Saint-Cirq-Lapopie - Overrun Tourist Hotspot

People Love Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

I was reading an article on the Mail Online, where it reveals a most beautiful Hamlet in France. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie has hit the headlines recently, because of it’s sudden influx of tourists.

Looking at these tranquil pictures of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular tourist destination. With such a beautiful location beside the river Lot, and such gorgeous scenery, the local people of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie  have been living in a perfect paradise.

But the beauty of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is not the only reason for it’s popularity, those  old buildings full of character, give only a glimpse into a French hamlet steeped in history.  The article sates:

“Perched on a steep cliff 100ft above a river, the hamlet has a riveting history of battling off feudal rulers, Richard the Lionheart and religious fanatics in the Middle Ages.

But its tourist office has been almost overrun. 'The sudden increase in visitors has taken us a bit by surprise, not that I'm complaining,' said office chief Clare.

The restaurants are full and visitors regularly queue at the ice-cream shop. Sophie Darrieux, who runs a gift shop is delighted with the village's success.”

Looking at these pictures, it doesn’t seem like much has changed since the middle ages. The buildings have been protected from modern technology such as satellite dishes. Even modern transport is strictly out of bounds, with visitors to the area having to leave their cars behind in designated car parks.

The village has just over two hundred local residents, and up until now had already been enjoying as many as four hundred thousand visitors every year. That sounds like a healthy mix, and healthy profits for the local business owners. But now due to winning a TV award, the visitors have skyrocketed!

With so many tourist dependant countries now struggling in a world hit by recession, this is fantastic news if you own a restaurant or ice cream shop in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. But what about the rest of the local residents?

Now that Saint-Cirq-Lapopie  has become such an overrun tourist hotspot, life for the locals will be changed forever. It comes as no surprise then, that some locals are complaining about the intrusion. They should count their blessings though, or move to one of their quieter neighbouring villages that have escaped the economic boost.

Video of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

You will enjoy the beautiful soundtrack on this video, and you will be able to imagine what it really feels like to visit Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. You will see that this tourist hotspot is enjoyed by both young, and old alike.