Planning a Trip to Midi-Pyrenees

the best time for pictures of Saint Sernin's Church is early morning

Saint Cirq Lapopie is a village, it was elected several years ago most beautiful village of France.
You get the same feeling as if you go to Carcassonne. You are travelling in the time and you arrive at the middle age. The most village is a labelled as a historical monument, and it us protected since a long time, that's why we still can enjoy it today.
You can find inside some local food in the restaurants and bars.
As it is a village, you won't find a lot of nightlife. The best is to go there by car because the public transportation is not well developped. Bring all what you need before or buy it in Cahors or a city before.
The village is made with a main street (actually a small way where two cars can't cross). This paved street is going and passing in front of all of the stores and restaurant. There are well integrated in the stones. Some buildings are from the XIII century. The traditionnal church is dominating the village, its well decorated.
Directions : 25 km at the east from Cahors. Car park is BEFORE the village. After, it is not possible to park.
Here you can find a picture and a small map of the region : http://www.villagesdefrance.free.fr/page_st_cirq_lapopie.htm

Beautiful medieval buildings, including some bridges and an exquisite catholic cathedral (I'm not easily impressed by churches, but this one has as beautiful an interior in its own way as the one in Salisbury, UK).

Definitely worth a detour, or even a half-day trip (we were staying in Toulouse and did Carcassonne and Albi in one day, by car; while Carcassonne is the bigger attraction, I liked Albi a lot better).

Expect to have to walk to the sights; there is no place to park (nor, in many cases, to drive) near them.

Stay at the Citea Lourdes -- they have a kitchenette in every room and you can buy food at the local supermarket and cook some of your meals to save money! The hotel is clean, beds are comfortable, and it's located on the bridge by the river, less than a 5 minute walk to the Sanctuaries. We had a balcony facing the river -- great views! You can walk very easily through the town without having to take any public transportation. There are nightly Marian processions at the Sanctuaries/Grotto (except during the Triduum -- great time to visit, less crowds!). You can really feel a great peace and electricity through this town. It's at the foot of the Pyrenees so the views are gorgeous.

A really nice city in France. A wonderful market on Saturday mornings.

L'Hospitalet is the last little village in France before you find the tiny country Andorra. This little place has a lovely campsite which is a good base fro hiking around the pyrenees. L'Hospitalet is 1500 meters up, so even in the summer you'll need to prepare for cold nights. It will freeze!

the best time for pictures of Saint Sernin's Church is early morning