Snuggled into a narrow valley, Plus Beaux Village de France, Autoire is dominated by the rugged limestone cliffs that herald so dramatically, the beginning of the Causse de Gramat area of the Quercy National Park.

No wonder that it was here, overlooking Autoire, that the English built their impregnable fortress, Château des Anglais. Everywhere you turn in Autoire is a "photo opportunity"... it is built of the local honey limestone and, to a great extent, the buildings are restored... looked after... cared for.

Autoire boasts a fine old manor house (Limargue Château- above ). The Romanesque church circa 1090 used to be at the heart of this fortified village. The church itself was fortified sometime after the 100 Years War, but suffered badly in the Wars of Religion. It was restored in the 19th Century... (check out the Chancel's sculpture). Autoire also boasts a fine Auberge, which is of great importance, both to those of us who live near here and to visitors alike, as this thriving hostelry has an extremely competent chef. Make time to stop there. If you cannot get a table, or if you prefer, the Café Cascade is open during the summer months and has a lovely terrace with views up the valley to the cliffs and the Chateau des Anglais.

Try, if you can, to arrive in Autoire for the first time from the south (D38). As you round the last bend before the descent into Autoire, you will be rewarded by a pretty amazing view - suddenly! Stop just before the bend and you can park your car and proceed on foot to the 45m waterfall (above right).

Auberge	Café Cascade	St Peters' Church	Mairie