Visit Autoire, the Lot’s “little Versailles”
Near Camping La Plage in Meyronne
Autoire, one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
less than an hour from Camping La Plage in Meyronne
About 25 minutes from Camping La Plage in Meyronne on the banks of the Dordogne, Autoire is one of the most spectacular villages in the north of the Lot: a stone village nestled in the hollow of a natural cirque, surrounded by cliffs, known for its manors and country houses that have earned it the nickname “little Versailles”.
Listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, Autoire combines heritage and nature in an easy walk, perfect for half a day (or more if you continue on to the waterfall).
Cultural activities: lanes, manor houses and Saint-Pierre Church
Stroll through the heart of Autoire, nicknamed the “little Versailles” for its many notables’ residences: Quercy houses with brown tile roofs, dovecotes and manors line the lanes (notably the Manoir de Colomb or the Château de Busqueilles, remarkable buildings in the village). Then stop by Saint-Pierre Church, built in the late 11th / early 12th century in the heart of the former medieval fort. It tells the story of Autoire’s origins and was even fortified at the end of the Hundred Years’ War, proof of the site’s strategic importance.
Between cliffs and caves: Autoire’s must-sees
The unmissable highlight is the Cirque of Autoire: limestone cliffs said to be between 150 and 200 m high, with at the bottom a 30 m waterfall (often presented as the highest in the Lot).
In the same area, don’t miss the climb up to the Château des Anglais (also called the “Château de la Roque d’Autoire”), a fortified rock shelter set against the cliff, linked to local medieval history and the Hundred Years’ War.
And a great “bonus” idea to combine in the day: the Grottes de Presque, located 7 km from Autoire. An ideal visit when it’s hot, with large formations and a “underground cathedral” atmosphere.
Hiking: the must-do loop of the Autoire valley
Autoire is a great hiking spot, without being just for experts. The classic route is the Autoire valley loop: about 5.6 km, 2 h 30, moderate difficulty. This loop is perfect for “seeing the essentials” without lots of extra travel: it alternates woodland paths, more open sections and viewpoints over the Cirque of Autoire, with superb panoramas of the cliffs. Along the way, you reach the waterfall, then gain height towards the Château des Anglais (a fortified shelter clinging to the rock face), before heading back calmly to the village.
Getting there from Camping La Plage in Meyronne
Route:
From Meyronne, allow about 24 km and ~25 minutes by car to reach Autoire.
The drive is straightforward: the idea is to head up towards the Saint-Céré area, then continue to Autoire (the official hiking loop mentions access via D673 then D38 from Saint-Céré).
Once there, park in the village and walk to the waterfall: it’s the best way to enjoy the site without stress.
