(Published August 2013, last updated March 2024)
Long ago, in the tenth century, Benedictine monks arrived in this corner of southern France. They built an abbey in a clearing in the forest beside the Célé River and lived here in peace for four hundred years.
In 1368, during the Hundred Years War, the abbey—dedicated to Saint-Pierre—was destroyed by the English invaders. It was rebuilt, only to be attacked again in the sixteenth century during the Wars of Religion.
All that remains intact is the Chapter House where the monks met each day, and which today houses a collection of carvings.
Entrance to Abbaye de Saint-Pierre
During the summer, guided tours of the ruins (en français) are available from the Tourist Office next door but visitors are free to wander through the remains of the abbey at any time.
Ask at the Tourist Office for a map of the village Les clefs de…Marcilhac-sur-Célé which will take you on a guided walk past fifteen historical sites and buildings, including the mill built by the monks in the Middle Ages, several grand nineteenth-century homes and the Tourist Office itself which is housed in a fifteenth-century half-timbered home.
Let’s take a walk around…
Eleventh-century tympanum above the entrance depicts Jesus seated above the saints Peter and Paul
Ruins of the Abbaye de Saint-Pierre
Courtyard beside the Chapter House
Houses clustered around the church
Bridge over the River Célé
The Tourist Office is housed in the fifteenth-century Maison du Roy
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Marcilhac-sur-Célé?
Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy (Stage 3: Figeac to Cahors)
Where is Marcilhac-sur-Célé, France? Find it on Google maps
Marcilhac-sur-Célé is located 290.8 kilometres (181.8 miles) along the Célé variante of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques—a relaxed 17-day walk from the starting point of Le Puy-en-Velay but if you are pressed for time, Marcilhac-sur-Célé can be reached quite comfortably in 14 days without sacrificing any of the highlights.
Click through to find my suggested itinerary for all five stages of the walk or click through onto each of the five stages to find faster itineraries.
If you prefer to set your own agenda, I share the steps I take to plan my itinerary on any long-distance walk (using the Chemin de Stevenson as a case study)
Canoe hire in Marcilhac-sur-Célé
When water levels permit, it is possible to travel along the Célé River by canoe or kayak. Passion Adventure (based in Marcilhac-sur-Célé) will transport your bags while you paddle—from Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie to Marcilhac-sur-Célé or from Marcilhac-sur-Célé to Cabrerets. Check the website for schedules, distances and prices.
Tourist Office in Marcilhac-sur-Célé
The Tourist Office is located next to the abbey but is open only during the summer months of July and August.
Download a copy of the map Les clefs de Marcilhac-sur-Célé or pick one up from the Tourist Office.
Accommodation in Marcilhac-sur-Célé
Options for accommodation in Marcilhac-sur-Célé are limited. If you are struggling to find a bed, Le Picarel (which is run by an English couple) is located two kilometres beyond the village.
Chambres d’hôtes
Le Picarel (4 rooms, 8 people)
Ferme de Cazals (3 rooms, 8 people)
Le Rocher des Remparts (1 room, 2 people)
Gîtes
Gîte de Galance (6 rooms, 15 people)
Gîte Saint-Pierre (4 rooms, 15 people)
How to book accommodation in French
Where to eat in Marcilhac-sur-Célé
There are a handful of cafés in Marcilhac-sur-Célé, some are open only during the summer months of July and August. Take your chances as you wander around the village or call into the Tourist Office and ask for recommendations.
If you need snacks for tomorrow’s walk, you’ll find a bakery and groceries down towards the river. And if your visit falls on a Tuesday during July or August, make the most of the evening market to stock up on fresh produce.
Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters
Purchase the 2024 editions of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques (PDF) guidebooks
Purchase five guidebooks covering Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Hello Melinda. Thank you for your beautiful description of Marcilhac. Little novelty : There are now 2 gîtes in the village. Indeed, we opened our gïte (the “Gîte de Galance”) in June 2015, and we are open all year, for pilgrims of St James and also for all ! 😉
And the Café des Touristes no longer makes meals, but is still a bar. For meals, you can go to the campsite of Pré de Monsieur: its restaurant is very good ! 🙂
Merci Jean, I’ll add you into the next revision of the guide book 🙂 Melinda
oh, i would love to go walking around this place, too. such a charming locale 🙂
halfwhiteboy
I am sure you would love it! It is a beautiful part of the world and there are so many interesting things to see!