A fabulous palettelandscapes to discover

On the way to the Causses du Quercy

This region offers a remarkable natural, cultural and landscape heritage. Made up of typical villages, this lively and welcoming area offers an exceptional setting for your escapades. In 1999, it was awarded the Parc Naturel Régional label, and in May 2017, it received the Unesco Global Geopark label. The Lot département has three main causses, bounded by the Lot and Célé valleys and the Limargue to the north: causse de Gramat, causse de Saint-Chels, causse de Limogne – Lalbenque.

Caselle du lac de Lacam, à Livernon, au coeur des Causses du Quercy — ©Caselle au coeur du causse et réserve d'eau anturelle|Cyril Novello

Nature park

Of stone and water

The Park’s distinctive appearance is due to the perpetual action of water, well hidden on the Causse, which gives rise to cliffs, dolines, dry combes, lapiés, as well as a multitude of caves and chasms, the most famous of which is the Gouffre de Padirac. The Lot and Célévalleys give relief to the limestone plateaux of the Causse, and bring a rich biodiversity to the area, making it an incredibly sensitive but fragile space where man and nature blend harmoniously. Numerous hikes enable you to discover all the curiosities of this geopark, its remarkable built heritage and astonishing nature.

A shaped landscape

by nature and man

Beyond the patterns formed by nature on these lands, it is the works of man that have the greatest impact on our identity.

Decoratedcaves
Dolmens
Oppida and Gallo-Roman roads
Englishcastles
Phosphate mines
Low dry-stone walls: one of the finest examples runs along the road between Figeac and the A20 freeway, on the D802.
Cazelles and gariottes: dry-stone huts used as granaries and protection for shepherds.

Petite route entre causse et vallée du Célé en direction de Marcilhac-sur-Célé — ©route étroite entre falaises et végétation|Teddy Verneuil

Orchidée sauvage typique des Causses du Quercy — ©Orchidée des champs|Laetitia Berton

Orchidée des Causses du Quercy, Géoparc Mondial Unesco, à Gréalou — ©Soleil levant et orchidée sauvage|Laetitia Berton

Observe

Fauna and flora

The diversity of natural environments, both dry and wet, encourages an abundance of species, flora and fauna:

Dry grasslands resulting from ancient deforestation and shaped by sheep grazing: our Caussenard ewes will charm you with their big black eyes!
Incredibly colorful wild orchids to delight the eye.
Ocellated lizards and Oedicnema criard live side by side with Pipit rousseline and Fauvette Orphée, so keep your eyes peeled!
Peregrine falcon, eagle-owl, barn swallow… keep your ears open, day and night, nature sings!

The alert ear

The head

In the stars

Another exceptional asset of the Parc Naturel is the opportunity to observe the purest night sky in France: the ” Triangle Noir du Quercy” . It’s one of the few areas in France where the nights are still largely untouched by urban light pollution. It’s a great opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the celestial vault. So, grab your glasses and enjoy!

Passer une nuit dans l'œuvre d'art refuge, Super-Cayrou, au cœur des Causses du Quercy — ©Cyrus Cornut

Park values

and sustainable tourism

A commitment to sustainable tourism that respects the region also means choosing professionals with the Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional label. Accommodators, producers and craftsmen all share the same passion: promoting the natural and cultural riches of the Causses du Quercy while preserving their authenticity. These passionate professionals highlight local know-how, the richness of the landscape and the preservation of our natural heritage. By opting for their offers and services, you experience a genuine immersion in the heart of the Park, in touch with its people and landscapes.