What are the best campsites in Lot?
Between Gironde and Hérault, the Lot region offers a wide choice of campsites to make your holiday more enjoyable, more convenient and more fun for children. From 2 to 5 stars, with a swimming pool or by the river, quiet or with entertainment, close to a tourist site, a pretty town or in the middle of nature, here are the campsites in the Lot spread throughout the department. Take your pick!
To help you, here is our selection of the best campsites in the Lot to make your holiday an unforgettable experience:
Family campsite in the heart of the Lot
Les Arcades *** campsite, located in Saint-Pantaléon in Quercy Blanc, offers a peaceful natural setting between Cahors and Montcuq. Open from April to October, it offers 78 spacious pitches and a variety of accommodation options, from mobile homes to glamping. Its aquatic area with heated swimming pool, slides and paddling pool will delight young and old alike. Many facilities are available: playground, multi-sports ground, kids' club, restaurant, snack bar, grocery store, laundrette. Close to many tourist sites and hiking trails, it is an ideal starting point for exploring the region.
Charm and nature for exploring Cahors
The Rivière de Cabessut *** campsite is a family campsite located in Cahors, in the Lot region, on the banks of the river and surrounded by limestone cliffs and hills. Open from April to the end of September, it offers an ideal setting for lovers of nature and culture. It has pitches for tents/caravans as well as mobile home rentals. Facilities include a swimming pool, mini golf, playground, canoe hire, bar, grocery store/small shop on site, and free WiFi at reception. Hiking trails and mountain bike tracks start directly from the campsite. Close to the centre of Cahors, the campsite allows you to easily visit the town and its monuments, but also to access the remarkable sites of the Lot (Rocamadour, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, etc.) for a variety of excursions.
Close to Rocamadour: nature and heritage
Les Cigales **** campsite is located in L'Hospitalet near Rocamadour, in the Lot region, in the heart of the Dordogne valley. Open from April to November, it offers a wonderful immersion in a natural environment combined with the region's rich heritage. It offers 157 pitches as well as a variety of rentals: comfort or privilege mobile homes, wooden chalets and unusual caravans. The aquatic area is complete with a heated outdoor pool, indoor pool, two paddling pools (one indoor, one outdoor) and a hot tub. Services and activities include a kids' club, outdoor playground, games room, evening entertainment, pétanque and table tennis. The campsite is an ideal base for exploring Rocamadour and its cliffs, the Padirac chasm, the caves, the Dordogne and the surrounding wildlife parks, as well as enjoying hiking, cycling and water sports.
Peace, nature and ecology in the Lot (46)
Le Rêve *** is an eco-friendly campsite located in Le Vigan (Lot), in an 8-hectare wooded park between the Lot and Dordogne valleys. Open from April to September, it offers 60 pitches and a dozen types of accommodation (chalets, cabins, tents) designed to blend into the landscape. Facilities include: swimming pool + paddling pool, restaurant/bar, grocery store/bread depot, outdoor games, Wi-Fi, and numerous services focused on well-being and nature. Families, hikers and lovers of tranquillity will find refuge here. Its location is ideal for visiting the region's remarkable sites (Rocamadour, Gouffre de Padirac, Sarlat, etc.) while enjoying a secluded setting, surrounded by unspoilt nature.
What are the must-see treasures of the Lot?
Figeac, between history and living nature
Nestled at the foot of the Massif Central, Figeac immediately captivates visitors with its medieval charm, cultural dynamism and exceptional natural setting. A town of art and history, it offers a warm and authentic atmosphere, perfect for a family getaway. Strolling through its cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses is like taking a step back in time to the heart of historic Quercy.
But Figeac is not just about its past: it is also an ideal starting point for exploring the treasures of the Lot. Just a few minutes away, the Célé valley unfolds its peaceful landscapes, perfect for swimming, canoeing or hiking. In the distance, the first peaks of the Massif Central come into view, while the limestone plateaus of Quercy, classified as a regional nature park, offer spectacular panoramic views.
Don't miss the Champollion Museum – Les Écritures du Monde, a fascinating and entertaining place, perfect for curious minds of all ages. Housed in the birthplace of Jean-François Champollion, the famous decipherer of hieroglyphics, it offers a captivating journey through the civilisations and languages of the world.
Figeac is a lively, cultural and natural destination that appeals to heritage enthusiasts and families looking for a gentle adventure alike.
Gourdon, flavours of the Lot and medieval charm
Located in the north-west of the Lot, at the crossroads of Quercy and Périgord, the pretty town of Gourdon charms visitors with its authenticity and gentle way of life. Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Detours in France, this medieval town perched on a rocky hill offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and a historic centre full of character, with its narrow streets and ancient buildings.
Gourdon is also a must-see destination for lovers of local cuisine. The traditional market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings is a real feast for the senses: here you will find the best products of the Lot region - foie gras, black truffles from Quercy, lamb from the Causse, golden honey, crunchy walnuts, cep mushrooms and, of course, Cahors wine. It is a special time to stroll with the family, meet the producers and fill your basket with flavours.
In summer, Place Saint-Pierre comes alive with its evening farmers' market, ideal for sampling local dishes in a festive and friendly atmosphere, surrounded by remarkable heritage buildings.
Gourdon is a lively gourmet destination, perfect for families curious about culture, landscapes and good things to share.
Souillac, exceptional heritage and panoramic views of the Dordogne
Between Sarlat and Rocamadour, north of the Lot, Souillac occupies a privileged position in the heart of the Dordogne valley. This emblematic town of Quercy charms visitors with its rich architectural heritage, green landscapes and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a family visit.
Its undisputed jewel is Sainte-Marie Abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, which houses the famous sculpture of the prophet Isaiah, remarkable for its finesse, as well as a listed monumental organ dating from 1845, which is still used for concerts and visits.
A town of bridges and crossings, Souillac also invites visitors to discover its Borrèze railway viaduct, the Louis Vicat bridge – a tribute to the inventor of modern cement – and a more recent 300-metre bridge, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Dordogne valley.
With its lively streets, local markets, automaton museum and riverside walks and canoeing, Souillac combines culture, nature and relaxation for a stay rich in discoveries and shared pleasures.
Montcuq, humour, history and the gentle way of life of the South
In the heart of Quercy Blanc, Montcuq is a charming medieval village in the Lot department that combines heritage, art de vivre and a nod to popular culture. Dominated by its iconic 13th-century keep, it offers visitors sun-drenched stone streets, old houses and magnificent views of the surrounding hills.
Montcuq gained unique notoriety thanks to a cult sketch by Daniel Prévost and Pierre Bonte in 1976, which made it famous far beyond the region. The song "Le Sud" by Nino Ferrer, a local resident, also evokes the gentle way of life unique to this corner of France.
With its colourful market, local produce (don't miss the delicious Montcuq waffles!), art galleries and friendly atmosphere, Montcuq appeals to families and visitors in search of villages with character. A place full of charm, history and smiles, it's definitely worth a visit when you're in the Lot.
Puy-l'Évêque, balcony overlooking the Lot and land of wine
Clinging to the hillside in the heart of the Cahors vineyards, Puy-l'Évêque is one of the most beautiful villages in the south of the Lot. Perched on a promontory overlooking the river, it offers breathtaking views of the meandering Lot and rows of vines stretching as far as the eye can see.
This medieval village, with its steep narrow streets, golden stone houses and former episcopal palace, invites you to stroll around and discover its well-preserved heritage. Families can explore the cobbled alleyways, climb to the top of the tower to enjoy the panoramic view, or head down to the port for a trip on a traditional river boat.
The birthplace of the famous Cahors wine, Puy-l'Évêque is also a must-see for foodies and wine lovers. Between wine tastings in cellars, farmers' markets and summer events, the village combines wine-growing traditions and a gentle way of life in a picture-postcard setting.
Cabrerets, prehistoric coolness and swimming in the heart of nature
Nestled between cliffs and a river, Cabrerets is a small village in the Lot department that offers a refreshing and charming break in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park. Known for its Pech Merle caves, a veritable treasure trove of prehistoric art, it appeals to history buffs and families looking for relaxation alike.
In the caves, the natural coolness accompanies the discovery of some of the oldest and best-preserved cave paintings in Europe — a striking experience that is not to be missed.
But Cabrerets is also a great place to swim and relax. The village has a beach on the Célé river, ideal for a dip, a picnic or a break between excursions. With its picturesque setting, stone houses, footpaths and wild landscapes, Cabrerets is a nature and culture destination, perfect for young and old alike.
Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie, a haven of peace on the Way of St James
Nestled on the left bank of the Célé Valley, Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie is a hidden gem in the Lot region and a must-see during any stay in the area. This peaceful, unspoilt village charms visitors with its serene atmosphere, lush natural setting and heritage steeped in history.
An iconic stop on the Way of St James, it invites visitors to relax and contemplate. Its jewel in the crown is the beautifully preserved Val Paradis priory, which dominates the village and gives it a unique silhouette. A visit to this site, combining spirituality and architecture, is a real treat, whether you are a history buff or simply curious.
Surrounded by cliffs, shaded paths and bucolic landscapes, Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie is a place where time seems to stand still, ideal for a family getaway full of charm, authenticity and tranquillity.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, an iconic village in the Lot
Finally, it would be impossible to talk about the iconic places in the Lot without mentioning the unmissable village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, which is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. You can find all the information you need by clicking here.
Discover all the swimming spots in the Lot department
Discover all the swimming spots in the Lot department