Tow Pathing Between St. Cirq Lapopie and Bouziès

For me, one of the prettiest  hikes on the Lot has to be starting at the base of St. Cirq Lapopie and winding your way to Bouziès all along the Lot.  You pass mills , locks, farms, and many amazing photo opportunities in between.  At one point, you are able to walk along the tow path that was used to pull the barges and boats along the river in the past.  Once you get to Bouziès you have decisions to make.  The first time I made this hike was with two friends from Tour de Faure.  On the outskirts of Bouziès we were teasing about doing the hike in "-igh -eels" when I realized they meant High Heels.  So we proceeded to rest and have "Booze" in Bouzièrs!  After a couple of bierre pressions, we decided on the scenic route home up through the causse to St. Cirq Lapopie and back down to Tour de Faure.  Your other options are to come back the way you came or cross the Lot and take the road home on the other side of the river.  If you're up for it and have the time as well as very comfortable shoes, the hike up is spectacular.  Imagine looking down with everything you just passed flowing along below you.  At one point there is a look out where you can see the towpath and one of the locks, as well as the meeting of the Lot and Célé Rivers.  I've never made this hike by myself, but have often thought that I'd love to do it alone with a picnic lunch in the off season.  I'd take the scenic route home and picnic at the look out, raise a glass of Cahors wine and nibble on some cabecou cheese, french bread and pears before I made my way back to the bus.  If we're really lucky these days, when we get to Tour de Faure we won't have long to wait for the bus and one of our favorite drivers will be driving so we'll get dropped off right in front of the Chatette!

Sometimes you just know when photos are going to be good.  I took this photo from the tow path looking back toward St. Cirq Lapopie from where we had just come.  Sometime this afternoon I have guests arriving from around the Lafayette Louisiana area.  I'll let you know if we manage to make this trip together and tell you about our visit soon. 

Comments

[Evelyn Jackson]

This is delightful...I always love photos that show a lot of dark and light contrast! A hike thru the Lot sounds delightful as well. I hope you are able to enjoy it with your friends. Please do write about it if you do! I check on your blog every day, but don't always comment. The photo you posted a couple of days ago of the view of the Lot from your window was stunning...no wonder you love where you live.