Word must be getting around about our secret slice of heaven. Yesterday two of my friends sent me this article by a travel writer who arrived at the foot of the village without any expectations. It reminded me of my first visit to St Cirq Lapopie in the 80’s.

My sister and I started in Nice and drove north and west across the South of France. We explored sweet, undiscovered inns and scenic drives as described by Karen Brown in her book Charming Inns and Itineraries of France. We followed the “green” lines on Michelin maps, those roads marked as most scenic.  We traveled through some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen: Gorge du Verdon (their Grand Canyon!), Gorges du Tarn, Conques. The tiny village of St Cirq Lapopie was our last stop and as far west as we had time to drive in France. I will never forget winding up the hill and arriving at the most enchanting place I had ever seen. It was a September evening. We had the village to ourselves. And I was unable to stop inhaling.

I promised myself I would go back.  Fifteen  years later my husband and I did. We  stayed at Hotel La Pelissaria. It was magical. The hotel is situated across the street from Maison d’Etre. I recently found old photos that we took of us in front of it 13 years before we bought it! And I actually discovered the receipt that I had kept all these years, signed by my sweet neighbor, Marie Francoise. She still runs the hotel and is a great friend. It does seem it was meant to be…

You can watch the video of St Cirq Lapopie below and read the blog about the most Beatiful Village in France yourself, if you like! ENJOY!!!!