Saint Cirq Lapopie

When you arrive, from any direction, you cannot but be taken aback by the beauty of this village, which has been voted as The Most beautiful village in France in a television program, voted by the viewers.

It is beautiful, but there are many more that could compete for this title in the south west of France, that it is a bit like choosing betwenn your favourite children.

The village perches 100 meters above the Lot river, which is the name of this départment (Le Lot), like many départements in France, named after the river that crosses it.

The village is on the pilgrimage path of Saint Jacques de Compostelle, which even if you do not walk along the path all the way to Spain, is a good pointer of some fabulous places to visit in France.

Most of the village dates back to the 13th and 16th century, with warm-coloures stone half-timbered houses enclosing beautiful little winding streets that are just waiting to be explored.

There is a very good museum in Saint Cirq, ‘Le musée Rignault’ which has a small collection inside, but the actual building and garden are perhaps more impressive than the inside, although there are exhibitions of local artists from time-to-time, which is well worth a look.

The village has a very arty feel about it, with boutiques and galleries in the streets, Andre Breton, the founder of the Surrealist movement, was quoted as saying, “I no longer want to be anywhere else.” speaking of Saint Cirq Lapopie, and you may well find that you share this sentiment when visiting this wonderful place.