The towpath makes Bouziès especially appealing to travellers who want to combine hiking with riverside scenery and culture. The path carved into the rock, views of the Défilé des Anglais and a trip on a Gabarot offer different perspectives on the area. When planning a stay, it is therefore worth deciding whether to focus on walking, culture along the Lot or spending more time on the water.

Towpath and hiking trails

The towpath starts in Bouziès and leads towards Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Its most striking section, cut into the rock face, begins 400 metres from the car park and runs as far as the Ganil lock at the municipal boundary. These points provide a clear sense of direction for the hike. Bouziès also lies at the junction of the GR 36, GR 46 and GR 651, which are used by the Way of St James routes. The Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Géoparc hike also offers a panorama of the suspension bridge from Bouziès. This brings together a specific route, a wider network of trails and views of the landscape as different ways to shape a hiking-focused stay.

Art by the river and historic landmarks

The Défilé des Anglais can be seen from the road, from boats or on foot from the banks of the Lot. The towpath is also home to a bas-relief by Daniel Monnier: created in 1985, it was supplemented by a “mirror” in 2019. Art and riverside scenery can thus be combined with a hike, without requiring the same viewpoint.

Bouziès’ historic landmarks also date from different periods. Grotte-Christian is a decorated prehistoric cave and was listed as a historic monument by decree on 7 February 1980. Grotte Carriot was listed by decree on 28 June 1993; the listing covers the property and the cavities beneath it. By contrast, the surviving remains of Château des Anglais cannot be dated with certainty. A reference from 1831 points to the 13th or 14th century, but relates to buildings that have since disappeared, not to the remains still standing today.

On foot or on the Lot

Another way to explore the area is to rent a seven-seat Gabarot. The trip starts at the river port of Bouziès, and after a seven-hour journey the boat returns to Bouziès. No boating licence or previous navigation experience is required to rent one. At seven hours, the trip takes up a large part of the day, so it works well as a main activity rather than being squeezed into a busy schedule alongside a longer hike. Rental terms and procedures may change, so check the operator’s information before making plans.

Planning your trip and finding accommodation

With the Lot Valley and the Causses nearby, Bouziès is well placed for visiting Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the Pech Merle caves or Cahors. These regional options broaden the choice between a stay focused on Bouziès itself and a trip that includes one of the places mentioned. When looking for a hotel in Bouziès, consider whether the towpath, the local historic landmarks or a regional excursion will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Dégagnac, Prayssac, Camburat, Saint-Cirq-Madelon, Arcambal, Cazillac, Vire-sur-Lot, Esclauzels

For the main travel overview: Lot.