Espédaillac is situated in the Causse National Park - a wild, scrubby area of France crisscrossed by dry-stone walls and steeped in history. Explore the gorgeous countryside on foot and go in search of one of the many prehistoric dolmens sited here.
Gramat (20 minutes) is a typical small market town with two supermarkets and several good restaurants. It is a centre for potholers and was in the news some years ago when a successful rescue was carried out for a group of potholers who had become lost in the caves.
The medieval village of Rocamadour is just 30 minutes from Espédaillac. Built into the cliff above a river, the village is an amazing sight. The famous eagles of Rocamadour give an impressive show daily, and in August there is an international hot air balloon festival.
During your stay, you must visit the Saturday market at Figeac (25 minutes). We recommend fresh coffee and warm croissants at one of the many pavement cafés from where you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the marketplace.
You can buy almost anything at the market - from hand-picked fruit and veg, to live rabbits. The area’s local produce is particularly noted for its delicious lamb, foie gras, walnut oil and rich red Cahors wines.
Other places to visit locally include...
Gouffre de Padirac - an amazing complex of caves, including a boat trip on an underground river.
St-Cirq-Lapopie - artisans’ village.
Pech Merle - another cave complex with cave paintings (NB this may not be open much longer as there are worries that the paintings are being damaged by constant exposure).
Espédaillac
Espédaillac
A little history...
Espédaillac is mentioned in Medieval texts of 1260 AD, although a bronze relic dating from 212 AD was discovered in the 19th-century. In the 13th-century, the Barasc family - the most powerful family in the Lot region - made a gift of some land to the Les Hospitaliers de Saint Jean, who built a 'commanderie' there and this was when Espédaillac started to become important in the area. It was threatened with destruction during the 100 Years War and during the Wars of Religion (the strongly Catholic village had to defend itself against the Protestants).
Architecture
The commune of Espédaillac has a range of rural architecture, ranging from Le Manoir de la Place (built after the 100 Years War), to agricultural workers' cottages, covered wells and barns for livestock. The village church is typical of those built in Quercy from 1850-1920. Its modern design has only now started to be appreciated. In particular, the stained glass windows (1893) make the church a peaceful haven for meditation. Architectural traces of the ancient château can still be seen on the lintels and window frames of the houses in the village.
Espédaillac
Location map
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