Discover Montcuq: Donjon, walking trails and Sunday market

Montcuq combines a striking hillside setting with cultural history, walking trails and activities by the water. If you are looking for a hotel in Montcuq, these different sides of the town can help you shape your stay around your interests: perhaps taking in the historic monument, going for a walk or mountain-bike ride, or enjoying seasonal activities at the Plan d'eau.

Hillside setting and donjon

Montcuq was built on a cone-shaped hill. The houses extend down the southern slope to the foot of the tower. Together, the hillside, buildings and tower create a clear change in elevation that defines the town's appearance. The donjon has been listed as a Monument historique since 1904.

Visitors to the Tour de Montcuq can explore four rooms, vaulted ceilings, fireplaces and latrines. From the upper part of the donjon, you can look out over the village, valleys and surrounding plateaus. Opening arrangements may vary seasonally, so check the visitor information in advance.

Three exhibitions are on display in the tower: a permanent exhibition about the medieval village, one about the heritage of the Lot département, and one about Nino Ferrer. The exhibitions may be updated. Before your visit, check which topics are currently on display.

Church and stained glass windows

The Église Saint-Hilaire dates from the late 13th or early 14th century. Its brightly coloured stained glass windows depict scenes from the lives of Christ and Saint Hilary. The church therefore offers not only a historical date but also a specific visual theme: the scenes depict two named religious figures.

Walking and mountain-bike trails

The Circuit du Chemin de Rouillac is an eight-kilometre circular walking route, rated easy, starting in Montcuq-en-Quercy-Blanc. Part of the route follows the GR65. On the return, there are lovely views of the village of Montcuq. The Circuit du « Petit Rapporteur » also starts in Montcuq-en-Quercy-Blanc, but is an 18-kilometre, moderately difficult mountain-bike loop.

The « Petit Rapporteur » includes a climb on the GR65 with a ten-percent gradient, leading up to the plateau. If needed, the route can easily be split into two sections. The two routes therefore differ in mode of travel, length and difficulty rating. Check the route details again before setting out.

Water activities and Sunday market

At the Plan d'eau de Montcuq, there is an aqua zone and a rental service for stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats. Activities and rentals may vary seasonally. The Plan d'eau has been awarded the Pavillon Bleu; swimming is supervised there in July and August. Check information about the award for the relevant year and find out about seasonal activities in advance.

The Montcuq market takes place every Sunday morning. Around 50 vendors take part, though this number may vary. If you would like to time your visit to coincide with the market, check the market information seasonally.

Historical connection to Les 2 Jours de Montcuq

Les 2 Jours de Montcuq was founded in 1977 by Pierre Passemard. The best-known version consists of two stages of 100 kilometres each. If you are considering the event as a reason for your trip, check the current dates and programme.

Consider which of these aspects you would like to shape your stay, then compare the available hotel offers.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Matré, Saint-Laurent-Les-Tours, Saint-Pierre-Lafeuille, Carnac-Rouffiac, Saint-Géry, Cremps, Nuzéjouls, Floressas

Go to the main travel overview: Lot.