Souillac Tourism
Situated in the heart of the Dordogne valley, Souillac is a charming town in the Lot department, with a seductive heritage, beautiful scenery and a typically Occitan way of life. Souillac has something for everyone. Just a 40-minute drive from the town of Souillac, our campsite in the Lot offers the ideal base from which to discover the region while enjoying a peaceful, natural setting.
Discover the 7 must-do things to do in Souillac, from culture to gastronomy to outdoor activities.
Stroll through Souillac’s historic center
It’s impossible to visit Souillac without taking a stroll through its historic center, with its rich heritage spanning the centuries. On arrival, the Abbatiale Sainte-Marie stands out as a treasure trove of Romanesque art. Its famous carved prophet Isaiah, full of movement and expression, attracts the curious and art-lovers alike.
A stroll through the narrow streets will take you back in time. From the Benedictine foundations of the 10th century, through the ravages of the Hundred Years “War, to the prosperity regained by the gabares that once docked on the banks of the Dordogne. Souillac” s past is revealed at every street corner, between old stones, small squares and ancient stalls, but it’s not just a static setting! Every summer, the town wakes up to the rhythm of the famous Jazz Festival, which attracts international musicians and festival-goers alike. And don’t miss the Fèsta Los Bandas, a colorful festival that resonates throughout the town. Festive atmosphere guaranteed!
Visit the Abbatiale Sainte-Marie
The Abbatiale Sainte-Marie is much more than just a religious building. In fact, it’s the spiritual, artistic and historical heart of Souillac. Dating from the XIIᵉ century, it embodies all the power of Romanesque art in southwest France, with its architecture, massive vaults and expressive sculptures.
Enter this peaceful setting, and let yourself be captivated by the statue of the prophet Isaiah, a masterpiece of striking expressiveness, considered one of the most remarkable testimonies to Romanesque sculpture. Its dynamic posture seems to defy stone, evoking an almost living spirituality.
Continue your discovery by discovering the details of the sculpted capitals, true witnesses to medieval faith, and imagine the life of the Benedictine monks who lived in this abbey in its heyday. The virtual tour offered by the Tourist Office even allows you to pass through doors usually closed to the public, to plunge even further into the past.
Strolling through Souillac’s markets
What do we think of Souillac ‘s markets? They’re a real local experience, where you can discover the flavors of the Lot, the expertise of local producers and the warm atmosphere of southwest France.
On Friday mornings, from 8am to 12pm, the traditional market and fair take place in theold town center. You’ll find a wide variety of products, including seasonal fruit and vegetables, farmhouse cheeses, local meats, artisan breads, crafts and household products. It’s a must for locals and holidaymakers alike.
From May 4 to mid-October, we’re adding a Sunday market every Sunday morning, from 8: 30am to 12pm, on the allées de Verninac. Smaller but just as charming, it’s perfect for an early-morning stroll and some gourmet shopping before heading out for a stroll.
For an even more authentic experience, don’t miss the Marché de Producteurs de Pays, every Wednesday evening in summer (July 2 to August 27) from 5pm, also on the allées de Verninac. This market is exclusively reserved for local producers, who offer you their specialities directly “from field to plate” in a festive and convivial atmosphere. Between local products, human encounters and the atmosphere of a village market, these appointments are a wonderful way to discover Souillac with the senses.
Vibrate to the rhythm of the Souillac en Jazz Festival
Every summer, Souillac en Jazz makes the town vibrate to the sound of brass and percussion instruments, in a warm and festive atmosphere. Held every July, this emblematic festival in the Lot transforms Souillac into a veritable jazz capital, attracting renowned artists from all over the world and an ever-growing audience.
From its modest beginnings in 1976, this event has gone from strength to strength. Today, it offers an eclectic program combining free daytime concerts, musical strolls through the streets, and grand evenings under the stars. The stages are set up on Place Pierre Betz, in theAbbey Church of Sainte-Marie, or even in unusual places like the Lacave cave.
With its roots rooted in a passion for jazz and conviviality, Souillac en Jazz has become much more than just a festival. Indeed, it’s a summer tradition, a suspended moment when music transforms the town into a living stage. A must for anyone wishing to discover Souillac in a different way!
Hiking along the Dordogne
For hikers, walkers and those who enjoy discovering new landscapes, the Souillac area offers a hiking trail that is as peaceful as it is spectacular. Accessible just outside the town, the route zigzags through wooded valleys and over open ridges, revealing magnificent views over the Dordogne valley.
Along the way, hikers come across a charming little rural heritage, but above all a spectacular legacy of the XIXᵉ century: the railway viaducts built for the Paris-Orléans line. Between 1880 and 1890, seven viaducts, four tunnels and the Mareuil bridge over the Dordogne were built to link Limoges to Toulouse. These works of art, combining stone and steel, bear witness to remarkable technical expertise and punctuate the landscape with their arches.
This hike is a great opportunity to combine nature, heritage and history, discovering another face of Souillac, one that is both tranquil and deeply rooted in the evolution of the region.
Visit the Maison Louis Roque
Since 1905, Maison Louis Roque in Souillac has been perpetuating unique family know-how in the production of artisanal spirits. Located in the heart of the town, this century-old distillery is above all a story of passion and transmission, embodied today by the famous Vieille Prune, a local emblem with a national reputation.
The tour of the house offers a sensory immersion into the world of traditional eaux-de-vie. In a warm, authentic setting, you’ll discover the secrets of production, the ancient stills, the ageing cellars… and of course, you’ll be invited to a free tasting of their specialities: plums, pears, raspberries and other carefully distilled marvels.This stopover is a must during your camping holiday near Souillac, a real moment of sharing and authenticity, in the heart of the Lot region.
Picnic in Parc Delmas
Want to relax in the heart of nature without leaving town? The Parc Delmas, Souillac‘s green lung, is the ideal place for a convivial break for singles, couples or families. This large wooded area combines calm, freshness and outdoor activities in a peaceful, well-kept setting.
Settle down in the shade of a tree for a gourmet picnic with market produce, while the kids enjoy the play areas or play around the small paths. Tables, benches and spacious lawns make it easy to sit back and savor the moment.
It’s also a meeting place, often enlivened on sunny days by association events or festive outdoor gatherings. A fine example of the Lotois way of living together, between nature and the good life.
