Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac
From Cahors’ fortified bridge up the Lot valley to painted caves and cliff villages, then north to Figeac, Padirac and the Dordogne.
- Distance
- approx. 148 km (92 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 03 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- France
- Best time to go
- May–June and September–October
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ €10
- Updated
- August 3, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 148 km (92 mi) with 9 stops, from Cahors to Collonges-la-Rouge. About 2 h 03 min of driving in total. Best time to go: May–June and September–October. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €10 (France).
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Photos along the route
Route description
Cahors sits in a tight loop of the Lot, and its Pont Valentré, a 14th-century bridge with three towers, is the symbol of the town. Walk across and along the river, and try the dark local Malbec wine. Leave eastwards on the D653 and D662, which follow the river past limestone cliffs and small vineyards.
Turn up the Célé valley to Cabrerets for Pech Merle, a cave with original paintings of spotted horses and hand stencils; visitor numbers are limited, so book ahead. Return to the Lot for Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, perched 100 m above the river. The road along the cliff below it is narrow; park in the paid car parks above the village.
Continue up the valley to Figeac, a market town of sandstone houses and birthplace of Champollion, whose museum covers the writing systems of the world. Then drive north across the Causse de Gramat to Autoire, a village in a rocky cirque with a waterfall above it. The lanes around Autoire and Loubressac are narrow, and large motorhomes should stay on the main roads.
The Gouffre de Padirac is a 103 m chasm leading to an underground river visited partly by boat. Book a timed ticket in summer and bring a warm layer. Finish via Carennac, a quiet village on the Dordogne, and Martel to Collonges-la-Rouge, built of red sandstone. Rocamadour, on its cliff, is only 15 km from Padirac if you have another half day.
Which stops are on Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Cahors
France - 21 km
Pont Valentré
HistoryCahors, FranceA 14th-century fortified bridge with three towers over the Lot, the symbol of Cahors. Walk across and along the riverside path for the best views.
- 323 km
Pech Merle cave
HistoryCabrerets, FranceOne of the few original painted caves still open, with spotted horses and hand stencils more than 25,000 years old. Visitor numbers are limited, so book online well ahead in summer.
- 46 km
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
France - 541 km
Figeac
France - 639 km
Autoire
ViewsAutoire, FranceA village of turreted manors in a limestone cirque, with a waterfall of about 30 m a short walk above. The path continues to the ruined English Castle in the cliff; park at the village entrance.
- 77 km
Gouffre de Padirac
NaturePadirac, FranceA chasm 103 m deep leading to an underground river, visited partly by boat. Book a timed ticket in summer, bring a layer for the constant 13 °C, and expect large car parks.
- 88 km
Carennac
HistoryCarennac, FranceA quiet village on the Dordogne around a priory with a carved Romanesque portal and cloister. Park by the river; the Dordogne here is popular for easy canoe trips.
- 922 km
Collonges-la-Rouge
France
How do you drive Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac in 4 days?
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Cahors → Saint-Cirq-Lapopie · 31 km · 0 h 25 minOn the way: Pont Valentré, Pech Merle cave.Overnight nearby, for example: Aire de camping-car des Berges du Lot (1 km); Camping la Chêneraie (10 km).
- Day 2: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie → Figeac · 41 km · 0 h 34 minOvernight nearby, for example: Domaine du Surgié (1 km); Aire camping-car Boisse-Penchot (14 km).
- Day 3: Figeac → Autoire · 39 km · 0 h 33 minOvernight nearby, for example: Aire Camping-Car Park de Tauriac (7 km); Aire Girac (8 km).
- Day 4: Autoire → Collonges-la-Rouge · 37 km · 0 h 31 minOn the way: Gouffre de Padirac, Carennac.Overnight nearby, for example: Le Marchadial (< 1 km); Camping de Collonges-la-Rouge (< 1 km).
When is the best time for Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
What should you know before driving Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €10 (France).
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
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FAQs
How long is Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac?
4-day road trip of about 148 km (92 mi) with 9 stops, from Cahors to Collonges-la-Rouge. About 2 h 03 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 03 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac start and end?
It starts in Cahors and ends in Collonges-la-Rouge.
Which countries does Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac?
OpenStreetMap lists 163 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Lamagdelaine, Camping la Chêneraie and Camping-car Park Albas.
How much are the tolls on Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €10 (France). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
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