St-Cirq-Lapopie – Author André Malraux called this “one of the most beautiful spots in the world”, artist Henri Martin adored to paint views over the winding River Lot while surrealist poet André Breton lived in the Maison des Mariniers. Lording it 100 metres above the Lot in the Quercy area, St-Cirq-Lapopie was hotly contested by three powerful feudal families – Cardaillac, Gourdon and La Popie – until the 15th-century. They built their fortresses on the outcrop of rock above the village. From this hilltop location, the view is spectacular. To the north, there is the chessboard of arable fields, the river and wooded slopes of the Gramat Causse; to the south, the myriad tiled roofs and sculpted facades of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. The old city gates open into the charming medieval town, with its timber-framed arcades, ornate Renaissance windows, and Rignault Museum (display of African and Pacific art) in the former Gardette Castle.