Carennac

Visit Carennac, Midi-Pyrenees

Carennac, listed among the 'most beautiful villages of France', is 20 kilometres east of Souillac and in the Lot department (Midi-Pyrenees region) of France.

Carennac is a marvellously picturesque village on the banks of the Dordogne river. The town existed as early as the 11th century, when it developed around a priory, although its history dates back to neolithic times.

Explore Carennac

In the village you can still see the ancient fortifications, and the priory and church. Saint Peters Church is a roman style church dating from the 11th century and once part of the priory and is particularly interesting - admire the carvings of the tympan above the door then enter to take a look at the medieval cloisters (partly 12th century although largely 15th century rebuild after damage during the Wars of Religion) and the lovely 'mise au tombeau' statues (15th century).

The perfect houses in Carennac are in the local white-yellow stone (bring your camera - it is very photogenic) and the single lane bridge entering the village adds further to the charm. Many of the houses feature ornate windows and other interesting architectural features.

Many of the houses have been lovingly restored, and one or two of the houses have simply beautiful wooden balconies. There is also a delightful 'Rapunzel' tower to discover while you are walking around the narrow streets. When we visited the town was not inundated with tourists, which also counts in its favour!

There is also a 16th century castle in Carennac in which Fenelon wrote his 'Adventures of Telemachus', and where you can also see an exhibition which explains the history of the town and region.

In Carennac it is hard to believe you are still in the 21st century - try and visit if you are in the area and want to escape the beautiful but over-commercialised nearby Rocamadour.

Attractions nearby

There are several other 'beautiful villages' close to Carennac including Autoire, Curemonte, Loubressac, and Turenne.

Carennac is also 20km from Rocamadour, pilgrimage town and one of the most popular destinations in France.

Photos of Carennac (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Carennac: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Carennac, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Autoire 10km; Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne 11km; Chateau Montal 12km; Saint-Cere 14km; Gramat 15km; Rocamadour 16km; Collonges-la-Rouge 17km; Turenne 19km; Souillac 20km; Argentat 25km; Lacapelle-Marival 26km; Assier Chateau 29km; Gourdon (Lot) 29km; Cardaillac 34km; Chateau de Montfort 36km; Donzenac 38km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Carennac

Carennac tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint Pierre (Carennac) - religious monument (0km) : Gouffre de Padirac - site of natural beauty (7km) : Abbaye Sainte Marie (Souillac) - religious monument (20km) : Gouffre de la Fage - site of natural beauty (26km) : Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac - remarkable garden (33km) : Causses du Quercy - regional natural parc (39km) : Abbaye de Saint Amand de Coly (Saint-Amand-de-Coly) - religious monument (41km) : Cathédrale Saint-Sardos (Sarlat) - religious monument (41km) :

French version: see Carennac (Francais)