Roamingin the Célé valley

Ideas for multi-activity stays

At the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy, a UNESCO World Geopark, the Célé valley is a concentrate of enchanting landscapes: unspoilt nature, a remarkable heritage and one of the purest night skies in France. A dose of curiosity, a desire for intimacy and you’re off to discover it with our multi-activity tailor-made holidays: on foot, by canoe and by bike, with family or sporting friends. To make the most of the valley’s natural riches and heritage, the Park has put together two tailor-made breaks for you.

Stay Saponaire

Family outings

©Mountain biking in the Célé valley|Cyril Novello

15 to 21 km29 km8km

Experience an unforgettable family adventure in the Célé valley! For 4 days, explore the wonders of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park at your own pace. Suitable for children aged 10 and over, this trip includes cycling, hiking and canoeing. Each day offers a new discovery: medieval villages, impressive cliffs, wild flora and fauna… Guided by this roadmap, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the unspoilt nature of the Célé, between gentle efforts and moments of relaxation in the heart of nature. So put on your sneakers, grab your paddles and let yourself be carried along!

Figeac ➔ Espagnac-Sainte-EulalieDay 1

Distance: 15 to 21 km | Mountain biking – Intermediate level Your trip begins with a scenic bike ride from Figeac, a town steeped in history and heritage. After crossing the countryside on small, shady roads, you’ll reach the Célé valley. Take your time, enjoy the scenery and admire the old houses of Figeac before reaching Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie, a little jewel nestled in the valley. Look out for the raven, master of the air in these wide open spaces!

Marcilhac-sur-Célé et les falaises de la vallée du Célé — ©MARCILHAC SUR CELE|Christophe Bouthé - Agence Vent d'Autan

Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie ➔ Marcilhac-sur-CéléDay 2

Distance: 16 km | Hiking – Medium level En route for a day’s hiking with the whole family! The trail skirts the cliffs and passes through pretty hamlets. Stop at Saint-Sulpice, where the semi-troglodytic houses seem to hang from the cliffs. Continue on to Marcilhac-sur-Célé, famous for its impressive ruined abbey and flower-filled houses. Biodiversity is the order of the day: take the time to observe the valley’s plants and birds.

Marcilhac-sur-Célé ➔ OrniacDay 3

Distance: 14 km | Hiking – Easy level A gentler route for this third day, perfect for enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the valley. Following the GR®651, you’ll pass through Sauliac-sur-Célé and its troglodyte dwellings, before reaching Orniac. In the evening, why not look up at the starry sky? You’re in the Triangle Noir du Quercy, one of France’s finest astronomical observation sites!

Orniac ➔ ConduchéDay 4

Distance: 8 km | Canoe – Easy level To round off your stay in style, embark on a gentle canoe trip down the Célé. The cliffs are reflected in the water, birds and dragonflies accompany you… Perhaps you’ll even be lucky enough to spot the discreet tracks of the European otter! On arrival in Conduché, you can take a bus back to your starting point, or extend your adventure with a visit to Cabrerets and its famous Pech Merle caves.

Hulotte Stay

Sports roaming

26 to 32 km16 km13km 22km

Set off for 4 days of adventure in the heart of the Célé valley! On the program: mountain biking, hiking and canoeing, for a total immersion in a richly varied valley. You’ll hurtle down the mountain bike trails, explore the limestone hills of the Parc naturel régional des Causses du Quercy and glide down the wild Célé river. Each day promises spectacular scenery, picturesque villages, majestic cliffs and unspoilt nature.

EspagnacSainte-Eulalie-C.-Novello.jpg — ©Lot-Tourisme-C.-Novello

Figeac ➔ Espagnac-Sainte-EulalieDay 1

Distance: 26 to 32 km | Mountain biking – Moderate level Get on your mountain bike and explore the valley! From Figeac, a medieval city steeped in history and the birthplace of Egyptologist Jean-François Champollion, follow the GR®65 and then the GR®651. The landscape opens up to panoramic views of cliffs and dense forests. On arrival, Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie welcomes you with its ancient convent of Val Paradis, a peaceful place marked by the history of pilgrims. Keep your eyes peeled along the way: the majestic raven may well accompany your first pedal strokes!

Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie ➔ Marcilhac-sur-CéléDay 2

Distance: 16 km | Hiking – Intermediate level Leave the bikes behind and lace up your hiking boots! This second day is a walk in the heart of the Causses. The trail follows the cliffs where troglodytic villages, like Saint-Sulpice, defy the void. Caselles (dry-stone huts) dot the route, silent witnesses to the pastoral life of yesteryear. Today’s stopover is Marcilhac-sur-Célé, with its imposing abbey and flower-filled houses. A real jewel of heritage to savour at the end of the day.

Marcilhac-sur-Célé ➔ OrniacDay 3

Distance: 13 km | Canoe – Medium level Today, we’re heading for the river! Embark on a canoe trip down the Célé to discover its aquatic wonders. Glide along the clear waters between limestone cliffs, observe the European otter or its discreet tracks along the water. When you reach Orniac, enjoy the coolness of the river and admire the wild landscapes of the Parc naturel régional des Causses du Quercy. A refreshing and invigorating day to gently strengthen your arms!

©Lever De Soleil Sur Saint Cirq Lot Tourisme Teddy Verneuil 180816 092034|Lot Tourisme - Teddy Verneuil

Orniac ➔ Tour-de-FaureDay 4

Distance: 22 km | Hiking – Difficult level Your ultimate challenge: a great day’s hiking to round off your stay in style! Following the meandering Célé, you’ll discover Cabrerets and its troglodytic caves, then the sumptuous towpath carved into the rock at Bouziès. Today’s highlight: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a medieval gem perched high above the Lot valley, ranked one of France’s most beautiful villages. A final effort takes you to the Vènes belvedere, offering breathtaking views, before reaching Tour-de-Faure for a triumphant finish.

Looking for a turnkey holiday?

Enjoy the adventure with Thomas, a qualified instructor with a passion for outdoor sports. He’ll take care of everything: organization, logistics and guidance along the way. All you have to do is make the most of your experience, with family or friends! Two programmed stays:

July 16 to 19: “Saponaire” stay – Beginner level Perfect for a gentle introduction to sporty roaming.
August 11 to 14: “Hulotte” stay – Expert level A challenge for seasoned sportsmen and women in search of thrills and spills.

Would you like to leave on another date? It’s possible! An à la carte departure can be organized for groups of 4 or more. Get in touch to create your own adventure! Organized by : Sport Outdoor Event – Agence de voyage à véloContact: (+33) 6 38 70 66 52Mail: thomas.soevent@gmail.com

Towards other adventures

©Landscape From Segala To Terrou © Lot Tourisme C. Novello 160606 095739|Lot Tourisme C. Novello

Top 5 viewpoint hikes

©© Guillaume Condat Lot Tourisme 2| Guillaume Condat - Lot Tourisme

Mountain biking on the trails

©Rando À Brengues Lot Tourisme Teddy Verneuil 180816 093846|Lot-Tourisme-Teddy-Verneuil

Hiking over several days

Leisure and outdoor activities