In the footsteps of mankind

In the northwest of the Midi-Pyrénées the territory of Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park is an expanse of dry meadows in the heart of the Lot, from the south banks of the Dordogne to the edge of the Garonne basin.
This is the land of water and stone with almost lifelike outcrops. Karst rusted by water since the Jurassic period conceals many previous palaeontological
vestiges: chasms, caves and underground rivers.

Humans have lived here forever, and traces of their everyday life can be found dating back to the dawn of time: around twenty decorated caves including some exceptional ones, hundreds of dolmens, uncountable burial mounds, Celtic oppida, Gallo-Roman roads, etc.

Over the centuries, humans have lived with and in spite of stone, accounts of which are often moving: Small heritage, cazelles, fountains, dry stone walls, "English castles", Cistercian and Hospitaller barns, etc.

Further diversity can be found in this marvellous land when it falls away into breathtaking cliffs to meet narrow fertile strips on the edges of the rivers, closely watched by semi-troglodytic houses, castles and other abbeys.

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Find out more

• The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism
• The commitment of the Natural Parks of the Massif Central