Marcilhac-sur-Célé combines the history of the former Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Pierre with the landscape of the Célé Valley. The former abbey features monumental ruins from the 11th, 12th, 15th and 17th centuries. Marcilhac-sur-Célé and its former Benedictine abbey are located in the Célé Valley and within the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy; since May 2017, the park has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Marcilhac-sur-Célé can find information about the destination here.
Culture and History
The Maison du Roy, a half-timbered house from the 15th century, stands in the abbey district. The discovery trail Les clefs de Marcilhac-sur-Célé begins at the Maison du Roy and leads from the abbey ruins to the Place des Platanes. The GR®651, the Célé variant of the Way of Saint James to Santiago de Compostela, also passes through Marcilhac-sur-Célé and by the former Benedictine abbey.
A reservation with the volunteer guides at least 48 hours in advance is required for a tour of Saint-Pierre Abbey.
Nature and Landscape
The Monteils–Marcilhac circular trail runs along both slopes of a narrow, deeply incised Célé Valley. The cliffs there rise more than 100 metres high. Along this circular trail, there are also views of the Célé, its cliffs, the Mediterranean vegetation, meadows and the cultivated landscape on the valley floor.
The circular trail Circuit ENS des caselles de Marcilhac passes through a protected natural area. There, visitors can see 19th-century rural architecture and numerous dry-stone huts.
Active Experiences
The La Balme climbing area has around 20 routes ranging from difficulty grade 4c to 7a. The routes run along walls that are 15 to 30 metres high. Cave diving is also practised in the caves of the Célé; this activity is reserved for experienced divers.
From Marcilhac-sur-Célé, canoe trips to Monteils, Sauliac or Cabrerets are possible. The duration of the trip can be chosen freely.
Products and Festivals
Les Produits de la Métairie Haute in Marcilhac-sur-Célé produces syrups, jams, honey and saffron. The products are sampled and sold there. In summer, the local festival committee organises two gourmet markets. Visitors and residents can eat their purchases under the plane trees to the music of a small orchestra.
The events calendar also includes the votive festival organised by the Marcilhac-sur-Célé festival committee on 15 August.
