Un Jardin Dans La Falaise Un Jardin Dans La Falaise
Chemin de Halage Bouziès – St Cirq

Towpath Bouziès - St Cirq

A charming walk along the towpath at Bouziès

Hello everyone! There's a walk that I absolutely recommend to anyone staying in our region House Swap Cabrerets The towpath at Bouziès. This incredible path, carved into the cliffs and bordered by the River Lot, is a little wonder to be discovered at your own pace.

Follow me as I explain everything!

 

 

A walk through history and sculpture

The towpath has a fascinating history. In the 19th century, it was used by horses pulling the gabares – flat-bottomed boats carrying goods upstream – along the River Lot.

These boats could sail from Bordeaux and travel as far as Decazeville in Aveyron! They were loaded with various goods: materials such as sand and timber, as well as grain, wine…

The path sheltered in the cliffs begins around 600 metres from the car park and the start of the walk. It was dug between 1843 and 1847.

The icing on the cake? An incredible mural, carved directly into the rock by the Toulouse-based artist Daniel Monnier, depicts the river and the surrounding countryside.

 

 

The Ganil Lock

After a walk of about 20 minutes, you will reach the Ganil lock.

Built in the early 19th century, this manual lock allows you to navigate the Lot. It is used by cruises from St Cirq Lapopie and other boats, as the Lot has been equipped for pleasure boating since 1990.

 

A plunge into nature and an easy walk for everyone

This path is also an opportunity to switch off and enjoy unspoilt nature. The Lot meandering peacefully by, the majestic cliffs, the birdsong... Everything you need for a serene walk. And if you like taking photos, get ready to capture some magnificent landscapes.

You don't have to be a great sportsman to enjoy this trail. With less than 4 km between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq-LapopieIt's a walk that's accessible to everyone, even children. The path is flat and pleasant, but remember to take good shoes and a bottle of water, especially if it's hot.

 

Practical information for a successful outing

  • How do I get there? From Cabrerets, it's a 10-minute drive to Bouziès. Cross the metal suspension bridge.

 

  • Where can I park? Meet at the car park (GPS point) near the St Cirq Lapopie Cruises jetty, where you can leave your car. During the tourist season, don’t forget to pay for your parking before setting off on your trip!

 

  • Services : You will find in the car park public toilets. You'll also find a little fast-food restaurantsas well as picnic tables and stretches of lawn.

 

  • For how long?
    • As far as the Ganil lock Approx. 20 mins.
    • As far as St Cirq Lapopie : Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to cover just under 4 km (one way), including a few breaks and the final climb up to St Cirq. For the return journey, take a bit of a shortcut and take a river cruise (book in advance to avoid any nasty surprises): you’ll be able to admire the hollowed-out rock from the river!