The jewel of the Dordogne
Perched on a high relief, the pretty village of Loubressac boasts a medieval style. It overlooks the valleys of the Bave, the Cère and the Dordogne. Although it receives far fewer visitors than other villages, it is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Moreover, since obtaining this distinction, its popularity has increased. Before visiting this gem of the Lot, find important information about it.
The village of Loubressac is in the Lot. This former aristocratic dwelling place offers an exceptional view of the neighboring valleys.
The devastated village is again repopulated with the presence of Limousin and Auvergnats. The beautiful rise of the village is again stopped with the appearance of the wars of religion in the 15th century.
With the arrival of the French Revolution, several communes were formed such as Padirac, Gintrac, Autoire and Marygnac. This is how the village of Loubressac was gradually formed as visitors know it today.
Importance of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park for the village
The Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park opened its doors to the public for the first time in 1998. It brings together 102 municipalities located in the heart of the Lot department. It has all its importance for the village of Loubressac, because its establishment encourages quality tourism which respects the inhabitants and the environment. Today, this approach is maintained thanks to the park's adherence to the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism.
The creation of the Park also allowed the realization of many development projects including the restoration of small heritages. This is the case for the renovation of fountains, stone walls, gariottes, cazelles and wells. The Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park project also includes the protection of fauna and flora, the refreshing of dry lawns and the conservation of waterfalls.
The Park is also committed to the conservation of areas to be protected. Its collaboration with communities and associations plays an important role in the protection of water in the Lot department. In addition to preserving the soul of the villages, the Park also contributes to maintaining their prestigious character. It plays an important role for the village of Loubressac, as it helps to promote tourism and the economy of the village. The Park is a natural heritage of great exception and a preserved territory extending over more than 175,000 hectares. It is labeled a UNESCO World Geopark thanks to the uniqueness of its geological heritage. It has, as well as all its villages, one of the purest skies of the metropolis.
History and heritage of Loubressac
The village of Loubressac is the place to be for people with a strong desire to get away from it all. It is conducive to rest and has a great wealth of heritage.
Origins of the village and its name
The birth of the village of Loubressac begins with the construction of a few houses on the rocky promontory located 7 kilometers from Saint-Céré. It was built during the medieval period on the heights of the Dordogne and its valleys. In other words, the history of the village begins slightly below the current town during the Gallo-Roman era.
The origin of the toponym of Loubressac is a term of Gallo-Roman origin. Moreover, the suffix -ac comes from the Gaulish -acon. The latter can be Latinized with the suffix -acum in some texts. The village of Loubressac is part of the Occitanie region.
Loubressac castle, an example of the medieval architecture of the village
The Château de Loubressac dominates the village and was built in the 14th century with the aim of serving as the residence of the Barons de Loubressac. This is the reason why it sports a medieval style. At the end of the 14th century, it was transformed into a manor. Then it will be sold and bought back again and again. Currently, it has become private property and public access is no longer allowed.
The Church of Saint-Pierre, another historic building in the village
Previously, the Church of Saint-Pierre stood 50 meters below its current location. It was built in the 16th century to replace the original building.
Its interior is made up of a vast curved pointed arch associated with four bent or side chapels. Its portal is embellished with statues. On the left there is that of Eve with the snake and the tree while on the right there is Adam placing a hand on a fig leaf. The portal of the church of Saint-Pierre was hammered during the wars of religion towards the end of the 16th century.
The houses and streets of the village, witnesses of its medieval past
The streets and houses of the village of Loubressac embody a medieval style. Its narrow streets all flow towards the castle gate and the heart of the village. In summer, the houses with Quercy architecture and Renaissance windows are strewn with flowers. The tiled roofs and the stone walls recall the medieval period during which the village was built.
What to do in Loubressac?
The village of Loubressac is not only reputed to be one of the most beautiful villages in France. It also has various must-see places for visitors and tourists from all over the world.
Explore the medieval village and its surroundings
When visiting Loubressac, you have a succession of flower gardens and stone houses, the charm of the old and medieval times. The painted shutters as well as the terracotta roofs also follow one another in a very harmonious way. The golden stones which have almost a white color come to reinforce the tranquility and the plenitude which reigns throughout the whole village.
Enjoy nature in the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park
The variety of fauna and flora visible in the Causses du Quercy Regional Park is one of the essentials to discover around the village of Loubressac.
Hiking and gastronomic experiences are the most popular activities once there. For your walks, there are many destinations to take. Among others, there is the Saint Namphaise lake, the water path, the English path, the Causses path and the Jonquilles wood.
The Parc Régional des Causses du Quercy offers a varied range of activities such as conferences, theatres, truant walks, evenings, outings in the great outdoors and musical performances. The Park's entertainment calendar is published three times a year.
Taste local products, including cheeses and wines from the Lot
To discover and taste local or typical products from the village of Loubressac, the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park has several catering outlets. There is in particular the Larcher farm which offers tasty local dishes as well as regional specialties coming directly from farm products. The varieties of wines of the lot and its cheeses are the essentials not to be missed.
Participate in events organized in the village, such as festivals and markets
The festivities that follow one another in the village of Loubressac and its surroundings contribute to making its reputation.
The Loubressac Spring takes place every first Sunday of May. It brings together artisans with local artists and producers. Folk entertainment also takes place in addition to the various exhibitions of local artisans during the summer period. For the gourmands, there is the farmers' market during the beginning of August. The latter includes a picnic in the village square at nightfall.
Where to sleep and eat in Loubressac?
To extend your stay in the village of Loubressac and its surroundings, you have the possibility of staying in the accommodation it offers.
The various accommodation options, including hotels, lodges, vacation rentals and La Bourgnatelle campsite
The guest rooms and my lodgings are perfect for a dip in time. Their medieval decor did not make the accommodation less comfortable and welcoming. Otherwise, you also have vacation rentals and vacation villages. The choice is wide in terms of accommodation, the time of a visit to the town of Loubressac and its neighboring villages. The offer is varied with the aim of satisfying all tastes and requirements.
Restaurants, cafes and bistros offering traditional French cuisine
To eat, you have more than ten restaurants and bistros in Loubressac and its surroundings. In the heart of the village, you have a handful of restaurants that offer dishes made from local products and traditional cuisine.
Markets and local farms to taste fresh and quality products
As part of one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France , Loubressac highlights the beauty of its landscape, but also the splendor of its living environment. Markets and farms are highlighted to reflect the quality of life in the town. The food products offered to tourists are all fresh and come from a short circuit.
Conclusion
A visit to Loubressac takes you back several years, in a peaceful and harmonious living environment where nature plays an important role.
Why is Loubressac an unmissable destination for history and nature lovers?
Loubressac is part of one of the must-see tourist circuits in France for several reasons. First, there is its incomparable charm and the splendor of its landscape which bring both wonder and peace. It is the ideal place to rest, recharge your batteries and discover one of the wonders of Occitania.
Reasons to visit the village in the summer, when events and activities abound
During the summer period, the village is livelier than usual. To entertain tourists and show them that Loubressac is worth the detour, many events are organized there. These are both instructive and entertaining, the activities offered are both useful and enjoyable. The promise of change of scenery is total and highly satisfactory.
The assets of Loubressac for an unforgettable holiday in the heart of nature
The village of Loubressac is the destination for you if you are looking for the following points:
- disconnection from city life
- a reconnection with nature
- a simple life focused on the essentials
- a stunning landscape series with panoramic views
- a range of outdoor activities suitable for both young and old
- a visit to some of the most beautiful sites in France: the Padirac chasm, the Causses du Quercy Regional Park, etc.