Autoire is a village to the north-east of Rocamadour and in the north of the Lot department of the Midi-Pyrenees, so it is accessible from the eastern Dordogne or southern Auvergne if your visit is based in one of these regions. The village is classified among the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
The village is set in the attractive countryside of the region, with vineyards and fruit trees, forested hills and limestone cliffs looking down on the village and is a quiet, very attractive Quercy village in the traditional light stone of the area, with several colombage buildings.
Explore Autoire
France This Way review: Autoire is a very pretty - and very small - village that is also visited because of the scenery of the cirque and waterfall next to Autoire so allow time to see both!
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The village isn't very large - a 'main street' through the centre and a small road that winds up the steep hill behind the village. Throughout Autoire you can see a mix of lovely houses and buildings as well as the central square with a fountain, and a small church.
One particular highlight is the Chateau de Limargue, a manor house of the 15th century with several turrets, on the edge of Autoire.
The Church of Saint Peter was originally built at the end of the 11th century, inside the fortress that was here at that time, and rebuilt soon after this date. After the Hundred Years War the church was fortified, and the original tower replaced as part of this work. The nave was destroyed during the Wars of Religion and rebuilt in the 19th century.
Although the church is of a simple layout, with a single nave, it contains various interesting features including masks carved in the 11th century and various capital stones feauturing carvings of plants, animals and people.
Behind the church of Saint-Pierre there is a small belvedere with views along the valley in which Autoire is situated. Many of the buildings have unusual and interesting features - keep an eye out especially for some lovely decorative stone windows.
After exploring the centre of Autoire you can stroll along the road that leads out of the village in both directions, for further pretty views of the village.
The village is best visited in spring, when it has a widespread reputation for the flowers that fill the streets and gardens. There are a couple of restaurants in Autoire - we had a good 'standard' lunch in one, while the other also has an outdoor terrace.
Attractions nearby
The most important attraction close to Autoire, and visible from the village, is the waterfall and the cirque d'Autoire, an impressive 30 metre high cascade in one of the gorges that split the land in the region, from which there are also fine views down the valley to the village below. Below the waterfall is a pretty, verdant pond.
One path leads to the 'Chateau des Anglais', the ruins of a 12th century castle that once defended the access to the village.
Other walks through the rocky landscape, where you will see small caves and splendid views of the village, are also recommended and climb up the hill through the centre of the cirque, so you are in the middle of the 'horseshoe' of the cirque with a very lovely view down to the village in the valley below.
You might like to visit nearby Chateau de Montal (perhaps best known as home to the Mona Lisa during World War 2) and Chateau de Castelnau-Bretenoux after you have finished exploring Autoire.
Other classified beautiful villages close to Autoire include Carennac, Curemonte, Loubressac and Turenne.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Lot guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
Photos of Autoire
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Arrange a visit to Autoire
Hotels in Autoire
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Map of Autoire and places nearby
Visit near Autoire with France This Way reviews
Loubressac
Both the unspoiled nature of the village and the beautiful views make the small village of Loubressac a great pleasure to visit
Loubressac guide
Chateau de Castelnau-Bretenoux
The Chateau de Castelnau-Loubressac is an imposing medieval castle built in red stone
Chateau de Castelnau-Bretenoux guide
Gouffre de Padirac
The Gouffre de Padirac is the most popular cave system in France
Gouffre de Padirac guide
Saint-Cere
Some of the highlights in Saint-Cere are rather hidden away, so take time to explore the back streets of this medieval town
Saint-Cere guide
Bretenoux
The town of Bretenoux has a medieval square, colombage houses and a river to explore
Bretenoux guide
Carennac
There are numerous architectural highlights and attractive buildings in Carennac, one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'
Carennac guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Lot
Tourist classifications for Autoire
Autoire is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Autoire, Saint-Céré, Figeac, Midi-Pyrenees, 46400, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.855, longitude 1.82
Plan your visit to Autoire, Lot
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Loubressac: most beautiful village (2 km)
- Chateau Montal: national monument (3 km)
- Castelnau-Bretenoux Chateau: national monument (5 km)
- Gouffre de Padirac: site of natural beauty (5 km)
- Carennac: most beautiful village (10 km)
- Eglise de Saint Pierre (Carennac): religious monument (10 km)
- Gouffre des Vitarelles: site of natural beauty (14 km)
- Curemonte: most beautiful village (17 km)
- Rocamadour: grand site of france (17 km)
- Rocamadour basilique Saint-Sauveur (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (17 km)
- Le rocher des aigles (eagles): zoo or wildlife park (17 km)
- Assier Chateau: national monument (20 km)
The French version of this page is at Autoire (Francais)
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