Dear travellers, let us introduce you to Cabrerets,a little jewel nestled in the Lotin the heart of the Occitanie region. This village, nestling quietly in the Célé valley, is a treasure trove of prehistoric heritage, picturesque charm and breathtaking natural landscapes, there's plenty to marvel at!
The jewel in the crown? The famous Pech Merle caveone of the rare caves where you can admire the prehistoric frescoes original. Its paintings and engravings, dating back over 20,000 years, will literally transport you back in time! Not to be missed!
But Cabrerets also boasts charming little streets, a rich historical heritage and the landscapes of the Causses du Quercy Natural Park which is absolutely breathtaking. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover or just looking for some peace and quiet, this area has everything you need to create a magical experince during your stay in guest rooms at the Maison du Barry.
We're taking you on board to make the most of this little corner of paradise from cave tours to the best local addresses. Come and follow us!
CABRERETS, a village between the Causse du Quercy and the Lot and Célé valleys
Lost in the heart of a landscape flanked byimpressive cliffsCabrerets stands out as a little nugget nestled between the Causses du Quercy and the Lot and Célé valleys,. It's a geographical position that, let's face it, would make any nature lover or fan of bucolic walks dream.
The limestone plateaux of the Causses contrast nicely with the cliff-lined, green valleys of the Lot and Célé. The latter meander through the scenery, adding a pleasant touch of freshness.
The magic of the Causses lies in their arid nature and incredible geomorphology, with vertiginous chasms and underground galleries for the curious to explore. This corner of the Quercy region, shaped by erosion over millions of years - no less! - is a true paradise for lovers of caving and wide open spaces.
Along the way, you'll come across low drystone walls and caselles or even gariottes.These are typical little buildings that tell the story of an ancestral cohabitation between man and rock. It's a discreet but authentic heritage that gives this region a special soul, and one that we love!
And then, when you go down to the Lot and Célé valleys,everything changes. Farewell to the aridity of the causses. Here, the green banks steal the show. These valleys are ideal for peaceful walks, or - for the more adventurous - for sporting adventures: hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, canoeing, kayaking, kayaking. canoeing, caving, climbing or via ferrata.There's something for everyone.
As for Cabrerets, this pretty village nestling in the valley, it's a real haven of peace, boasting a natural setting that's as rich as it is diverse. Between the karstic relief and the soothing gentleness of the waterways - Célé and Sagne -It's enough to make you fall in love with it.
The prehistoric treasure of the Pech Merle caves
A page dedicated to Cabrerets inevitably involves talking about our beautiful Pech Merle cave. Nestling in the hills above Cabrerets, this cave is quite simply one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe. Here, you can plunge into another era, more than 20,000 years ago, and see works of art left behind by our ancestors. And the most incredible thing of all? These prehistoric treasures have survived the millennia, almost miraculously, to reach us!
For the record, the cave was discovered in 1922 by three local children, André David, his sister Marthe and his friend Henri Dutertre, accompanied by a farm labourer.
Inside, after venturing into the casings of the cave, they come across the room of paintings: there they discover astonished paintings and engravings of animals such as horses,aurochs, mammoths and bison, as well as various abstract motifs and mysterious traces of negative hands 😮 You'll find this hand symbol around the village, on signs that tell you about the history of the place... and also about the delicious bread from the Moulin au Fournil bakery.
Believe us, the cave is well worth a visit. With its galleries stretching for around two kilometres and its impressively spacious rooms, you can't help but be amazed. Of course, you can also admire stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.
On the other hand, and this is important to know, access is limited to preserve these fragile beauties! So remember to book your visit online to make sure you don't miss out on this extraordinary experience.
And if you want to go further, right next to the cave, the Amédée Lemozi Prehistory Centre is here to complete your adventure. Here you'll find an absolutely fascinating collection of prehistoric artefacts.
The Grotte du Pech Merle has been a listed historic monument since 1951, and the commune of Cabrerets is doing an exceptional job of preserving this little gem for future generations.
Cabrerets, between castles and mills
Our little Lot village invites us to delve into its more recent history, with its interesting heritage. Here, you can happily wander between its two châteaux and its mills full of memories.
Cabrerets Castle
When you arrive from Bouziès and head up the last meanders of the Célé, you can't miss the "new" Célé. Cabrerets Castle.
Perched on its rocky promontory, it proudly overlooks the River Célé. Frankly, even from a distance, it's an imposing sight! 😍
Built in the 16th century by the de Gontaut family, it was completed in the 17th century. At the end of the 18th century, during the French Revolution, Louis de Gontaut Biron was beheaded and the château looted. In the middle of the 19th century, it was bought by the family of Count Murat, a member of parliament for the Lot department. The current owner of the château is none other than a descendant of this family!
Listed as a Historic Monument in 1996, the only problem is that you can only rarely push open the doors. It's a private property, so make sure you find out in advance about the possible openings to the public at Château de Cabrerets.
The mysterious Château des Anglais
The oldest castle in Cabrerets, clearly different, will capture your attention: it's called the Château des Anglaisalso known as the Devil's Castle.
Clinging to the cliffs at Rochecourbe, this troglodyte castle can still be seen from its surviving tower.
It was first mentioned in the 13th century. It belonged to the Barasc lords, the first known lords of Cabrerets (for those of you with a keen interest in history, you will be able to enjoy a few examples of the history of Cabrerets in these archives on medieval Quercy).
Taken over at the end of the 14th century by English raiders during the Hundred Years' War, it was rescued by the lord of Saint-Sulpice (a village further up the Célé valley)... who then destroyed it.
Although you can't visit its interior, the scenic view of the Château du Diable from the bridge at Cabrerets is well worth the diversions.
The mills, the CABRERéTIANS' TOOL OF WORK
In addition to its castles, Cabrerets is also famous for its old millsThese are symbols of the local expertise in harnessing water power. Thanks to its strategic location, at the confluence of the Sagne and Célé rivers, the village has been able to take advantage of this natural force to develop.
The mills were used to produce walnut oil, wool and wheat flour.
You can admire the Moulin du Château on the Célé opposite the "Du Moulin au Fournil" bakery, next to Cabrerets beach, below the present-day château. It is known to have been in operation at least as far back as the 13th century, when it was equipped with three millstones. Since 1967, it has been used as a hydroelectric mill.
An old mill can be found not far from the Cabrerets pottery, along the Sagne river.It is visible from the road on the way back from the Pech Merle caves.
While the Moulin de la Pescalerie benefits from a resurgence which flows into the Célé below. It can be seen from the road leading to Sauliac-sur-Célé.
THE PLACE DU COMMUNAL
From its name of "Communal", we know that this square must have been bought back by the villagers during the Revolution, and freed from charges. For a long time, it remained a simple meadow surrounded by walnut trees, and was the site of markets, as it is today every Friday in season, as well as monthly livestock fairs.
We have the pleasure of working in this enchanting setting, with our guest rooms at the Maison du Barry and our restaurant La Roue on the other side of the River Sagne.
We suggest you follow the lane from the end of the square, next to the the basketry Vannerie du Céléto discover the laundry which is further down, above a small bridge spanning the river Sagne.
SEMI-TROGLODYTE HOUSES
How photogenic are these houses clinging to the cliffs of the Cabrerétienne! They're in the area of Bout du Lieu .
Go for a walk on this side, a 10-minute walk from the Maison du Barry. After refreshing yourself at the little fountain at the foot of one of these beautiful houses, head up the little Bout du Lieu lane to admire the superb view over the valley 🤩 and the Château des Anglais.
Shops and PARKING in Cabrerets: everything you need to know
Cabrerets, this cute little village in the Lot, is easy to visit. But let us reveal a few practical information to make the most of your stopover. Whether you want to go shopping, find a bakery or simply park your car, we've got it all covered! 😉
Meet the craftsmen and artists of Cabrerets
Cabrerets is more than just its historical and natural heritage (exceptional though that may be). No, Cabrerets is also a place full of talent! You'll find a a vibrant community of craftspeople and artists who breathe their passion into every creation and keep a tradition of local craftsmanship alive.
🎨 Opposite our restaurant La Roue, you won't want to miss the painter and engraver Anne Turlais' art gallery.
🗿 In the Place du Communal just behind, you'll notice some statues on a bench! This is the work of sculptor Laure Gaudebert. Come and meet her in her studio!
👩🏻🌾 A few steps away, at the end of the square, you'll see the the basketry Vannerie du Célé our beloved basket-maker Yannoëlle Lemoine weaving superb baskets. Like us, try your hand at one of her courses, for a day or a weekend. Some of her creations adorn our guest rooms.
🏺 Walk 200m up the road to the Pech Merle caves, and you'll fall in love with the pottery by Jérémy Boyer... and her generosity! In our restaurant, La Roue, we have pieces from the Cabrerets pottery, so you can enjoy Cheffe Marjorie's dishes even more.
Village shops
Now, we're not going to lie, Cabrerets is no New York, but despite its size very modestBut there's still plenty to pamper your visitors with.
🥖 The Du Moulin au Fournil bakery is known far and wide for its delicious bread! Whether you opt for the ball of Pech Merle bread with its famous floured hand, slices of scallop bread enriched with dried fruit, or for the famous pastis quercynoisYou'll be spoiling your taste buds with this traditional cake.
🛒 Valéry and Valérie welcome you to thegrocery shop in Cabrerets, which also serves as a newsagent and tobacconist, is packed with local specialities, from duck to Cahors wine, Rocamadour cheeses, walnut cakes and precious lavender skincare products.
😋 If you're lucky enough to be in Cabrerets on Friday morning, then don't miss his market ! Various local producers will be exhibiting, including Anne-Laure Sentenac and her Erba Fola, top-quality organic plants and flowers grown in Cabrerets itself, to enjoy and treat yourself.
Headache-free parking
Ah, now let's talk about parking (because, yes, finding a parking space on holiday can sometimes be a bit of a drama 😂). Fortunately, parking in Cabrerets is pretty well organised.
You can usually park right in the middle of the village on the Place du Communal. However, in July and August, when the village is very busy (although that's relative!), there's a communal pay car park 100m further up the road.
There are also usually spaces in the beach car park, almost opposite the bakery, along the banks of the Célé.
A word of advice: we obviously recommend that you park with due respect for the private property of local residents. Apart from risking a parking ticket, you wouldn't want to make a local grumpy, would you? 😉
And for a treat?! La ROUE of course!
🍴 Because after a good walk, you're bound to want to eat well, we invite you to join us at La Roue restaurant. Cheffe Marjorie will be cooking up a tasty, creative cuisine based on local produce. Maggy is there to serve you and recommend a good wine to accompany your dishes! 🍷
Now you have all the information you need to enjoy your stay in Cabrerets. Most importantly, treat yourself!