A journey back to the age of the lordsusing sustainable transport

Head for Lacapelle-Marival by bus

What if the liO 884 route took you back a few centuries? Setting off from Figeac, take a seat on the bus and let the landscapes of the Limargue, accompany you on your journey to Lacapelle-Marival. On arrival, the imposing silhouette of the castle sets the tone: you’ve stepped back into the time of the Lords of Cardaillac.

Narrow ancient streets, a medieval market hall and architectural details tell the story of a village once protected by its ramparts. Here, the best way to explore is on foot, taking the time to look up and imagine life behind the fortress walls. A refreshing and relaxed getaway, just a few stops from Figeac.

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A change of scenery

and period pieces

At 12.25 pm, the liO 884 bus leaves Figeac coach station. The ticket, which costs 2 euros, can be bought directly on board and paid for by credit card. We settle down by the window as the town gradually fades into the distance. Before long, we strike up a conversation with other passengers. The atmosphere is warm and friendly.

As the journey progresses, the landscapes of the Limargue region unfold before our eyes, gently setting the scene. For a few kilometres, we slow down, let the road carry us along, and already begin to imagine life in the days of the Lords of Cardaillac.

Our table is booked for lunch, and the afternoon promises to be full of discoveries.

At 12.51 pm, we arrive in Lacapelle-Marival. As soon as we step off the bus, the imposing silhouette of the château towers over the village. Our journey through history can begin.

Start your getaway

over a good meal

No sooner had we arrived than we headed for the restaurant, where our table on the terrace was waiting for us. What a pleasure to start exploring at a leisurely pace, over a lunch that immediately gave this outing a holiday feel!

We took the time to savour our meal, discuss our plans and watch the peaceful hustle and bustle of the village. In Lacapelle-Marival, there are plenty of great places to stop for a tasty break before setting off to explore the local heritage.

But the castle is never far away. Its towering silhouette watches over the village and reminds us that it’s nearly time for our tour. Several centuries of history await us behind its walls.

The exhibition

inside the castle

At 2 pm, we step through the castle gates for the first time to explore the summer exhibition, organised by the Art et Patrimoine association, which helps to bring this remarkable venue to life throughout the seasons. In the castle’s fifteen rooms, paintings, sculptures and worksby craftspeople complement the historic décor. The works on display are available for purchase: a chance to take home an original piece or a souvenir chosen on the spot. A wonderful introduction before delving into the castle’s history.

Explore the exhibition

Discover the castle

as far as the parapet walk

At 3 pm, the scene is set: the imposing silhouette of the castle towers over Lacapelle-Marival. Having travelled by coach, we are able to take advantage of the ‘Low Carbon’ rate on presentation of our ticket: the guided tour costs €4.50 per person instead of €5.

From the Place du Fort, our guide first helps us trace the outline of the medieval village, once protected by towers and ramparts. An ancient gate adjoining a stair tower still bears witness to this fortified past.

We then walk round the castle to admire its machicolations, watchtowers and round towers, before passing through the gates.

From floor to floor, fireplaces, panelling, carved beams and painted decorations reveal a residence far more refined than its fortress-like appearance would suggest. The tour ends on the rampart walk, with a breathtaking view over the village rooftops.

Back in the square, we pop intothe Tourist Office to pick up the ‘Clefs’ walking route and some tips before continuing our stroll through the narrow streets of Lacapelle-Marival.

Visit the castle

Tour of the village with

The Keys to Lacapelle-Marival

So off we went, following Magali’s advice, to explore Lacapelle-Marival on the ‘Clefs en main ’ walking trail. At each stop, a new aspect of the village is revealed, helping us to imagine what the town was like in the Middle Ages, organised around its castle and fortifications.

The walk takes us to the 15th-century market hall, then pastthe Arbol, a former gate in the town walls which still stands alongside its tower. Further on,the 16th-century church houses the remarkable painting of the Brancardiers.

As you wander through the narrow streets, the castle reappears between the houses and the old façades reveal their intricate details. A pleasant stroll to enjoy at your own pace, with your eyes wide open.