Lacépède lies in the Pays de Serres and combines the character of old stone with a natural setting. The rolling countryside is shaped by vineyards and pastures, where Blonde d’Aquitaine cattle are raised. Below the village, trails run alongside orchards of Ente plums and hazelnut bushes. Trails also lead to Lac du Salabert, whose quiet shores are ideal for a stroll. Village history, agricultural hillsides and lakeside paths offer different ways to explore the area.
Church and Village History
The Church of Saint-Pierre de Lacépède was rebuilt in the first half of the 16th century. It houses a statue of the Virgin and Child that is protected as a historic monument. The projecting portico with a lean-to roof dates from the late 18th century. The rebuilding and portico therefore represent different phases of construction; the protected statue adds to the church’s historic details.
Older architectural features also shape the village beyond the church. Lacépède has terraced houses and farmsteads with shared agricultural areas dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. In the village centre is the Lavoir de Lacépède, a traditional washhouse. Together, these features show both residential and working areas, as well as spaces used in common.
Another testament to rural work is the Métier à ferrer de Lacépède, which was restored by the municipality. A farrier used this device to hold cows, oxen and unruly horses while shoeing them. The name therefore refers to a specific work function: the device was used to secure the animals during hoof-shoeing. Alongside the church and washhouse, it reveals another aspect of the village’s history.
Rolling Countryside and Circular Trail
Circuit No. 189 offers views of the Lot Valley and the surrounding hillsides. The Quittimont Loop, Circuit No. 189, is 13.5 kilometres long. Estimated journey times are approximately 3 hours 30 minutes on foot, 2 hours 20 minutes on horseback and 1 hour 45 minutes by mountain bike. These approximate times allow a direct comparison of the listed ways of travelling: walking takes the longest, mountain biking the shortest, and the time given for a horse ride falls between the two.
The views along the route reflect the landscape around Lacépède: hills, vineyards and pastures shape the countryside. Blonde d’Aquitaine cattle are raised in the pastures. Below the village, trails also run alongside orchards of Ente plums and hazelnut bushes. Those who prefer to take in the landscape in sections will find a range of scenery: views of the valley and hillsides along the Circuit, and orchards beside trails below the village.
At Lac du Salabert
Below the village, trails lead to Lac du Salabert, whose quiet shores are ideal for a stroll. At the Maison de la Nature, visitors can discover the fauna and flora of Lac du Salabert. Lacépède is also known as a place with a preserved ecosystem. The lakeshore and Maison de la Nature draw attention to life by the water, while the Circuit focuses on views of the valley and hillsides. These offer two different ways to experience nature among the activities described.
Hazelnuts and a Puzzle
La Maison de la Noisette offers hazelnut tastings and a fun, food-focused visit centred on hazelnuts. The activities also include a puzzle about the detective Rouxy. Alongside village history and countryside, tastings and a puzzle are further themes to consider when planning a trip.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Aubin, Bouglon, Barbaste, Miramont-De-Guyenne, Dévillac, Sainte Livrade Sur Lot, Saint-Vincent-De-Lamontjoie, Meilhan-Sur-Garonne.
For the regional travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.
