Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park

Causses du Quercy is a protected area covering approximately 185,500 hectares of limestone plateaus carved by the Lot, Dordogne, Célé, and Ouysse rivers. Oak forests dominate the landscape, with valleys and gorges creating varied terrain across the region.

The protected area was established in October 1999 to safeguard traditional agricultural landscapes shaped by centuries of human settlement and farming. This designation recognized the importance of preserving both the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Local people gather at markets in Saint-Cernin and Montfaucon to sell regional products and handmade crafts, keeping these gathering spaces central to community life. These markets reflect how residents stay connected to their territory and traditions through everyday exchange.

The area can be explored through marked hiking trails that suit different fitness levels and lead through various landscape types. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and wear proper footwear, especially when exploring gorges and valleys.

The area contains numerous caves, sinkholes, and distinctive water pools known as 'lacs de St Namphaise' scattered throughout the landscape. These geological features formed over millennia through water erosion of the limestone bedrock.