Crégols on the Lot: Karst, Hiking Trails and Heritage

Crégols lies on the left bank of the Lot. One geological feature is the Igue de Crégols, a karst depression typical of the Quercy region. It formed when the ground collapsed as water dissolved the limestone beneath it. The link between water, limestone dissolution and collapse is the geological essence of this landform.

Karst and trails

The Sentier karstique de l’Igue de Crégols leads to geological features, including a former phosphate mine. The trail is 5 km long and has eleven information points, each marked by an explanatory wooden post. An optional extension includes a cave loop and a round trip to a viewpoint overlooking the Lot Valley. For choosing a route, it is helpful to note the distinction: the cave loop and the route to the viewpoint are part of the optional extension.

There are several walking and hiking trails in the municipality of Crégols. The Crégols cliffs offer climbing routes for challenging climbs. The Trail de l’Igue takes place in Crégols every year on the first Sunday in December. This brings together different types of activities and an annual event in December. Check the exact event date before your visit.

Building and land-use history

The Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens was built between 1875 and 1885 on the site of a former 12th-century Templar chapel. Its history therefore connects a 12th-century chapel with a church built in the late 19th century.

The Pigeonnier troglodyte de Font-d’Erbies stands above a karst spring on a masonry arch. It dates from the 17th to 19th centuries and was listed as a historic monument by decree on January 16, 2012. The connection between the spring and masonry arch defines the described structure.

The phosphate mines of Crégols date back thousands of years; they were worked as fertilizer mines from 1865 to 1902. The Romanesque Chapelle de la Chaire de Saint-Pierre, later called the Chapelle de Saint-Antoine, is another trace of religious history. It is believed to date from the 11th or 12th century.

In chronological comparison, the possible origins of this chapel date to the 11th or 12th century, the Pigeonnier dates from the 17th to 19th centuries, and the Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens was built between 1875 and 1885. This makes it possible to distinguish between the different historical dates.

Art and visiting information

In Trégoux, halfway between Concots and Crégols, the Espace d’Art Roger Gobron permanently displays works by the Belgian painter Roger Gobron. Visits are possible by prior appointment only.

The cave at the Font-d’Erbies spring is on private land and is designated a Natura 2000 site.

Discover more destinations: Reilhaguet, Vaillac, Luzech, Cuzac, Rouffilhac, Masclat, Brengues, Frayssinet-Le-Gélat.

For the broader travel guide: Lot.