The Lot Region, France: A Hidden Gem Full of Clifftop Villages, Caves & Quiet Roads

Dana Cully
Aug 5
3 min read

If you're looking for the heart of authentic France—no crowds, no rush, just limestone cliffs, medieval villages, and winding country roads—the Lot region in southwestern France is a dream come true. This is a land of dramatic valleys, prehistoric caves, fairytale towns, and slow travel vibes.

Forget public transport. The real magic happens when you rent a car, roll the windows down, and take the back roads.

Things to Do

Rocamadour – The Cliffside Sanctuary

Rocamadour, France (taken by Dana Cully)

Perched dramatically on a cliff above the Alzou Canyon, Rocamadour is one of France’s most iconic pilgrimage towns. Walk the cobbled streets, climb the Grand Escalier (216 steps!) to the sanctuary, and take in panoramic views. Visit the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, and don’t miss the Château de Rocamadour at the top of the village for sweeping vistas. You can get there by train, however, the station is a 1 walk from the town. Taxi and Ubers are unreliable, and the trains are also unreliable. In summer, there is a bus on the weekends which takes you into the heart of Rocamadour (note that they only take cash), however this is again unreliable. For this reason, I highly recommend you rent a car or book a tour. Don't make the same mistake I did, and get stuck at the train station for nearly 6 hours because waiting for trains that never showed up.

Gouffre de Padirac – The Underground Wonder

Gouffre de Padirac, France (taken by Dana Cully)

A short drive from Rocamadour lies one of Europe’s most mind-blowing natural sites. At the Gouffre de Padirac, you descend 103 meters into the earth and float on an underground river through massive limestone caverns. This was one of my favourite things I've done so far while travelling, and I would pay double what I paid, and still be happy for the experience. The ticket also includes a boat road through the caves and streams. It's just an amazing, unforgettable experience! Booking is a must in summer—it sells out fast for a reason.

Figeac – Birthplace of Champollion

Figeac blends small-town energy with rich heritage. Explore the charming medieval center, filled with carved stone façades and hidden courtyards. Don’t miss the Musée Champollion, honoring the man who cracked the Rosetta Stone. If you’re into markets, Saturday is the best day to visit. Figeac is also a good place to base yourself whilst exploring this region, as it is fairly central and has all of your basic amenities.

Walk from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie to Bouziès – The Lot’s Most Beautiful Trail

Start in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a medieval hilltop village that’s often called the most beautiful in France. From there, take the Chemin de Halage, a walking path carved directly into the cliffside along the Lot River. It winds through woods, past limestone cliffs, and ends in the quiet riverside village of Bouziès.

Along the way, you’ll pass rock carvings and views so beautiful they don’t look real. The trail is flat and easy (about 4–5 km each way), and can be done as a return hike or one-way with a river cruise back in peak season. If you're not into walking, you can still experience these beautiful towns either by driving or booking a day tour.

Getting Around the Lot Region: Why You Need a Car

Public transport in the Lot is limited and unreliable, especially between rural towns. Trains will only get you as far as major hubs like Cahors or Figeac, and buses are infrequent. For full freedom, rent a car or campervan (ideally from Toulouse, Cahors, or Brive) and enjoy the beauty of back-road France.