The scheduled itinerary is subject to change.
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France
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7 Days
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From € 2,250
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Level: Easy/Moderate
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Overview
We invite you to experience a Camino in the Célé Valley of the Lot region, France. It is our pleasure to design and host this 7-day event, which includes a moderate level of hiking, blended with an array of food and wine experiences that are specialities of the south west of France. The weather is normally mild and dry in October with beautiful autumnal colours throughout the countryside. And while we can’t guarantee blue skies and sunshine, we can promise lots of fun and the chance to discover one of the most beautiful places in France. It’s an opportunity to recharge and reconnect in good company.
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Highlights
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Destination
Located just under two hours drive from Toulouse, the Lot Valley is a hidden gem, tucked away in a tiny corner of southwest France. It’s a secluded world of medieval cliff-top hamlets, Romanesque abbeys, open-air markets, ancient châteaux, golden limestone cliffs and miles of undulating green countryside. Located in the Causses du Quercy UNESCO Global Geopark, it’s a haven for those seeking peace and connecting with nature. The region is home to the world famous Malbec wine and is famed for it’s delicious food (think Quercy lamb, foie gras, magret and confit of duck, cured meat, cheese, chestnuts, walnuts, prunes, saffron and truffles).
Your Stay
Le Moulin is an exclusive holiday rental villa that combines rustic charm with high standards of personalised service for up to 10 guests. Owned and managed by former hoteliers, the Gysling family, this newly renovated 16th century watermill is available to rent on a weekly basis from May to October. Guests enjoy the privacy of the grounds, swimming pool and riverbank, as well as the option of exploring the Lot region of France which is noted for it’s food, wine, culture and stunning scenery on the pilgrim’s path to Santiago de Compostela.
 10 Guests |  3 Double Rooms |  2 Twin Rooms |  5 En Suite Bathrooms |  Private Heated Pool |
Sample Itinerary
Tap the + sign to read more about each day.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL - RIVER CÉLÉ FOREST LOOP
DAY 1 (Friday)
- Pick-up at Toulouse airport
- Welcome drink
- River Célé Forest Loop
- Apéro in the Tower Bar
- Dinner at Le Moulin
The warmest of welcomes awaits you when you arrive at Le Moulin. Once we’ve popped some bubbles, we’ll check everyone into their respective rooms. Later, we’ll take a short walk together.
RIVER CÉLÉ FOREST LOOP
5km – Duration 1 hour
Departing from Le Moulin, we take a stroll along the grass path on the banks of the river Célé, turning left at the top of the road, crossing Saint-Sulpice bridge and following the forest track on the far side of the river. After about half an hour, we turn left, cross Brengues bridge and return to Le Moulin. This is an easy and delightful walk, perfect as a warm up for the week ahead.
Early evening, we’ll gather in the Tower Bar for an Apéro followed by a traditional 3-course dinner prepared by local chef, Eloise.
DAY 2 - LE MOULIN TO SAINT-SULPICE
DAY 2 (Saturday)
- Breakfast
- Le Moulin to Saint Sulpice
- Lunch at The President Brasserie
- Market @ Cajarc
- Wine tasting with Laurent
- Supper and Singalong in the Tower Bar
LE MOULIN TO SAINT SULPICE
We start off at Le Moulin, heading up the steep hill towards the Causses du Quercy cliffs. It’s a forest track most of the way followed by a little bit of road walking. However, traffic is minimal. We’re more likely to see a tractor or a fellow hiker than a car. Heading left, we go through a forest and then arrive at the viewing point up above Saint Sulpice. Then we begin our descent towards the village and back to Le Moulin.
Today, we will visit the market in Cajarc, noted for its great ambiance and excellent local products. First, we’ll have lunch in the President Brasserie and afterwards, everyone is free to visit the market at their leisure. In the early evening, we’re invited for some wine tasting with our friend Laurent in ‘Au Fils des Saisons’. When we’re fed and watered, we return to Le Moulin.
DAY 3 - ESPÉDAILLAC TRAIL
DAY 3 (Sunday)
- Breakfast
- Les Caussenardes à Espédaillac
- Lunch at Auberge Beauville
- Apéro in the Tower Bar
LES CAUSSENARDES À ESPÉDAILLAC
Espédaillac is a charming village just 12km from Le Moulin. We’ll begin our hike in the village and follow a circular loop of 7km, exploring ancient dolmens, cazals and diverse flora and fauna. The landscape has been largely shaped by sheep farming. We’ll see lots of sheep!
After a morning of hiking, we head to Auberge Beauville for lunch, which is very popular with locals. This cozy inn offers warm hospitality and delicious local cuisine, including duck confit, foie gras, and truffle-infused dishes. Pair your meal with a glass of Cahors wine to complete the experience. Espédaillac and Auberge Beauville provide a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and culinary delight.
DAY 4 - ESPAGNAC TRAIL
DAY 4 (Monday)
- Espagnac Trail – Balade de Prieuré
- Packed lunch stop in Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie
- Gourmet dinner at Le Moulin
ESPAGNAC TRAIL
Length – 9.8km Elevation gain 301m Route type – Loop
Transport will be available to drive us to the start point in the small village of Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie. This hike, located in the Causses du Quercy regional natural park, begins in the small village of Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie. Hiking mainly in the forest, this route runs along the Célé river and offers beautiful views. In the village, you can see a charming church and an old monastery from the 13th century.
Michelin star chef Claude-Emmanuel will work his magic to take us on a gastronomic journey exploring the finest produce that the Lot region has to offer. Experience and enjoy a six-course menu with wine pairings.
DAY 5 - CHÂTEAU DE HAUTE-SERRE
DAY 5 (Tuesday)
- Vineyard Tour
- Wine Tasting
- Lunch at Château de Haute-Serre
CHÂTEAU DE HAUTE-SERRE
This is our ‘day off’ when we travel to Cahors where Malbec wine originated over two thousand years ago. Travelling through the Célé and Lot Valleys, we arrive at Château de Haute-Serre for a tour of the vineyard, some wine tasting and a delicious rotisserie Sunday lunch. We return to Le Moulin for an afternoon of rest and relaxation.
DAY 6 - BRENGUES SENTIER DES ANGLAIS HIKE
DAY 6 (Wednesday)
- Breakfast
- Brengues Sentier des Anglais hike
- Apéro at Katy’s
- Dinner at Chez Hélène
BRENGUES SENTIER DES ANGLAIS HIKE
We hop on our bikes to Brengues – one of our local villages. It’s a 5 km cycle and flat all the way. We can safely leave our bikes at Katy’s, our local bakery, restaurant, pub, shop and post office all rolled into one! The hike starts at the church of Brengues, just beside Katy’s. This is a moderate walk of approximately 2.5 hours. There’s an initial steep climb but you are rewarded with a panoramic view over the Célé valley. We pass the Château des Anglais de Brengues at around 290 m altitude. Perched dozens of metres above the road below, the Château de Brengues stands proudly as a symbol of local heritage. These troglodyte edifices are known as “English castles”; a term used to designate the buildings that adorn the Lot and Célé valleys. We will have gone up a hill but we’’ll have a feeling that we’ve gone back in time. Following the GR 651 Santiago de Compostela track, we pass through fields and forests, returning to Brengues for a refreshing beverage.
Massages / yoga will be available in the afternoon if required. Prices available on request. Dinner this evening will be in the enchanting restaurant, Chez Hélène, one of our favourite places to dine in the Lot region.
DAY 7 - SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE
DAY 7 (Thursday)
- Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
- Hike Le Chemin de Halage
- Lunch at Gourmet Quercynoise
- Supper at Le Moulin
SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE
A pleasant drive along the Célé and Lot valleys brings us to the spectacular Bouziès towpath, otherwise known as le Chemin de Halage. This unusual path used to be a hive of activity in the 1800s hundreds where goods such as wood, stone, tobacco, coal, dried goods and wine were towed both upstream and downstream by horses. It’s 4km in length where we will walk among cliffs sculpted by local artists which tell the history of the region. We arrive in the pretty village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie for a traditional lunch in the Gourmet Quercynoise. There will be plenty of time to explore the town and pick up some goodies to bring home. We recommend climbing up the hill to the viewing point. On the journey back to Le Moulin, we will stop off at the Musée de l’insolite, featuring weird and wonderful objects of art.
Farewell supper in the Tower Bar.
DAY 8 - FAREWELL
DAY 8 (Friday)
- Breakfast and Farewell
- Drop off at Toulouse airport
Dates & Pricing
When to Come
We recommend:
Spring or Autumn for the most vibrant trails and tranquil weather.
Price
€ 2,250 per person
Based on 2 adults sharing / 8-10 guests
Flight Options
We recommend:
From Dublin to Toulouse: Aer Lingus
From London to Toulouse: British Airways
All flights bookable and payable by guests directly
The Call of the Camino – Read from Deirdre’s Diary
Make a booking enquiry
What’s Included?
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Optional Extras: Prices on request
- Yoga by the river
- Massage
- Sauna Mobile – La rou’LOT vapeur
- Canoeing on the river Célé
- Wine delivery
- Stocking of Tower Bar
Not Included
Payment Policies
Payment & Cancellation Schedule
At time of reservation: 25% of trip cost
90 days prior to departure: Balance
Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Your Guide and Hosts
Meet your hosts for an unforgettable hiking holiday in the Lot. Deirdre McGlone, a hospitality expert and former owner of Harvey’s Point Hotel, brings her passion for customer care and love for hiking to your adventure. Marc Gysling, a Swiss hospitality expert and owner of Le Moulin sur Célé, ensures every detail is perfect. Audrey, your experienced hiking guide, will lead you through the stunning landscapes of the Lot, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the region. Together, they create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making your hiking holiday an experience to remember.
Audrey Tindilière
Hiking Guide
Audrey Tindilière is a hiking guide. After over 20 years in tourism, including 15 years in holiday villages, she earned a professional qualification in 2022. Her goal is to help you discover the Lot differently. Let’s take the time to understand, know, and admire the nature around us, to better preserve it.
Deirdre McGlone
Host
Deirdre McGlone is a hospitality expert, keynote speaker, and former owner of Harvey’s Point Hotel, known for her passion and excellence in customer care. She is also an avid hiker, participating in events like the Donegal Camino.
Marc Gysling
Host
Marc Gysling is a Swiss hospitality expert, former co-owner of Harvey’s Point Hotel, and current owner of Le Moulin sur Célé in France, known for his attention to detail.
We’re happy to help should you require any additional information or assistance.
The warmest of welcomes awaits.
Deirdre & Marc
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Le Moulin sur Célé
46160 Saint-Sulpice
France
Tel. +33 6 73 12 71 74
Email: stay@lemoulinsurcele.com
GPS: 44°34’05.9″N 1°48’03.7″E
Opening Times:
Available for letting throughout the year
