Visitor`sguide - Saint-Cirq

Saint-Cirq Lapopie
Pech Merle
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St-Cirq-Lapopie - Pech Merle
LO T
Welcome to Saint-Cirq Lapopie
is one of the “Most beautiful villages of France”
leisure, exploring the narrow streets which reveal its medieval structure. Look around you
and you will discover there are many gems which catch the eye: a carved beam, a piece of
recycled stone in an upper storey, or the magical roofscape of the village as a whole.
Many notable people have preceded you. Joseph Rignault, Henri Martin, Pierre Daura,
André Breton, and Man Ray were seduced by this quiet yet charming village, because
there is so much to see, to sample and enjoy.
Surrealist movement, who said about Saint-Cirq Lapopie, “I no longer want
to be anywhere else.”
colours, perfumes, tastes all mingle in a delicious cocktail, to be enjoyed
at your leisure. Come and join us, share our love of this fascinating part
the seigneurs of Lapopie fort, the wood turners of the 19th century, and the
artists of the 20th century.
You may come across the local wildlife: deer, red squirrels or eagle kites.
You can enjoy our exceptionally beautiful natural scenery, or you
can take part in one of many outdoor activities, such as canoeing
or climbing, or you could sail leisurely down the Lot in one of
the ‘gabarots’
to carry barrels of wine from the vineyards of Cahors as far as
Aquitaine.
Take advantage of our way of life …
Quercy saffron
The view from the garden of the Rignault museum (10)
Other places to explore …
All around St Cirq Lapopie there are many attractions and things to do: by air, on foot, on horseback, on bicycles, in canoes, on the water,
by land. In the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses de Quercy, there is a wealth of natural beauty. There are many trips on offer
for you to enjoy.
Limogne-en-Quercy
Chemin de halage – Towpath (1)
The village of Limogne-en-Quercy (population 820) is 15 km from
Saint-Cirq Lapopie on the causse (limestone plateau) from which it gets
Enjoy a level walk along towpath beside the Lot from the foot of
Originally the towpath was used for pulling in convoy the
you will come upon some gariottes (shelters for shepherds who tended
igues (collapsed caves).
and summer (Sundays), and look out for the many events which happen throughout the year.
Near the hamlet of Bach, lie the Phosphatières (phosphate mines)
of Cloup d’Aural. This offers you and your family a geological trip
through time.
Tel 05 65 20 06 72
In 1845, below the lock at Ganil, the cliff rose vertically from the
river. This meant that the towpath had to be cut into the limestone
rock for over a distance of 1 km.
In 1985 a 30 metre long bas-relief was sculpted by the Toulouse
artist Daniel Monnier, in which he represented his image of the
fossils and whirlpools.
Departure from the village of St Cirq (10k there and back, 2 hours.
Good walking shoes essential) or at the Halte Nautique (15 k 2h30).
Level walking throughout.
E n j o y o u r wo n d er f u l l i f e s t y l e …
3
1
5
2
Musée de Cuzals (2)
The museum is situated in a natural setting above the Célé valley
near Sauliac-sur-Célé. This fund of historical memories is a living
encyclopaedia of former cultures and skills which are, sadly, being
lost in this modern age. You can watch a demonstration of ancient
methods of bread making. You can also have a look at the various
types of agricultural
machinery used through the ages, the different kinds of wells, and
a house which has remained as it was in the 19th century with all
its contents! In the summer there are activities each week and every
Sunday there is a special theme.
May to September – picnic area
Tel: 05 65 31 36 43
Château de Cénevières (3)
Built in the 16th century around a 13th century dungeon, this château
with its dominating presence over the Lot is one of the most renowned
Renaissance buildings in Quercy. A guide will take you round this historic residence, still lived in by the Braquilanges family.
This is an entertaining and informative visit highlighted by stories and
glimpses into the past with mention of Henry of Navarre and other
Floodlit from April to November - 1 hour
Tel : 05 65 31 27 23
4
Grotte de Pech Merle (4)
Situated in the hills above Cabrerets on the River Célé, this magniprehistoric paintings. On your guided tour through the natural
geological features, you will see artistic works dating back 20,000
years to prehistoric times which are both remarkable and moving
Guided tours 1hour, booking advised during the summer. games for children
Tel : 05 65 31 27 05
Croisières (Pleasure boats) on the Lot (5)
This is another way of enjoying Saint-Cirq Lapopie and the river which
Croisière de SaintCirq, which passes through Ganil lock. You will be able to explore
the natural scenery of the Lot with its cliffs, its towpath cut into the
rock, and the medieval village perched on its rocky outcrop. In July
and August the boat l’Echapée belle will take you to Saint-Cirq and
you can walk back by the towpath or vice versa.
April to November: return boat trip on the Lot between Bouziès and St Cirq Lapopie (1h 15) or in the summer go by boat to Saint-Cirq and return by the towpath
be hired by the day or by the hour. House-boats can also be hired by the week.
Tel: 05 65 31 72 25
Some history …
The village of Saint-Cirq Lapopie clings to a cliff which overhangs
the valley of the River Lot by 100 metres. It is one of the most
important historical sites of the Lot valley. In the Middle Ages,
Saint-Cirq Lapopie was the administrative centre of one of the four
viscomtés* of Quercy. The administration was shared between
three feudal dynasties: the Lapopies, the Gourdons and the
Cardaillacs. As a result, several castles and strongholds made up
the fortress of Lapopie and dominated the village.
* France used to be divided into sections of land called vicomtés, comtés
and duchés ruled by landlords who took their titles accordingly.
doorways, there are many old houses which have been preserved
with their half-timbered façades which date back to the 13th to
houses on the street are separated by narrow channels used for rainwater
and waste water from latrines and sinks.
Arcades of shops once opened out into the streets. This reminds us of the
commerce practised
by the various craftsmen who created the wealth
of S a i n t - C i r q
Lapopie: leather workers in Pélissaria Street,
coppersmiths in
Peyrolerie Street, and especially wood turners
or “roubinetaires” whose workshops produced wooden knobs, bowls, goblets and
taps for wine barrels.
Wood Turning (7)
Along the river, at the foot of the Lapopie rock, the mills, barrages, ports,
locks and the towpath are evidence of the glorious period of shipping ac-
In the 20th century, Saint-Cirq Lapopie became a favoured haven for painters and writers. The post-impressionist painter Henri Martin (1860–1943),
the photographer Man Ray (1890–1976), and many others stayed here at
the invitation of the famous gallery owner and enlightened art lover, Joseph
Rignault. In 1922 he undertook the renovation of a medieval house, the
Château de la Gardette, which is now the Musée Rignault. André Breton
(1896–1966) was also attracted to the village. His house, l’Auberge des
Mariniers, is the oldest in the village. In the 1950s this became the home
life in Saint-Cirq Lapopie.
Today, Saint-Cirq Lapopie has 217 inhabitants, thirty of whom remain in the
town over winter. More than 400,000 visitors come each year. Situated in
the heart of the Parc National des Causses du Quercy, Saint-Cirq Lapopie
belongs to the prestigious Association, les Grands Sites Midi-Pyrénées. SaintCirq offers you a warm welcome and demonstrates the art of living well.
Further information …
Guided visits for groups all year round
Specialized guided visits for individuals in Spring and Summer
Wood turning became an important industry
in the village before the 15th century, after
the second phase of the Hundred Years War.
With the development of commercial wine
growing in the 19th century, this craft flourished. Wood turners or “roubinetaires” have
been making sets of taps for casks up until the beginning of the 20th century. There
were once as many as 40 such craftsmen in
the village.
Wood from the Causses provided the perfect
raw material for the turners for making
goblets, moulds for knobs and bowls. From
the 19th century, the tap makers of Saint-Cirq
Lapopie became famous throughout France
for their taps for barrels, principally for casks
carrying Cahors wine which were transported
downstream along the Lot.
Today, Patrick Vinel is the only surviving
wood turner carrying on the tradition. He is
the descendant of five generations of wood
turners, a trade passed on from father to son.
This craftsman continues to make objects in
wood, which are sold as souvenirs to tourists,
and he is keeping these skills alive by giving
demonstrations in his workshop.
Places to visit …
2. Medieval homes of the bourgeoisie
main market street, Rue Droite or the Grande Rue.
This indicates that there was a row of single storey houses serving as shop
centuries along the same lines.
3. Maison de la Fourdonne
This is reached by a cobbled street paved with pebbles and accessed through an
archway. The space within consists of an open-air theatre and garden, which are
designated for cultural and historical performances. The tower contains a 16th-17th
century spiral staircase.
6. Maison Daura, international residence for artists
This 13th century medieval house with trifoliate mullion windows and columns
became the workshop of the painter Pierre Daura (1896–1976), a native of Minorca.
He bought the house in 1929 and moved in the next year, and spent the rest of his
life restoring it and the 14th century house next door. It also features trifoliate mullion windows which open onto the Grande Rue. It was extended between the 15th
carved by Pierre Daura under the wooden beam in a St Andrews cross. Today it is
an international residence for artists run by the Conseil Régional Midi-Pyrénées.
Medieval house, former workshop
of the painter Pierre Daura (6)
8. Saint-Cirq Lapopie church
The church is dedicated to Saint Cyr (the origin of Saint-Cirq Lapopie) and Saint Juliette, his mother. He was the youngest martyr in
The gothic church was built from 1522 over the former Romanesque parish church. It has preserved the remains of the original
acanthus leaf decoration as well as fragments of 13th century murals.
One of the side chapels is dedicated to Saint Catherine, patron saint of wood turners.
used when selling corn in the market. Behind the church there are terrasses and viewpoints over the valley.
14. Rue de la Pélissaria
ling the busy trade of tanners after whom this street was named.
15. Porte de la Pélissaria (Pélissaria Gateway)
Maison Daura (6)
The last gateway in the town, at the far end of the Rue de la Pélissaria, which runs
into the Rue Droite, is sometimes known as the Porte de Rocamadour and is the best
preserved. It is similar to the Porte de Peyrolerie, whose remains are still visible at the
other side of the town, as you approach la Rue Droite.
1. Porte de la Peyrolerie
P4
50€
3.4€
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Originally at the entrance to the Rue de la Peyrolerie, here
you will see the remains of a gate defended by a portcullis.
P6
1
Bancourel
P5
3€
GR36
s serving as shops, built in the 13th or 14th
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2
GR36
Place
du Sombral
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T he tow
path
Place du
Carol
Lot
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The
P22€P3
3€
15
Toilets
Cash point
Path to the chemin de halage
2€
13
Fond de plan : service patrimoine de Saint-Cirq Lapopie 2011, reproduit avec l’autorisation de la mairie de Saint-Cirq Lapopie
The seigniorial fort :
The fort of Saint-Cirq Lapopie is situated on top of the narrow outcrop overlooking
the Lot Valley and the medieval village. Since the 13th century the fort was divided
between three dominant families: the Lapopies, the Cardaillacs and the Gourdons. The
site was abandoned in the 16th century, in favour of homes that were more convenient.
4. The rock of La Popie
At the far end of the cliff, la popie (from the occitane ‘popa’, a promontory in the
and revised in the 12th century. The foundations of the main tower and the seigneur’s
quarters which overlook the fort are all that remain, together with the remains of a
panoramic view over the Lot valley.
5. The château de Cardaillac
leaning on a Romanesque dungeon with buttresses. Built inside the former courtyard
of the fort between the beginning of the 13th and the 14th century, it is attributed to
the Cardaillac family. It was modernised in the 15th century, before being gradually
abandoned following several attempts at destruction by Louis XI, Charles VIII and
Henry of Navarre.
The terraces of the castle offer a stunning view over the rooftops of the village.
9. 16th century Hôtel – “Château de St-Cirq Lapopie”
Ruins of the château de Cardaillac
(5)
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tion of contemporary works, open all year.
10. Musée Rignault
cliff. It was built beneath the fort by Seigneur Hébrard of Saint-Sulpice who moved his
home outside the seigneurial boundary.
Today it houses the Department’s museum, which has temporary and permanent
exhibitions from April to October. It was beautifully restored by the art lover Joseph
Rignault, who was initially attracted by the village of Saint-Cirq Lapopie, and who then
encouraged a number of other artists to come here.
Another attraction for visitors are the gardens which provide an unobstructed view over
the Lot valley.
16th century private house (9)
11. L’Auberge des Mariniers (The Sailors’ Rest)
This house is the oldest in the village, and dates from the 13th century. This stronghold
with its gothic windows is remarkable for the fact that it combines a house with a 12th
century tower. This is typical of the houses lived in by knights.
It was formerly the home of André Breton who came here to spend every summer until
the end of his life, 28 September 1966.
12. Place du Carol
Bordering on the garden and watchtower of the painter Henri Martin, this open area
leads down towards the canal bank and medieval mill of Aulanac, near the lock.
13. La Chapelle des Mariniers (The Sailors’ Chapel)
There are many chapels scattered along the Lot valley.
This little 16th century chapel, now ruined, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, protector
of sailors and boat people.
The mariners’ inn / André Breton’s house
(11)
Vers Paris
Dublin
Amsterdam
London
Berlin
Brussel
Padirac
Cahors
LE LOT
Lisboa
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ROCAMADOUR
Madrid
GOURDON
FIGEAC
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Pech-Merle
Lot
CAHORS
Lo
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Saint-CirqLapopie
Montcuq
Vers Toulouse
Saint-Cirq Lapopie
Pech Merle
00 33 (0)5 65 31 31 31
www.saint-cirqlapopie.com
Marie Teyssèdre - www.madmoizel-design.com / Crédits photos: Virginie Seguin, Julie Recoussine, Dominique Viet, Pierrick Navizet - ADT / Impression: Grapho12 - 2013
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