another extraordinary panoramic view not to be missed to round off this beautiful walk.
