Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

A medieval village clinging to a cliff 100 m above the Lot River, voted France's favourite village. Its steep cobbled lanes are lined with half-timbered houses and craft workshops, and the ruins of the castle at the top give a stunning view down the valley. The surrealist writer André Breton lived here.

It's beautiful early or late in the day, when the coach groups have gone. A towpath carved into the cliff leads along the river to Bouziès (about an hour), and in summer boats cruise the Lot. The Pech Merle cave, with prehistoric paintings, is nearby.