Villages of France: Saint Cirq Lapopie

Although it was named the Most Beautiful Village in France by the Most Beautiful Villages in France Association (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France) and has received more than 400,000 guests in 2012 (latest data I could find), I for one, and I’m sure most of other international travel enthusiasts, have not heard of Saint Cirq Lapopie!

Situated on a steep cliff 100 meters above the Lot River, the small medieval village is located in the Occitanie Region in the southwest of France. Less than 18 square kilometers and with only 198 residents, its elevation caters to breathtaking landscape views of the surrounding rural landscape.

Below is my vlog on the lovely Saint Cirq Lapopie~~

I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon walking around and exploring the village as it was merely a 40 minute drive from my in-laws’ country house. Surprisingly, it was decently crowded despite the COVID-19 restrictions domestically in France and globally throughout.

Former residence of poet Andre Breton in Saint Cirq Lapopie

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Saint Cirq Lapopie is by car, which is how we got around. Because the village is on top of the hill, it’s definitely much easier to take a car and drive up as well. There are plenty of visitor parking lots to park the car for a small fee.

The nearest train station to Saint Cirq Lapopie is Gare de Cahors, which is still 30 km away. Hence, it would still require a car or uber (if it’s even available (!) to get to Saint Cirq Lapopie).

Things to Do

Enjoy panoramic views

Because it’s perched on a cliff, the 360-degree panoramic views of the rural valleys and Lot River, including the Eglise de Saint Cirq Lapopie, which is situated on a lower elevation from the highest viewing point of the village is absolutely breathtaking!

View from Saint Cirq Lapopie on the Lot River and surrounding landscapes

A closeup view of Lot River and surrounding cliffs at Saint Cirq Lapopie, France

2. Visit Eglise de Saint Cirq Lapopie

A rather low key decorated church compared to other Catholic Churches in France, the church does house a few beautiful stained glass windows. It also has an interesting statue of Priest Jean-Gabriel Perboyre, who is from the region who was a missionary in Wuchang, Hubei Province of China. The statue is of him in Qing Dynasty robes and hairstyle, which caught my attention. Upon further research, it turns out he was unfortunately persecuted in Hubei in 1840.

Saint Cirq Lapopie Church (Eglise de Saint Cirq Lapopie)

Another view of Eglise de Saint Cirq Lapopie

Entrance to Eglise de Saint Cirq Lapopie

French Priest, Jean-Gabriel Perboyre, who was a missionary in Wuchang of Hubei Province in China

3. Boutique shops

There are an array of shops within the village, ranging from vintage & antiques to local products like fragrances, artisanal soaps, to food like foie gras, saucisson, etc.

4. Local restaurants

While we didn’t eat at any of the restaurants, there seemed to be a number of options as well! There are also a few gelato places to get fresh treats, especially in the hot summer time.

5. Hiking, swimming, get in touch with nature

There was a large and beautiful campground at the base of the cliff next to the Lot River on our drive up to the main village. The campground included a beach, camping sites, as well as camper car areas.

Although we didn’t do any nature hikes, there are plenty of trails around to explore the village’s surrounding greenery and waters!