Camping Les Rives du Céou

There’s more to Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park than trails and birdwatching: explore the Lot river and the Célé valley in a canoe or kayak, dive below the ground for caving and treasure hunts in the dark, brave the heights with a spot of cliff climbing or head to the centre of the park for some dark-skies stargazing. Rocamadour, built on a cliff face above the Alzou river 30 minutes’ drive from Les Rives, is a must-see: climb the Grand Escalier to reach the religious site that made Rocamadour a place of pilgrimage, then climb a bit further – the prettiness of the village is only rivalled by the views you’ll have once you reach its highest point. While you’re in the area, pay a visit to some of the spectacular caves near Rocamadour, to view the ancient cave paintings at Grotte Préhistorique des Merveilles or explore the underground waterways of Gouffre de Padirac. The stunning villages of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and La Roque-Gageac are both within 45 minutes’ drive of Les Rives and have many swish houses and gardens to visit. For a break from caves and villages, meet the wild and domestic animals of Europe at the Animal Park of Gramat, a 25-minute drive from the site, or take a trip on the Martel steam train, 40 minutes away.