Roamingin the Célé valley

Ideas for multi-activity stays

At the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, 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 tailor-made multi-activity breaks: on foot, by canoe and by bike, with the family or with sporty 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. From age 10 upwards, this holiday is designed for young and old alike, with a mix of cycling, hiking and canoeing. There’s something to discover every day: medieval villages, impressive cliffs, wild flora and fauna… Guided by this route book, you’ll set off 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 trainers, grab your paddles and let yourself be carried along!

Figeac ➔ Espagnac-Sainte-EulalieDay 1

Distance: 15 to 21 km | Mountain biking – Intermediate level

Your tour begins with a scenic cycle ride from Figeac, a town steeped in history and heritage. After crossing the countryside on small, shady roads and tracks, 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 nestling 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

Head off 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 savouring the peaceful atmosphere of the valley. Following the GR®651, you’ll pass through Sauliac-sur-Célé and its troglodyte dwellings, before reaching Orniac.

As evening falls, 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 | Canoeing – Easy level

To round off your stay in style, take a gentle canoe trip down the Célé.
The cliffs are reflected in the water, and birds and dragonflies accompany you… You might even be lucky enough to spot the discreet tracks of the European otter!

When you arrive in Conduché, you can take a bus back to your starting point, or extend your adventure by visiting Cabrerets and its famous Pech Merle caves.

Stay Hulotte

Sports roaming

26 to 32 km16 km13km 22km

Set off for 4 days of adventure in the heart of the Célé valley! On the programme: mountain biking, hiking and canoeing, for a total immersion in a richly varied valley. Take to the trails on a mountain bike, explore the limestone hills of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park 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 – Medium level

Get on your mountain bike and explore the valley! From Figeac, a medieval town steeped in history and the birthplace of Egyptologist Jean-François Champollion, follow the paths of the GR®65 and then the GR®651. The landscape opens out onto panoramic views of cliffs and dense forests.

On arrival, Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie welcomes you with its former convent of Val Paradis, a peaceful place marked by the history of pilgrims. Keep your eyes peeled along the way: the great raven, a majestic glider, may well accompany your first pedal strokes!

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

Distance: 16 km | Hiking – Medium 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 troglodyte 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

Head for the river today! Take a canoe down the Célé and discover its aquatic wonders. Glide along the clear waters between the limestone cliffs, watch for 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 Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park. It’s a refreshing and invigorating day out, with plenty of time for gentle arm-training!

©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! After following the meandering Célé, you’ll discover Cabrerets and its troglodytic caves, then the sumptuous towpath carved out of the rock at Bouziès.

Today’s highlight: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a medieval jewel perched high above the Lot valley, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. A final effort will take you to the belvedere at Vènes, 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: organisation, logistics and support along the way. All you have to do is make the most of your experience, with family or friends!

Two holidays scheduled: