{"id":26046953,"date":"2025-07-18T12:38:10","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T12:38:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lesgitesdhelios.com\/2025\/07\/18\/what-to-do-on-vacation-in-quercy-the-must-sees\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T14:56:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T14:56:16","slug":"what-to-do-on-vacation-in-quercy-the-must-sees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lesgitesdhelios.com\/en\/2025\/07\/18\/what-to-do-on-vacation-in-quercy-the-must-sees\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do on vacation in Quercy: the must-sees"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Looking for a Quercy getaway or a summer break in the heart of the South West? Staying at the G\u00eetes d’H\u00e9lios<\/a> in Belfort-du-Quercy, you’re ideally placed to discover the region’s most emblematic sites. Here’s a selection of some of the finest experiences to be had on your Quercy vacation<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

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Discover the most beautiful villages of Quercy<\/h2>\n\n
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It’s impossible to imagine a vacation in the Quercy region<\/strong> without strolling through its picture-postcard villages. Explore the jewels of the “ Most Beautiful Villages in France<\/strong> ” list, for a romantic getaway, a romantic weekend or a family vacation. <\/p>\n\n

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Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, perched village<\/h3>\n\n

This famous medieval village captivates all who discover it. How can you fail to be charmed by the timeless beauty of its cobbled streets, ancient staircases and fortified gates? Perched on a cliff, it offers an exceptional panorama <\/strong>of the Lot valley. <\/p>\n\n

From G\u00eetes d’H\u00e9lios<\/strong>: about 40 minutes’ drive<\/strong> to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.<\/p>\n\n

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Penne and its medieval fortress<\/h3>\n\n

In neighboring Tarn, the village of Penne and its ch\u00e2teau are classified as a ” Grand Site d’Occitanie<\/strong> “. Its 13th-century fortress dominates the Aveyron Gorge. Built at the top of the village, it is a delight for lovers of history and medieval architecture. Daytime and evening events and guided tours appeal to young and old alike. This site, 45 minutes from our g\u00eetes, is open virtually all year round. <\/p>\n\n

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Rocamadour, the holy town<\/h3>\n\n

Clinging to the cliff, this spiritual Mecca has been attracting pilgrims and the curious since the Middle Ages. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage<\/g> Site, the vertical city impresses. Don’t miss the basilica, the chapel of the Black Madonna and the panoramic views over the Alzou gorges. <\/p>\n\n

Many other villages, often listed as historic monuments, welcome you all year round. Plan to spend a day in each village, before returning to the comfort and calm of the G\u00eetes d’H\u00e9lios. <\/p>\n\n

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Explore caves and chasms on vacation<\/h2>\n\n
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The Quercy region hides another world beneath its hills: caves, galleries and underground rivers<\/strong> await you for a family adventure.<\/p>\n\n

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The Pech Merle cave<\/h3>\n\n

The Pech Merle cave, a listed historic monument, reveals prehistoric paintings<\/strong> dating back 25,000 years. In an exceptional natural setting, follow in the footsteps of our ancestors to admire their cave paintings. <\/p>\n\n

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Le Gouffre de Padirac<\/h3>\n\n

A little further on, the Gouffre de Padirac is well worth a visit. At 103 metres below ground, you can take a boat trip into the heart of the rock. You’ll discover interior lakes and giant stalactites<\/g>. A breathtaking setting that we recommend exploring at least once! <\/p>\n\n

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The Bosc, Cougnac and Merveilles caves<\/h3>\n\n

Suitable for younger visitors, the grotte du Bosc<\/strong> dazzles with its geological forms: stalactites, columns, cauliflowers… A fun visit accessible to all. The<\/strong> lesser-known Cougnac caves<\/strong>, with their concretions and Paleolithic decor, are a delight. Last but not least, the Grotte des Merveilles<\/strong> in Rocamadour boasts a precious collection of engravings and cave paintings. <\/p>\n\n

From the G\u00eetes d’H\u00e9lios, the Pech Merle cave<\/strong> is less than 1 hour away, and the Gouffre de Padirac about 1 hour 15 minutes<\/strong>. Most sites can be visited by children as young as 5 <\/strong>, and offer a range of prehistoric-themed activities. Book your tickets and remember to pack a little wool! <\/p>\n\n

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Taste the flavours of the Quercy region during your stay<\/h2>\n\n
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Vacations in the Quercy<\/strong> also rhyme with generous gastronomy. Local produce<\/strong>, traditional markets<\/strong> and characterful recipes set the pace for local life.<\/p>\n\n

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Lalbenque truffle market<\/h3>\n\n

Renowned for its black truffles<\/strong>, Lalbenque hosts a unique market. It’s a chance to chat with passionate chefs and producers while sampling exceptional dishes. <\/p>\n\n

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Cahors markets<\/h3>\n\n

In Cahors, gourmet markets enliven the city every Wednesday and Saturday. In summer, they multiply with seasonal markets, where local producers and artisans let you discover the flavours of the land: mature cheeses, homemade confits, local prunes<\/g>. Not forgetting tastings of Cahors wines<\/strong>, renowned for their character. <\/p>\n\n

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Quercy melon<\/h3>\n\n

The Quercy melon<\/strong>, which has held the IGP label for 20 years, is being celebrated in Belfort on August 15. This top-of-the-range melon, with its sweet, fragrant flesh, will be the emblematic fruit of your gourmet vacations in the Quercy region. <\/p>\n\n

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Visits to local producers<\/h3>\n\n

There are many other markets in the surrounding villages. Many producers also open their doors for farm visits and tastings<\/g>. Find out all about saffron<\/strong>, lavender<\/strong> and Angora goat farming<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Enjoy a family meal on the terrace of your g\u00eete, or a well-stocked picnic, for a gourmet break during your vacation in the Quercy region.<\/p>\n\n

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Sports activities in the great outdoors<\/h2>\n\n
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Hiking and cycling on the Causses plateau<\/h3>\n\n

Looking for a nature vacation in the Quercy region<\/strong>? The Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park<\/g>, a UNESCO World Geopark, offers over 185,000 hectares of unspoilt countryside. Just a few kilometers away, set off on foot or by bike along the GR65, crossing limestone plateaus, isolated hamlets and paths lined with centuries-old oak trees. <\/p>\n\n

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Canoeing, via ferrata and zip line<\/h3>\n\n

Near Belfort-du-Quercy<\/strong>, a host of activities await you.<\/p>\n\n