The Ruins of Taillefer

Plan your next holiday now and enjoy an unforgettable and relaxing experience.

If you're thinking of spending a few days in the Lot department, consider staying in the northern part of the Quercy region.

Carennac and its surroundings offer a wide range of activities. In this article, we introduce you to the Ruins of Taillefer a must-see historical site during your stay.

History of the Ruins of Taillefer

The castle of Bastit, also known as Taillefer, is part of the medieval heritage of the Lot department. According to Jacques Juillet, former mayor of Loubressac, the building belonged to the holdings of the Knights Templar of Bastit-du-Causse in the early 14th century.

Although the exact origins of the castle remain uncertain, it is believed to have been built around the year 1151 by lords from Loubressac or Miers.

Source: Sébastien Colpin - 141567899@N03-3

Today, the ruins stand at the edge of a rocky ridge on the Causse de Gramat. They rise above the village of Gintrac and offer stunning views over the Dordogne Valley.

The castle has been included in a major architectural study as part of the inventory of medieval heritage in the Lot. In earlier times, it was accessed via a carved ramp in the rock, which also served as a dry moat to protect the structure from the south and the plateau side.

The ruins are impressive and give a clear sense of the original layout. On site, you’ll find markers indicating the lost sections, such as arch traces, barrier openings and wall fragments.

The main building had a single storey and was likely flanked by two narrow courtyards one to the east and one to the west.

A dividing wall split the ground floor of the main building into two sections. In the southern wall, there was a large arrow slit, accessible via a small staircase built into the thickness of the wall. Beneath this slit, a spacious storage chamber was concealed, with access only through a trapdoor.

During your visit to this historic site, you’ll also find a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady.

Because the castle was built on a steep cliff face of the Roc Saint-Lazare, it offers a panoramic view over the Dordogne Valley.

To access the ruins, it’s best to park near the large oak tree in the hamlet of Les Bourruts. Follow the paved path downhill, walk past the houses, and continue for about 400 metres. At the fork in the road, keep straight ahead along the sunken lane between the high stone walls. This will lead you directly to the ruins of Taillefer.

Staying near Taillefer

During your stay in the Lot, you can opt for a gîte near the ruins of Taillefer. These self-contained holiday homes allow you to stay independently, without interaction with the owner, in a separate building. This is different from a chambre d’hôte, where guests are welcomed into the owner’s home or a building on the same property.

Would you like to combine the comfort of a gîte with the atmosphere of a campsite? Then you’re warmly welcome at Camping L’Eau Vive, located just a few kilometres from the Ruins of Taillefer. Our family-friendly campsite offers a variety of accommodation options: chalets, mobile homes, and pitches for tents, caravans and campervans. You’ll enjoy peace, nature and comfort. On site, you’ll also find a swimming pool and a restaurant for a complete and relaxing stay.

Activities and Attractions Around Taillefer

The surroundings of Taillefer offer a wide range of activities and places to explore:

Activities and Attractions Around the Ruins of Taillefer

The surroundings of Taillefer offer a wide range of activities and places to explore. You can enjoy mini golf, go walking, cycling or horse riding, and visit historical monuments and cultural sites.

In La Saule, there’s a 2,500 m² water park featuring a supervised swimming area, seven giant slides, trampolines, inflatable water games, a splash barrel and a challenging climbing course.

If you’re a nature lover, you can swim in the Dordogne River near Vayrac, or simply relax on the natural riverside beach a perfect spot for a refreshing break in the heart of the Lot countryside.

A visit to the Padiparc reptile park is also highly recommended. Here you’ll encounter giant tortoises, caimans, monitor lizards, iguanas, chameleons, pythons, cobras and anacondas, as well as fish, arachnids and amphibians.

Opening hours for Padiparc:

• From 1 February to 30 June and from 1 September to 15 November: open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, except Fridays;

• From 1 July to 31 August: open daily from 10:00 to 19:00;

• Annual closure: from 16 November to 31 January

What You Should Know About Events and Activities Around the Ruins of Taillefer

From 4 July to 29 August, the “Bienvenue à la ferme” market takes place, featuring local farmers and artisans offering their products directly to visitors.

On 28 April, the storytelling theatre “Les cailloux qui chantent” will be performed a paper theatre piece that introduces children to the history of Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle in a playful way.

Classical music enthusiasts can attend the SiTerra mater Les Itinérantes festival on 17 August at 4:00 PM at the Prieuré de Carennac. For ticket prices and group discounts, please check the event’s website or inquire locally.

Walking to the Ruins of Taillefer

There are several starting points for walks to the Ruins of Taillefer: Carennac, Gintrac, or Les Bourruts.

Start your walk from Carennac, one of the most beautiful villages in France, and follow the yellow trail markers from the car park at the edge of the village. This 13-kilometre loop takes you through Magnagues and Les Bourruts to the ruins of Taillefer. The return route follows the Ermitage canal and the banks of the Dordogne.

For a shorter and less demanding walk, there’s a 7-kilometre discovery trail starting from the village of Gintrac. This circular route offers panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley and passes through the woods of Gintrac and Magnagues, leading to the castle ruins.

For quick and easy access, it’s best to park at the junction in Les Bourruts. Take the Tandinou road directly opposite and follow the footpath that leads straight to the ruins. The round trip is approximately 2 kilometres.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Access to the Ruins of Taillefer is free of charge. Please note that the terrain is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility, due to the length and nature of the walking routes (typically 6 to 10 km, taking around 3 hours). For a deeper experience, a guided visit is recommended.

Wear sturdy walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, bring protection against sun, rain and wind, and don’t forget to fill your water bottle before setting off.

Conclusion

Make time for a visit to the Ruins of Taillefer during your stay in the Lot. Whether you're travelling with family, friends or exploring solo, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the Dordogne Valley, fresh country air, and a peaceful moment immersed in nature and history.