Picturesque village typical of Quercy. The traditional houses have corbelled fronts, brown-tiled roofs and pigeon lofts built into their walls.
Autoire, Lot
To the east of Dordogne on the edge of Causses du Quercy regional park
Fortunately tourism has done nothing to damage the tranquillity of Autoire, which is listed as one of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' (The Most Beautiful Villages in France).
It's not hard to see how it has earned this title as the narrow road that leads you into the town brings you directly to a pretty town square, complete with a fountain and overflowing flowers.
Events in Autoire
Events in Autoire
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Sights & Attractions in Autoire
The dramatic limestone cliffs are home to the Roque d'Autoire, also known as the Château des Anglais, an ancient fort set into the cliff above the town.
The walk up to the ruins is via a rather steep path, hard work in the blistering heat of a summers day. However, you will be rewarded with some fantastic views across the small valley, out over the plains of the vineyards and fruit trees and of the pretty town below.
Not far from the town of Autoire you will find the Gouffre de Padirac, an underground cavern and river that offers spectacular views of the stalactites and stalagmites of the Dordogne region.
Sights in Autoire
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Grottes de Presque, Saint-Cere
Enjoy a guided tour of the subterranean world of the Dordogne
These caves were originally discovered in 1825 and house some impressively large stalagmite pillars reaching up to 10 metres in height and varying in colour.
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La Roque d'Autoire (Chateau des Anglais), Autoire
Ruined fort built into the cliff, high above the town of Autoire
The original fortified castle and surrounding village are thought to have been built at some point in the 13th century and further added to in the 15th century.
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Eglise Saint-Pierre Church, Autoire
12th century catholic church in the town of Autoire
Situated in the heart of the town of Autoire, this 12th century catholic church is like many others in the Quercy region and was fortified during the Hundred Years War.
Dining in Autoire
There are only two restaurants in the town but both have terraces so that you can enjoy the comings and goings of the town and the views that it offers.
Restaurants in Autoire
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Jehan de Valon Restaurant, Rocamadour
Elegant restaurant with panoramic views
Restaurant within l'Hotel Beau Site located at the heart of the mediaeval village of Rocamadour.
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Le Pont de l'Ouysse Restaurant, Lacave
Restaurant of Le Pont de l'Ouysse Hotel
Michelin star restaurant with 14 immaculate rooms in the Lacave region.
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Saint Jacques de Compostelle Restaurant, Collonges-la-Rouge
Dining bliss at the centre of town
Large bright dining rooms and a flowery terrace set the scene for a delicious meal. In the winter your food can be enjoyed in front of the large open fire place and in the summer, out on the open terrace looking out over town and surrounding countryside.
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La Dinee du Viguier Restaurant, Figeac
Creative cuisine from chef Daniel Authié
This restaurant in the old guard rooms of the Château du Viguier Royal, makes this old mansion-house kitchen alive again. The chef, Daniel Authié, creates cooking art which mixes contemporary and traditional flavours. The sommelier and head waiter, Bernard Badia, offers helpful advice on the food characteristics and complementary wines.
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L'Esplanade Restaurant, Domme
Great truffle specialities
Perched on a cliff, the Hôtel l'Esplanade has a great setting with good rooms and more importantly, a fantastic restaurant.
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Manoir d'Hautegente Restaurant, Saint-Amand-de-Coly
Traditional gastronomy meets modern flair in beautiful location
The restaurant of this excellent 4-star hotel is one of the best in the region. The manor building is set in beautiful grounds, and chef, Ludovic Lavaud, harmoniously matches local products and traditional cuisine with a touch of oriental perfume. The cave is exceptional too.
Things to do in Autoire
Apart from enjoying a coffee or meal in this delightful place, you'll find yourself keen to explore the small streets and enjoy the architecture of the town. Honey coloured houses with turrets, and fronts covered in ivy, will make you envious of the owners.
Another treat is to take a hike along the valley by the river to the waterfalls situated at the foot of the limestone cliffs. This hike through the forest offers a welcome respite from the strong rays of sun and a beautiful site at the end with the water cascading over moss-covered rocks.
For a slightly longer and more challenging walk you can complete the 'cirque' (circuit) back to town on the far side of the river, taking a detour up to the Roque d'Autoire and the ruins of the Château des Anglais.
If you prefer something a little more relaxing, the town is the perfect setting to get out your watercolours and to do a little sketching. You may well find groups of tourists already sitting on stools with sketchbooks in hand, so why not join them.
Things To Do in Autoire
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Carennac Aventure Watersports, Carennac
Canoeing, kayaking and hiking along the Dordogne river
Situated at the foot of Carennac village this watersports centre offers more than just fun on the water! They offer three main activities; canoeing or kayaking, group canoeing with up to six people in the same boat, and adventure trekking with overnight camping out in the wild.
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Rocamadour Aventure, Rocamadour
Aerial adventure course in the forests of the Dordogne
Aerial adventures including treetop ladders, zip lines, cave routes and rocks faces to climb. This adventure park offers a mix of everything to keep the whole family entertained.
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Foret des Singes Wildlife Park, Rocamadour
See the endangered Barbary Macaque roaming in this wildlife park
This wildlife park is dedicated to the Barbary Macaque monkey who roams free in the 20 hectares of woodland.
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Le Petit Train de Rocamadour, Rocamadour
Train tour from the car park to the centre of Rocamadour
In true French style Le Petit Train will take you on your short journey from the bottom of Rocamadour to the town centre above you.
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Durandal Vs Excalibur Equestrian Show, Rocamadour
Historical drama told with amazing equestrian acrobatics
An hour long horse show and theatre production that is based on the rivalry between the English and the French with lively, action-packed fun.
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Le Rocher des Aigles Ecoparc, Rocamadour
Bird park with eagles, vultures, owls & many more winged species
Nestled in the heart of the Quercy region at the very top of the town of Rocamadour this park allows you the chance to meet some wonderful birds.
Watersports in Autoire
Watersports in Autoire
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Carennac Aventure Watersports, Carennac
Canoeing, kayaking and hiking along the Dordogne river
Situated at the foot of Carennac village this watersports centre offers more than just fun on the water! They offer three main activities; canoeing or kayaking, group canoeing with up to six people in the same boat, and adventure trekking with overnight camping out in the wild.
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Canoes Loisirs Watersports, Vitrac
Kayak & canoe rental on the Dordogne river south of Sarlat
Offering various routes along the Dordogne river to enjoy the sights of the Perigord Noir region. Discover hidden treasures during a relaxing journey down the river.
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Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Canoe hire on the Dordogne river through the beautiful Perigord
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
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Canoe Dordogne
Enjoy a gentle kayak down the river Dordogne from La Roque Gageac
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Canoe holidays on the river Dordogne
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Explore the Vézère valley from the peace & tranquillity of the river
This area provides water-sports for all ages. Renowned for its architectural heritage and sites of natural beauty, you will find that paddling is a great way to relax and have fun whilst enjoying the scenery.
Holiday Rentals in Autoire
Holiday Rentals in Autoire
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Maison La Seguinie Villa, Martel
4 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 10
A recently built house owned by an architect and an interior designer who have created a beautifully finished property that evokes the local style yet is thoroughly modern, exuding flair and taste.
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Lou Calvel Villa, Cazals
2 bedroom Villa in Cazals. Sleeps 5
A haven of tranquillity, Lou Calvel sits within private woodland in the picturesque Lot region of South West France where the densely forested landscape teems with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Hedgerows of bluebells, posies and colourful orchids provide both walkers and keen photographers with much to admire while local market stalls always offer a wealth of freshly harvested, seasonal produce including asparagus, herbs and a wide variety of wild mushrooms.
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La Croix Villa, Prats-du-Périgord
3 bedroom Villa in Prats-du-Périgord, South West France. Sleeps 8
This recently renovated semi-detached stone village house is a delightful addition to our collection of properties in the picturesque Dordogne region. Situated along one of the narrow lanes in the village of Prats-du-Périgord, La Croix is a restoration that blends the traditional with the contemporary to great effect.
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La Cloche Villa, Prats-du-périgor
3 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 8
Surrounded by a patchwork of fields and forests in the picturesque Perigord Noir area, the charming village of Prats-du-Perigord, with its honey coloured stone buildings topped with pitched roofs of deep red tiles, is most typical of the region.
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La Maison Fleurie Villa, Frayssinet-le-Gelat
2 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 4
The undulating countryside north of the River Lot is dotted with chestnut woods and stone villages. In a tiny hamlet, close to the border with the Dordogne (3km), sits La Maison Fleurie, a picturesque stone cottage, adorned with pots of colourful flowers.
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La Sérénité Villa, Najac
4 bedroom Villa in Aveyron. Sleeps 8
Nestling on the side of a hill at the end of a hidden valley, close to the medieval bastide of Najac, the first glimpse of La Sérénité, framed by walnut trees, is its steeply pitched roof atop beautifully restored stone walls. As you arrive along the sweep of drive, the impressive stone façade of this stunning property is revealed in all its glory.
Hotels in Autoire
The only hotel in the town in the lovely Auberge de la Fontaine situated right in the heart of the village, overlooking the pretty central square and fountain. The building itself dates to the 18th century and offers a tranquil environment for visitors.
Hotels in Autoire
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Le Turenne Hotel, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
12th Century building on formerly fortified city walls
Le Turenne is full of character and features a number of intriguing centrepieces, including a 15th century spiral stone staircase, large arched windows and a sizeable terrace.
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Le Beaulieu Hotel, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
Peaceful living in medieval Beaulieu
Located just a 5 minutes stroll from the riverbanks of the Dordogne and situated in the centre of the picture perfect medieval town, the hotel is the perfect spot from which you can explore or simply enjoy your harmonious surroundings.
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Les Flots Bleus Hotel, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
'The house full of light...'
Set on the Rivière Espèrance in peaceful Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, you will immediately feel the calm as you hear the water pass and relax on the terrace or in your contemporary styled room.
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La Terrasse Hotel, Meyronne
Former summer residence of the bishops of Tulle
From the early 11th century, this castle was coveted by several turbulent lords. It then became the summer residence of the bishops of Tulle, and successively had to endure the wars of religion followed by those of the French Revolution.
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Jeanne Maison B&B, Collonges-la-Rouge
Picture perfect 15th Century Tower
Brigitte and Pascal will welcome you with open arms into their stunning 15th Century tower, which houses a total of 5 unique guest rooms.
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Relais Saint Jacques de Compostelle Hotel, Collonges-la-Rouge
Authenticity in the very centre of town
A warm welcome is assured upon arrival at this cosy and pleasingly authentic hotel. With rich red bricks, hanging baskets and unique style, it stands as the ideal base from which you can explore. It is also the only hotel in the centre of town and can only be accessed by foot for the majority of the day.
How to get to Autoire
Situated in the north of the Lot department and close to the Upper Dordogne river the town of Autoire is not far from neighbouring town of Saint-Cére and the well-known pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. A horseshoe of limestone cliffs offer a pleasant backdrop and some delightful countryside to explore.
Property For Sale in Autoire
Property for Sale in Autoire
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Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
Manor for sale around Sarlat la Caneda
In a typical environment of the Dordogne, superb set of properties with a mansion with a living room of 68m2 and 6 rooms and a listed 3 bedrooms cottages and private pool, a second holiday 3 bedrooms, large heated pool, in a lovely over 1.8 hectares garden.
Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
€1,410,000 -
Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
5 bedroom chateau for sale
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
€967,200 -
Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569
9 bedroom character house for sale
This property is located close to the village shops, about 10 minutes from Montignac town and 40 minutes from Brive airport.
Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569
€700,000 -
Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Magnificent chartreuse north of Les Eyzies for sale
The property,dating from the 17th century, lies in a quiet, open valley, fed by a small stream.
Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
€3,500,000 -
Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684
4 bedroom house for sale
Located about 50 minutes away from Bergerac airport, this house has a living space of 265m2 and a garden of 6398m2 of land.
Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684
€465,000 -
Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
3 bedroom house for sale
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.
Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
€249,000























































