(Published November 2013, last updated June 2025)
Towards the end of the twelfth century, two noblemen approached Raymond V, Count of Toulouse, with a proposal to build a château and 200 houses on a hill in the Quercy region, known now as the village of Lauzerte.
It was perhaps, the start of the very first housing development in France—and they’ve been popping up ever since!
A little inspiration for the last kilometre or two of walking
Today Lauzerte is classified as one of France’s ‘most beautiful villages’—and is one of eleven you’ll visit walking along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy.
Protected by the towers and six gates (portes en français) that control the entrance to the town, Lauzerte was the earliest version of the bastide, or fortified town, which provided a strategic defence post for the rulers of the time.
Place des Cornierès
As you arrive in the heart of the village, entering Place des Cornières, call in to the Tourist Office and ask for the map – Lauzerte, Itinéraire d’une Bastide. The brochure shares a little of the history of the village and will guide you past ten of the most historic buildings and streets.
Place des Cornières is a popular meeting place for walkers each afternoon
Place des Cornières has been the hub of Lauzerte since its beginning—it has been the site of fresh food markets, festivals and, during the French Revolution, public executions.
Although much of the city walls and portes are gone, there are plenty of medieval buildings and houses remaining in the village to make a stroll through the back streets worthwhile.
Grand Rue, Rue de la Garrigue and Rue de la Mairie are lined with stone-and-timbered houses dating from the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries.
Stone houses and galleries along Rue de la Mairie
A walk along these streets leads you to Place du Château, which has glorious views over the countryside (sadly, the Château itself is no longer standing).
The streets of Lauzerte offer a 360 degree view over the countryside
The spectacular setting and charming alleys have long drawn artists of all genres to the village. As you wander the streets, you’ll pass galleries and workshops displaying local creations made from ceramics, paper and fabric as well as painted artwork and photography.
An iron sculpture by Didier Soligon is attached to a wall opposite Arts Points de Vue
Arts Points de Vue houses five exhibition rooms displaying contemporary artworks while, directly below at Didier Soligon, you’ll watch a master craftsman as he creates beautiful sculptures from forged iron. You’ll find many examples of his work scattered throughout the village.
Next to Jardin du Pèlerin, a large canon serves as a reminder of the strategic importance of the village in defending the area.
At the foot of the ancient remparts lies Jardin du Pèlerin. A path through the garden traces the journey followed by pilgrims along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques, using poetry and photographs to depict their experiences of joy and comradeship, as well as the day-to-day hardships and challenges.
The main square of Lauzerte features an unusual curl in the paving near the church
A church dedicated to Saint-Barthélémy is located across the village square. Built in the thirteenth century, the church has been enlarged and refurbished many times and now the doorway is all that remains from the original structure.
Rue du Marché leads onto Place des Cornières
A glance through the Guide des Festivités produced by the Tourist Office reveals that something happens in Lauzerte almost every day! These events may be as simple as a concert in the church, while at other times, larger events in the village can draw visitors from further afield and place additional pressure on accommodation.
If you know you’ll be in Lauzerte at the same time as a local event, it’s advisable to book your bed early!
Wisteria vines add to the charm on an art studio in Rue de la Garrigue
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Lauzerte?
Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy (Stage 4: Cahors to Eauze)
Look inside the CHEMIN DE SAINT-JACQUES (PDF) guidebook
Where is Lauzerte, France? Find it on Google maps
Lauzerte is located 386.8 kilometres (241.8 miles) along the traditional Chemin de Saint-Jacques path.
My preferred route follows the variante from Figeac through the Célé valley which increases the distance to 407.7 kilometres (254.8 miles)—a 23-day walk from the starting point of Le Puy-en-Velay, but if you are pressed for time, Lauzerte can be reached quite comfortably in 18 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).
Lauzerte is one of eleven ‘most beautiful villages’ you’ll visit along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques du Puy. The others are Saint-Côme-d’Olt, Estaing, Conques, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Auvillar, La Romieu, Larressingle, Montréal-du-Gers, Navarrenx and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Transport options to and from Lauzerte
Lot bus line 875 Cahors—Lauzerte operates on weekends and public holidays from June to September, with daily services in July and August, connecting Lauzerte to Montcuq, Barguelonne and Cahors.
Tarn-et-Garonne bus line 807 Lauzerte—Moissac—Castelsarrasin operates on school days, connecting Lauzerte to Moissac in the morning and making the return trip in the early afternoon (Wednesdays) or late afternoon (other days).
Tourist Office in Lauzerte
You’ll find the Tourist Office on Place de Cornières. Opening hours are listed on the Tourist Office website.
Download the guided map of the village.
Accommodation in Lauzerte
Whether you prefer the anonymity of hotels, the personalised service of a chambre d’hôte, the camaraderie of a gîte or are making the most of your budget, you’ll find something to suit in Lauzerte. Options include:
Hotels
Le Quercy
Chambres d’hôtes
Les Figuiers (5 rooms, 10 people)
La Luciole du Chemin (2 rooms, 5 people)
Castelmac (1 room, 4 people)
Des Couteliers (1 room, 3 people)
Gîtes
Les Figuiers (30 people)
Gîte Communale (15 people)
Gîte Naturiste (3 rooms, 12 people)
Gîte Fleuri du Tuc de Saint-Paul (4 rooms, 10 people)
L’Abeille Lulu (3 rooms, 7 people)
Chez Serge (4 people)
Campground
Le Beau Village de Lauzerte
How to book accommodation in French
Where to eat in Lauzerte
You’ll find cafés serving lunch and dinner in Place de Cornières and several more below the Barbacane on the far side of the village.
For more practical supplies, you’ll also find a bakery and supermarket in Lauzerte.
If you are leaving Lauzerte on a Wednesday or Saturday, the morning market provides the ideal opportunity to pick up some fresh, local produce for a picnic lunch. In July and August, the village also hosts a market on Thursday evenings.
Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters
Purchase the Chemin de Saint-Jacques (PDF) guidebooks
Purchase five guidebooks covering Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
