Sentier de la Pierre-levée à Sauliac-sur-Célé

In the heart of aunspoilt nature

The variants of Saint-Jacques: GR®651 and GR®6

From Figeac, there are two variants of the Camino de Santiago to choose from: the Célé route or GR®651, which winds its way through a wild and luminous valley, and the Rocamadour route, the GR®6, which takes you right up to the gates of one of the most emblematic pilgrimage towns. The Célé route takes you all the way to Cahors through a fascinating, bucolic valley, sometimes along the water’s edge, sometimes on the cliffs, following paths through the picturesque landscapes of the Causses du Quercy: the perfect path if you’re looking for peace and nature. The GR®6 links Figeac to the holy city of Rocamadour, crossing the Lot from east to west. From the Rocamadour sanctuary, suspended on its cliff, you can continue on to Gourdon, Sarlat or join the Puy route down to Cahors. And if, this time, you’re following the original path, the GR®65, these variants may be the perfect excuse to come back!

The Célé route

110 km in 5 to 6 days

This itinerary, with its many footpaths, stretches for almost 120 km between Figeac and Cahors. From Figeac, we take the GR®65 to Béduer, before branching off at Le Mas de la Croix onto the GR®651, the Célé route. Vertiginous cliffs, semi-troglodytic houses, breathtaking panoramas, discreet villages… The wild landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy are revealed along the way. Pure delight! Along the way, we pass through some charming villages: Corn and its resurgence, Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie and its Val Paradis priory, Marcilhac-sur-Célé and its ancient Benedictine abbey, not forgetting Saint-Georges-sur-Célé.nedictine abbey, not forgetting Saint-Sulpice, Sauliac-sur-Célé and Cabrerets, famous for the prehistoric Pech Merle cave. At Bouziès, the Célé flows into the Lot. There are two options: continue towards Cahors along the Lot valley or make a detour to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, perched on a cliffside. We choose to visit this village, listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. Along the way, we pass by the Château des Anglais and take the spectacular Ganil towpath, carved into the rock and adorned with a 30-meter-long bas-relief. And if your feet start to get tired, why not canoe part of the way and bivouac on the banks of the Célé? An unforgettable adventure awaits you.

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The Rocamadour road

53 km in 2 to 3 days

The Rocamadour route stretches for almost 300 km, from Figeac to La Romieu, via Agen. It follows several signposted trails: the GR®6, GR®64 and GR®652. Here, we’re opting for a two- to three-day walk from Figeac to Rocamadour. From Figeac, take the Chemin de la Curie towards Cardaillac. Classed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, Cardaillac’s imposing medieval towers take us back to the days of the seigneurs. After a break in the medieval garden, we resume our walk towards Lacapelle-Marival, the first stage of our itinerary. Its castle, residence of the Cardaillac family for four centuries, sits at the heart of the village. The following day, the second stage takes us to Gramat, via Rudelle, the only bastide town in the Lot, and Théminettes. The route from Gramat to Rocamadour is magnificent. The arrival of this third stage at the foot of the holy city through the Alzou valley is a highlight of the journey. 233 steps lead up to the Notre-Dame chapel, one of the village’s eight churches and chapels. It’s here that the famous Vierge Noire is unveiled, accompanied by its miraculous bell. After this unforgettable stopover in Rocamadour, the adventure continues by joining the GR®65 in Cahors via the GR®46 and GR®36.

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Pélerin Sur Le Chemin De Saint Jacques © Lot Tourisme Gil Giuglio 190928 100949

Whatever direction you take, walking leads to the essential.

Sylvain Tesson

Highlights on the course

On the GR®651Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie priory

Nestled in a meander of the Célé, Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie has preserved the tranquility of its formerVal Paradis priory, crowned by an exceptional bell tower.

On the GR®651Marcilhac-sur-Célé Abbey

A vestige of another era, at the foot of the cliffs, theMarcilhac-sur-Célé abbeyseems to reach for the heavens.

On the GR®6Our Lady of Rocamadour

At the Rocamadour sanctuary, enter the Notre-Dame chapel, and you’ll discover the Black Madonna, a 12th-century walnut statuette that has been venerated for centuries. Many miracles are attributed to her.