Day 5 on the long-distance walk from Martel to Rocamadour brings you to Autoire – the fourth of the six ‘most beautiful villages’ on this walk – just in time for lunch!
Established 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 – an imposing structure, around which a new town was built after the war.
(First published January 2016, last updated September 2019)
Not a lot has changed during the last five hundred years and the stone and timber cottages you’ll walk past today look much the same as they did when earlier pilgrims passed through.
Take your time to wander through the village and enjoy the narrow streets and beautifully preserved buildings – and then stop for lunch, of course!
Stone houses line the narrow streets
Wisteria covers the Mairie
It’s time for lunch!
The GR 652 path leaves Autoire past ancient pigeon houses
Roses and a lace-curtained window on the GR 652 path out of town
A shady path through the forest just beyond the village
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Autoire?
Martel to Rocamadour
Where is Autoire, France? Find it on Google maps
Autoire is 10.5 kilometres (6.6 miles) past Bretenoux which is my recommended overnight stop for the fourth day of your walk. I suggest stopping in here in Autoire for lunch on the fifth day before continuing on to Loubressac for the night.
If you prefer to set your own agenda, I share the steps I take to calculate distances 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 their website.
Accommodation in Autoire
Hotel
Auberge de la Fontaine
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.
Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters
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
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