Figeac, the Lot and Célé Valleys The good life at the water's edge

Figeac

Figeac, D.Viet / CRT Occitanie

Figeac

Figeac, D.Viet / CRT Occitanie

La vallée du Célé à Cabrerets

La vallée du Célé à Cabrerets, Christine Chabanette

Why visit Figeac, the Lot and Célé Valleys?

  • Figeac's remarkably showcased and exceptional heritage.
  • The World Writing Museum, unique in Europe.
  • A land approved as a Pays d’Art et d’Histoire.
  • A major stage of the Santiago de Compostela routes (Puy trail).
  • Natural havens that are the Célé and Lot Valleys.
Cartographie Figeac, vallées du Lot et du Célé

Figeac

Visit the medieval centre

The harmony in Figeac is rare to find! Start at the top on the Puy terraces for a great view of the small town. Then go down to see all this flourishing trade city has to offer as a stage to Santiago de Compostela.

It has managed to preserve its heritage wonderfully: just look at the urban palaces and houses from the Middle Ages, the medieval boutiques and "soleilhos" open barns to dry fruit. Go past Place des Ecritures and stop under the market lined with shops and cafés for a refreshing break.

Figeac

Figeac, D.Viet / CRT Occitanie

Great ideas for Figeac

On the banks of the Célé, explore Figeac, #GrandSiteOccitanie. Recommended itinerary from free rider Paul Couderc.

Don't miss

Visit the Saturday morning market in Figeac. Wander around the stalls stands filled with quality Quercy produce: seasonal fruit and vegetables, Quercy saffron, cheese, Quercy lamb and more.

Le Musée Champollion

Le Musée Champollion, CRT Occitanie_Patrice THEBAULT

In Champollion's childhood home

Take a world tour in writing

Jean-François Champollion, the most famous French Egyptologist was born in Figeac in 1790. His childhood home houses the World Writing Museum exhibiting a one-of-a-kind collection in Europe with items and documents from all over the world. Prepare to set sail on an exciting adventure to the origins of writing exploring the interactive and contemporary museum.

The museum reigns over Place des Ecritures: its walls "with 1000 letters" in brass and glass project their light onto the cobbled ground. The dream world awakens at nightfall!

Original

Walk on the Rosetta Stone on Place des Ecritures in Figeac. The giant black granite replica, by American sculptor Joseph Kosuth, depicts the famous Egyptian stele whose hieroglyphs were deciphered by Champollion.

The Lot and Célé valleys

Two magical breaks

Figeac lies in the heart of the Célé Valley: an untamed and winding escarpment lined by cliffs and troglodyte relics between the Causses peppered with cazelles (stone huts). Visit Marcilhac-Sur-Célé and its medieval abbey along the Célé that you can canoe down. Soak up the sunshine on the beach in Sauliac-sur-Célé.

The Célé runs into the Lot in Conduché then it's the Lot Valley's turn to show off its treasures : châteaus and villages with character such as Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Cajarc, Faycelles, Capdenac le Haut and more.

La vallée du Célé

La vallée du Célé, Christine Chabanette

Expert's tip

"It's time to change your rhythm of life and board your boat – it does not require a permit – and explore the Lot Valley as you have never seen it. You will feel at home as soon as you step onto your houseboat. It is well-equipped and comfortable". Cathy.

See the experience

Santiago de Compostela routes

Ready for a great adventure or a good hike?

The Puy trail (GR®65) runs throughout the Figeac land. The town was founded in 830, built around its Benedictine Abbey and welcomed pilgrims from the 12th century. It still does today with a real sense of hospitality.

The Puy trail may be the most famous but there are several variations around Figeac.

Fancy reaching the end of the road? You can if you walk a loop along the Figeac – Rocamadour trail then the Rocamadour – Vers one on the GR®46 taking you up the stunning and unspoilt Célé Valley.

Le GR®46 à Sauliac-sur-Célé

Le GR®46 à Sauliac-sur-Célé, Christine Chabanette

How to get there?

Figeac is located in the northeast of Occitanie, in the Lot department.

  • By car: You can reach Figeac on the D840, from Rodez or the A20 exiting at Figeac on the Toulouse-Paris road. It takes 2 hrs from Toulouse on the A20 or 3 hrs from Montpellier via Millau and Rodez (A75 then N88).
  • By plane: airports of Rodez-Aveyron (57 mins), and Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne (1h10). You can also land at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (180km)
  • By train: Figeac station is a stop on the Rodez-Paris line. You can also take a TER regional train to Capdenac-Gare (10km).

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