(Published January 2016, last updated June 2025)
First settled in the ninth century, the village of Autoire, nestled in a valley between two high ridges, has endured an often-violent and devastating history.
In the sixteen years between 1371 and 1387, when the English occupied the nearby Château des Anglais (accessible on the far side of the ridge) and Château de Loubressac during the Hundred Years War, the area fell and was retaken by the French several times.
Église Saint-Pierre
As the Hundred Years War continued, the eleventh-century church dedicated to Saint-Pierre was fortified, providing protection for the villagers. The bell tower was raised and openings added, from which soldiers were able to keep watch and fire on invaders. The church is all that remains from those earlier days and the new village has grown around it.
Place de la Fontaine
As you wander around town, keep an eye out for photos capturing the village in the early twentieth century, which are displayed on the exterior wall of the mairie and inside Auberge de la Fontaine.
The path towards Loubressac passes by former pigeon houses
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!
The GR 652 path climbs a steep ridge shortly after leaving Autoire
If you leave Autoire following the GR 652 to Loubressac, you’ll face a steep climb out of the valley. Near the top, a short detour will take you to the ruins of the twelfth-century Château des Anglais from where you’ll enjoy a spectacular vista back down over the village. Soon after, your efforts will be further rewarded with a view of the 30-metre-high waterfall as it cascades down the ridge. From this point, the walk to Loubressac is gentle and relaxed.
Lunch time at Crêperie de la Cascade—the furniture has changed since this photo was taken, but the delightful view has not!
In the guidebook, I describe a less challenging route to reach Loubressac following the D135. If you take this path, it is still possible to view the waterfall from the base by following the marked path from the village. And the view back to the village as you begin the gentler climb along the D135 is almost as good!
Enjoying an afternoon drink at Auberge de la Fontaine
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Autoire?
Martel to Rocamadour
Look inside the MARTEL TO ROCAMADOUR (PDF) guidebook
Where is Autoire, France? Find it on Google maps
Autoire is located 79.7 kilometres (49.8 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 nine-day walk, you’ll arrive in Autoire at the end of the sixth day of walking—after a short ten kilometre (six mile) walk from Bretenoux. This relaxed pace allows plenty of time to visit the fresh food markets as you leave town (held in Bretenoux on Tuesday and Saturday mornings) and to stop and explore Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux.
The next village of Loubressac is slightly more than five kilometres further along and if you wish to reduce this walk to eight days, this is a good day to push on and make up some time.
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).
Transport options to and from Autoire
There is no public transport servicing Autoire but there are taxi services based in nearby Bretenoux:
Christophe Bonnet (05 65 10 88 12) and Taxi Martinez (05 65 10 90 90).
Tourist Office in Autoire
There is no official Tourist Office in Autoire but you’ll find helpful staff at the mairie (council), located near to the church overlooking the ridge. 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 two cafés, an ice-creamery, a bakery (boulangèrie) and a small supermarket in Autoire where you can stop for lunch, buy picnic supplies or stock up on trail mix.
For a light lunch, I can recommend Crêperie de la Cascade where the food is delicious and the view enchanting.
Auberge de la Fontaine serves a full lunch every day except Monday, and sandwiches and light snacks throughout the day. Although the restaurant is not open for dinner (and we found no other options for dinner), we were more than happy with a carafe of wine and the delicious sandwiches prepared by our host.
Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters
Purchase the Martel to Rocamadour (PDF) guidebook
