# 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.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b12-lot-padirac/

**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. From Cahors’ fortified bridge up the Lot valley to painted caves and cliff villages, then north to Figeac, Padirac and the Dordogne.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 148 km (92 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 03 min |
| Suggested days | 4 |
| Stops | 9 |
| Route | Cahors → Collonges-la-Rouge |
| Countries | France |
| Updated | July 2, 2026 |

## 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.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Cahors** (France)
2. **Pont Valentré** (Cahors, France): A 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.
3. **Pech Merle cave** (Cabrerets, France): One 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.
4. **Saint-Cirq-Lapopie** (France)
5. **Figeac** (France)
6. **Autoire** (Autoire, France): A 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.
7. **Gouffre de Padirac** (Padirac, France): A 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.
8. **Carennac** (Carennac, France): A 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.
9. **Collonges-la-Rouge** (France)

## 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.