I Love Walking In France

Inspiration, practical tips and guidebooks for long-distance walks in France

  • Home
  • About
  • Long-distance walking in France
  • Choose a walk
  • Inspiration
  • Practical tips
  • Guidebooks

Carennac (Martel to Rocamadour)

By Melinda Lusmore

Carennac, GR652, France

(Published January 2016, last updated April 2024)

Nine hundred years ago, in the eleventh century, Cluny monks built a monastery in a small clearing near the Dordogne River. A village soon developed around the abbey, a château was built next door and high walls protected the occupants. 

Today, this slice of medieval history, known as Carennac, is classified among France’s ‘most beautiful villages’. 

Carennac, GR652, France

Glimpse of the church of Saint-Pierre through the remparts

The focal point of Carennac is the church of Saint-Pierre with its magnificent entrance and ornately carved tympanum which dates from the twelfth century. Equally impressive is the adjoining cloister which was built in the fourteenth century following the Hundred Years War. 

Eglise Saint-Pierre, Carennac, GR652, France

The magnificent entrance to l’église Saint-Pierre

Entry to the church is free but entry to the cloister requires a token purchased from the Tourist Office (be sure to purchase one before the office shuts for the day—or for lunch).

When you call in to the Tourist Office, ask also for a map of the village, marked with almost twenty points of interest. You’ll find tiny chapels and ancient timbered houses—many tucked away in side streets that you might not otherwise explore.

What will you see as you wander around Carennac?

Timbered house, Carennac, GR652, France

Timbered houses in Carennac are typical of those found throughout the region. I’m told that the extensions on the upper floor were a way of increasing the floor space without increasing the payable taxes (which were based on the footprint of the house).

In medieval times, houses were covered in stucco to disguise the fact they were built of stone and, in cramped dark alleyways, it was often a requirement that they be painted in light colours. The stucco has since been removed to showcase the character and heritage of the building.

Café La Prieure

Cafe La Bodega, Carennac, GR652, France

Café La Bodega

Hotel La Farga, Carennac, GR652, France

Hotel La Farga

FAST FACTS

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

Where is Carennac, France?  Find it on Google maps

Carennac is located 100 kilometres (62.5 miles) from the starting point of Martel.

If you are following my suggested itinerary for this eight-day walk, you’ll arrive in Carennac at the end of the seventh day of walking—a relaxed pace which allows plenty of time to visit Gouffre de Padirac earlier in the day. 

Carennac is one of nine of France’s most beautiful villages visited on this walk. This itinerary allows plenty of time to relax and enjoy them all (Martel, Turenne, Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Autoire, Loubressac and Rocamadour) and to 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 Carennac

You’ll find the Tourist Office squeezed between Église Saint-Pierre and the adjoining cloister.

Accommodation in Carennac 

Hotel
Hostellerie Fénelon

Chambres d’Hôtes
La Farga (5 rooms, 20 people) book through your favourite hotel booking website

La Maison du Rocher (4 rooms, 15 people) 
Les Perluètes (3 rooms, 8 people)
La Petite Auberge (3 rooms, 6 people)
L’Instant Nouveau (3 rooms, 6 people)
Cour  du Prieuré-Cloître (2 rooms, 4 people)
Les Terrasses de Carennac (1 room, 2 people)

Campground
L’Eau Vive

How to book accommodation in French

Where to eat in Carennac

You’ll find several cafés, a bakery (boulangerie) and supermarket in the village where you can stop for lunch or dinner, buy picnic supplies or stock up on trail mix. My favourite is La Bodega café—for the food and the gift shopping!

A local produce market is held in Parc du Château on Tuesday evenings in July and August.

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

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

Checkout Added to cart

 

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!

Are you dreaming of a walk through the picturesque villages and glorious countryside of rural France and don’t know where to start?

Download your FREE guide now!

3 Steps to the Perfect Long-distance Walk

Your details stay here – no walking ever!
It’s a promise!

SEARCH

Come say hello at

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Are you dreaming of a walk through the picturesque villages and glorious countryside of rural France and don’t know where to start?

Download your FREE guide now!

3 Steps to the Perfect Long-distance Walk

Your details stay here - no walking EVER! It's a promise!

Copyright © 2025