What are the best campsites for visiting Cahors?
Whether you’re travelling by tent, caravan or motorhome, the area around Cahors is brimming with welcoming campsites that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. We’ve selected a few of the best sites to save you time.
3-star riverside campsite in Cahors, Lot (46)
Camping Rivière de Cabessut *** is ideally situated on the riverbank, just a few minutes from the historic centre of Cahors. Popular for its family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere, it offers spacious, semi-shaded pitches as well as comfortable accommodation, perfect for a family holiday in the countryside. With relaxation by the banks of the Lot, a swimming pool and outdoor activities, this campsite is an excellent base from which to explore the town. Open from April to September, it welcomes campers throughout the summer season.
4-star campsite with heated swimming pool near Cahors
Camping Les Reflets du Quercy **** is situated in Crayssac, around 15 km from Cahors, in the heart of the lush, green countryside typical of the Lot. Ideal for families and campers seeking peace and quiet, it offers spacious, shaded pitches as well as a wide range of leisure facilities, including a heated swimming pool, summer entertainment and sports facilities. Its peaceful setting and facilities make it the perfect destination to recharge your batteries whilst enjoying the region’s many tourist attractions. Open from April to September, it welcomes holidaymakers throughout the summer season.
3-star campsite with a swimming pool and water slide in Quercy and Occitanie
Camping des Arcades *** is located about 20 minutes from Cahors, in the heart of Quercy Blanc, in a peaceful, green natural setting. This family-friendly campsite charms visitors with its welcoming atmosphere and wooded setting, perfect for relaxation, with plenty of facilities for all ages, such as a heated swimming pool with slides, play areas and seasonal entertainment. Open from May to September, campers can enjoy spacious, shaded pitches or comfortable accommodation for a rejuvenating stay surrounded by nature.
3-star campsite with comfortable mobile homes near Cahors
Camping Les Graves *** is a family-friendly campsite located in Saint-Pierre-Lafeuille, on the hills above Cahors, just 11 km away, offering a peaceful natural setting amongst meadows and walnut groves. Popular for its unspoilt surroundings and panoramic views over the Lot valleys, it offers comfortable accommodation, ideal for a peaceful family holiday. On site, holidaymakers can enjoy a swimming pool, leisure facilities and services. Open from March to November, it welcomes campers over a long period so they can make the most of the region.
Discover all the campsites in the Lot by clicking here.
What are the must-see treasures of Cahors?
A family stroll through medieval Cahors
A stroll through the historic centre of Cahors is like stepping back in time through charming medieval alleyways, perfect for a family walk. Amidst old houses and elegant mansions, every turn reveals a new architectural gem in a peaceful and authentic atmosphere. The town also charms visitors with its green spaces, particularly its discreet ‘Secret Gardens’, which contribute to its ‘Remarkable Gardens’ designation and invite you to enjoy unexpected moments of nature amidst the heritage. Culture lovers can stop off at the Henri-Martin Museum, which showcases local art and history, or at the Cahors Resistance Museum, for an enriching experience suitable for older visitors.
You simply cannot miss the majestic Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Cahors, famous for its impressive domes, before continuing on to the legendary Valentré Bridge, a true symbol of the city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an essential stop on the Way of St James. To mix things up and keep the children entertained, themed guided tours are available, including a ride on a little tourist train or a pleasant cruise on the River Lot, offering a different perspective on the town and its surroundings.
Discovering the vineyards of Cahors
It’s hard to talk about Cahors without mentioning its famous vineyards, which have given their name to one of the south-west’s most iconic wines. The Cahors vineyards stretch across the sun-drenched slopes of the Lot Valley, offering rolling landscapes perfect for lovely family getaways. Here, the king of grape varieties, Malbec, produces wines full of character, to be discovered through encounters with passionate winemakers. Numerous estates and châteaux, typical of the region, open their doors to visitors for friendly tastings and educational tours, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history and local expertise. These properties, often full of charm and surrounded by vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, are ideal stops for combining cultural discovery with sensory pleasure. Between walks through the heart of the vineyards, panoramic views of the valley and stops at these iconic châteaux, this immersion in the world of wine perfectly complements a nature-filled stay around Cahors.
A fascinating trip to the Pech Merle Cave
Just 25 km from Cahors, the Pech Merle Cave is a must-see for the whole family. Nestled in a preserved natural setting, this prehistoric cave impresses with its wealth of cave paintings, including famous depictions of horses dating back over 20,000 years. The guided tour, suitable for children, allows you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of prehistory whilst discovering a spectacular natural setting of stalactites and stalagmites. Located just 12 km from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, voted one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, it fits perfectly into a day trip combining nature, culture and wonder. A fun and enriching experience, ideal to round off a camping holiday around Cahors.
Sports and leisure activities in the great outdoors around Cahors
The area around Cahors offers an ideal playground for families and outdoor enthusiasts, particularly in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, renowned for its unspoilt landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. There are numerous and varied hiking trails, ranging from easy walks suitable for families with young children to more challenging routes for experienced walkers, all offering superb panoramic views. Water sports are also very popular: the River Lot is perfect for canoeing and kayaking, as well as swimming, with several designated and safe areas ideal for cooling off in summer (find out more in our dedicated article). Cycling enthusiasts are not left out, with numerous signposted mountain bike trails winding through vineyards, forests and picturesque villages. Added to this are other outdoor activities such as rock climbing, paragliding and horse riding, allowing every member of the family to fully enjoy the region’s natural riches.
Local flavours and the Cadurcian way of life
No visit to Cahors would be complete without sampling its rich culinary heritage, starting with the market – a truly welcoming gathering where local producers and artisans showcase the very best of the region. As they stroll amongst the colourful stalls, families will discover iconic specialities such as the crispy, fragrant Tourtière, the famous Rocamadour cheese, Quercy walnuts, the delicious Périgord cep, not to mention the black Quercy truffle and the full-bodied wines of the local appellation. This culinary journey continues throughout the year with festive events open to all, such as the Lot of Saveurs in July, the Cahors Blues Festival also in July, and Cahors Plage, which brings the banks of the Lot to life in July and August with a summery, family-friendly atmosphere.
With its exceptional heritage, unspoilt nature, outdoor activities and culinary delights, Cahors and its surroundings offer all the ingredients for a successful camping holiday. Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the water, family adventures or cultural discoveries, this destination in the Lot will charm young and old alike with its authenticity and laid-back lifestyle. By choosing one of the campsites on offer, you’ll enjoy an ideal base from which to explore all the treasures of Cahors and experience a holiday close to nature, in a friendly and rejuvenating atmosphere.