Autoire: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Nature

The Reculée d’Autoire is a pronounced indentation in the limestone plateau of the Causse de Gramat and an Espace Naturel Sensible. At 30 metres high, the Cascade d’Autoire is the highest waterfall in the Lot département. The area around the Cascade d’Autoire is an Espace Naturel Sensible and is home to remarkable plant and animal species.

The Cascade d’Autoire can be reached via a hiking trail approximately 1.2 km long from the car park on the outskirts of the village. From the centre of Autoire, a paved path leads along the left bank of the Autoire watercourse towards the waterfall. Along the way, a signposted path branches off to the Château des Anglais and the Roque d’Autoire; a circular route is possible beyond the waterfall.

The hike through the Reculée d’Autoire leads to a waterfall, an exceptional viewpoint from the cliff edge, and historic monuments in an Espace Naturel Sensible. The Circuit de la reculée d’Autoire is a moderately difficult 5.6 km walking route, takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and includes 239 metres of elevation gain. The rocks of Autoire are considered an important climbing area with more than 150 routes.

Those choosing Autoire as a travel destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.

Culture

A series of houses in Autoire, most of which were built after the Hundred Years’ War, forms the contours of the village centre. The Église Saint-Pierre d’Autoire was fortified during the Hundred Years’ War to serve as a place of refuge. Its apse features sculpted corbels with geometric motifs, human figures and animal depictions; inside, among other elements, the capitals and column bases are decorated with ornamental details.

La Roque d’Autoire has been protected as a Monument historique since 1925. The Chapelle Saint-Roch d’Autoire was built in the 15th century, presumably as a votive offering after a plague epidemic. It contains severely damaged 15th-century wall paintings, including a depiction of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, and is listed as a Monument historique.

Autoire offers a village tour that takes visitors to remarkable architectural monuments and natural features of the area.

Festivals and Food

In Autoire, the Feux de la Saint-Jean are traditionally celebrated on the Saturday or Sunday after the Fête de la musique; residents are invited to prepare sweets. The Autoire gourmet market generally takes place on the first Sunday in August and offers outdoor picnics, tastings or meals prepared by local producers.

Other village pages: Terrou, Fontanes, Flaujac-Poujols, Bagat En Quercy, Prendeignes, Gorses, Bouziès, Le Bourg

To the higher-level travel overview: Lot.