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Autoire (Martel to Rocamadour)

By Melinda Lusmore

Autoire, GR 652, France

(Published January 2016, last updated April 2024)  

Nestled at the bottom of a wide gorge surrounded by high limestone cliffs lies the medieval village of Autoire.

First settled in Roman times, Autoire was devastated during the Hundred Years War with the English during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. All that remains from those earliest days is the eleventh-century church dedicated to Saint-Pierre—an imposing structure, around which a new town was built after the war.

Église Saint-Pierre

Church, Autoire, GR 652, France

Not a lot has changed during the last five hundred years and the elegant stone-and-timber cottages with their subdued brown shutters and tiled roofs look much the same today as they did then.

The path towards Loubressac passes by former pigeon houses

Mairie, Autoire, GR 652, France

Wisteria covers the Mairie

Stone houses line the main street

Take your time to wander through the narrow streets and admire the beautifully preserved buildings which have earned Autoire its classification among France’s most beautiful villages—and then stop for lunch, of course!

Delightful view from Crêperie de la Cascade

Auberge de la Fontaine

A red and white blaze marks the GR 652 path

A red and white blaze marks the GR 652 path near Autoire

FAST FACTS

Which long-distance walk in France visits Autoire?
Martel to Rocamadour

Where is Autoire, France?  Find it on Google maps

Autoire is located 78.8 kilometres (49.3 miles) from the starting point of Martel.

The village is one of nine of France’s ‘most beautiful villages’ visited on this walk. The others are Martel, Turenne, Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Loubressac, Carennac and Rocamadour. 

If you are following my suggested itinerary for this eight-day walk, you’ll arrive in Autoire in time for lunch on the sixth day of walking—a relaxed pace which allows plenty of time to visit the fresh food markets before leaving Bretenoux (held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings) and to stop and explore Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux.  

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).

Tourist Office in Autoire

There is no official Tourist Office in Autoire but you’ll find helpful staff at the mairie (council), located in the middle of the village. Opening hours are listed on the mairie website.

Accommodation in Autoire 

Hotel
Auberge de la Fontaine

Chambre d’Hôte  
Manoir de la Roque Delprat (6 rooms, 12 people)

How to book accommodation in French

Where to eat in Autoire

You’ll find several cafés, a bakery (boulangèrie) and supermarket in the village where you can stop for lunch or dinner, buy picnic supplies or stock up on trail mix.

For something light, I can recommend Crêperie de la Cascade (pictured above) where the food is delicious and the view enchanting.

Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters    

Purchase the 2024 edition of the Martel to Rocamadour (PDF) guidebook

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About The Author – Melinda Lusmore

Hi! I’m Melinda, the walker behind I Love Walking in France. Nothing makes me happier than wandering through the picturesque villages and glorious countryside in rural France, and helping others to do the same. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or a little inspiration for your own long-distance walk, you’ll find everything you need right here. This website contains no sponsored posts or affiliate links. If I recommend a product, service or somewhere to stay, it’s because I’ve used it, loved it—and I think you will too!

Comments

  1. Ann says

    August 28, 2017 at 7:13 am

    We are mature age Australian couple planning a walk in October from carennac via Loubressac to Autoire.
    How difficult is it coming down the GR652 cliff to AUTOIRE I have looked at your Martel to Rocamadour wonderful walk.

    THANKS FOR HELP

    • Melinda Lusmore says

      August 28, 2017 at 7:07 pm

      Hi Ann and Ross,
      Nothing about it sticks out in my mind as being particularly difficult. Mostly this section is fairly flat and it’s always less tiring going down than up. I don’t think you’ll have any problems.
      Good luck! Melinda

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