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Capdenac

Visit Capdenac (Midi-Pyrenees, France)

A few kilometres south of Figeac, the village of Capdenac falls in two parts - Capdenac Gare and Capdenac-le-Haut. It is the second of these, on a hill overlooking the Lot Valley and the town of Figeac, that is most interesting to visitors and is now listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

Exploring Capdenac-le-Haut

For such a small village there is a surprising amount to see and appreciate in Capdenac. Start your visit by parking just below the village walls and looking at the view across Figeac and Capdenac gare.

Strolling up the hill passed the remains of ancient village ramparts take the road to the right which passes the large square tower. This donjon was built in the 14th century and is where you can find a small tourist information centre and museum.

Slightly hidden up a flight of stairs just behind the tower is a small medieval garden that overlooks the village centre and church.

The main village of Capdenac is spread out in front of you from here. To the right is a small church, and beyond that a belvedere with lovely views overlooking a wide meander in the Lot Valley.

Straight ahead of you is the town hall (itself an attractive building), and behind that a small warren of picturesque medieval streets.

Fontaine des Anglais

Behind these streets you abruptly reach a cliff and a flight of steps that lead steeply down to a fountain called the 'Fontaine des Anglais'. This water source is divided between two basins of water, and has origins dating back 2000 years to the ancient roman era.

Having access to a water source was of course a key requirement to ancient villages trying to resist when under siege, and this source was especially essential when Capdenac was besieged by the English during the Hundred Years War.

Note: there is a closed door part of the way down the staircase that needs a code from the tourist office to be opened for access to the fontaine.

Attractions nearby

There are numerous highlights in the region around Capdenac including picturesque villages and towns, castles and the scenery of the Lot Valley. Enthusiasts of beautiful villages will want to visit Cardaillac, another 'most beautiful village of France', while the town of Figeac is one of the most impressive medieval towns in south-west France.

Photos of Capdenac

Click any picture to start the gallery

Address: Capdenac, Figeac-Ouest, Figeac, Lot, Midi-Pyrenees, 46100 || GPS: latitude 44.581667, longitude 2.07

Map of Capdenac & places nearby



 

Highlights close by

More suggestions: Lacapelle-Marival 20km; Cajarc 21km; Mourjou 24km; Villefranche-de-Rouergue 26km; Conques 26km; Vieillevie 28km; Belcastel 30km; Marcoles 32km; Saint-Cere 34km; Saint-Cirq-Lapopie 34km; Gramat 35km;

See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near Capdenac.
See Midi-Pyrenees and Lot (the region and department for Capdenac) for more travel ideas...

Suggested tourist attractions to visit near Capdenac, France

• Figeac - recommended detour (3km)
• Figeac Hopital St Jacques (monuments on French pilgrim routes) - heritage site (5km)
• Gréalou dolmen de Pech-Laglaire (monuments on French pilgrim routes) - heritage site (17km)
• Assier Chateau - national monument (19km)
• Conques pont sur le Dourdou (monuments on French pilgrim routes) - heritage site (26km)
• Villefranche-de-Rouergue - recommended detour (26km)
• Conques - most beautiful village (26km)
• Conques abbatiale Sainte-Foy (monuments on French pilgrim routes) - heritage site (26km)
• Belcastel - most beautiful village (30km)
• Causses du Quercy - regional natural parc (30km)

The French version of this page is at Capdenac (Francais)