Discover Autoire

Autoire combines a striking landscape with hiking trails and historic buildings. The Reculée d’Autoire is a pronounced indentation in the limestone plateau of the Causse de Gramat and a Sensitive Natural Area. The waterfall, cliff edge and historic monuments shape the hike through this natural setting. This lets you assess the local trails by length, scenery and cultural history.

Hiking Trails and Cascade d’Autoire

From the village centre, a paved path follows the left bank of the Autoire watercourse towards the waterfall. Along the way, a signposted trail branches off to Château des Anglais and Roque d’Autoire. Beyond the waterfall, a circular route is possible. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out.

The Circuit de la reculée d’Autoire is a moderately difficult hiking trail covering 5.6 kilometres. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes and involves 239 metres of elevation gain. The time is an estimate and, together with the distance and elevation gain, provides a specific guide for planning your hike.

Cascade d’Autoire is 30 metres high and the tallest waterfall in the Lot département. An approximately 1.2-kilometre hiking trail leads there from the car park on the edge of the village. The hike through the Reculée also leads to a viewpoint from the cliff edge and to historic monuments in the Sensitive Natural Area. Remarkable plant and animal species can be found around the waterfall.

Climbing is another activity on the cliffs of Autoire: they are considered an important climbing area, with more than 150 routes. If you would like to climb there, check route availability locally.

Historic Buildings and Local History

Roque d’Autoire has been protected as a Monument historique since 1925. The Église Saint-Pierre d’Autoire features various architectural elements that reflect its history: during the Hundred Years’ War, the church was fortified to serve as a place of refuge. The apse features sculpted corbels with geometric motifs, human figures and animal depictions. Inside, capitals and column bases are among the features adorned with ornamentation.

The Chapelle Saint-Roch d’Autoire was built in the 15th century, probably as a votive offering after a plague epidemic. Its heavily damaged wall paintings also date from the 15th century; they include a depiction of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. The chapel is listed as a Monument historique. Among the houses, most of which were built after the Hundred Years’ War, a row traces the outline of the village centre.

A village walk takes you to the area’s remarkable historic buildings and natural features. It complements the hiking trails with a focus on the buildings and village centre, while the Circuit de la reculée, with its stated distance and duration, provides a concrete basis for estimating the time required.

Events and Regional Cuisine

The Feux de la Saint-Jean are traditionally celebrated in Autoire on the Saturday or Sunday after the Fête de la musique. Residents are invited to prepare sweets; the exact date varies from year to year. The gourmet market is generally held on the first Sunday in August, although this date may also vary from year to year. Outdoors, there are picnics, tastings or meals featuring products from local producers. If you would like to plan your trip around one of the events, check the dates for the year in question.

Discover more destinations: Masclat, Saint-Maurice-en-Quercy, Lherm, Labastide-Du-Vert, Tauriac, Teyssieu, Varaire, Montet-et-Bouxal.

For the broader travel overview: Lot.