Every photo-trip I’ve ever been on has had two consistent elements; One, I always start off with a set of key places or things to photograph that I feel are the most important, and two, I always come home with a new surprise favorite that was not on the first list. My latest trip was no exception.

While most of my pre-trip notes were about Provence and the Cote d’Azur, Paris, and the Loire Valley – the thing that made the biggest impression was the little town of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie perched high above the Lot Valley in Southwest France.

My wife and I drove into town one afternoon and immediately felt like we were someplace very special. What really happened is we were going to be rained out at the location we wanted to get to, so this was plan B.  I wish all plan B’s could be this nice…

Eleven photos is not nearly enough for my regular essay submission – or to begin to show a beautiful place.  But in this case I am compelled to at least share what I have.  Hopefully, you will be able to see and feel some of what we felt while there.  If you ever get the opportunity to visit Saint Cirq, don’t turn it down!

Misty dawn over Saint Cirq Lapopie, Lot Valley, Midi-Pyrenees, France

Misty dawn at the entry gate to Saint Cirq Lapopie, Lot Valley, Midi-Pyrenees, France

Sunrise over Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in the Lot Valley, Midi-Pyreness, France

Eglise Church and Medieval town of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in the Lot Valley, Midi-Pyrenees, France

Morning mist along River Lot below a cottage in Saint Cirq Lapopie, Midi-Pyrenees France

Misty dawn at the entry gate to Saint Cirq Lapopie, Lot Valley, Midi-Pyrenees, France

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in the Lot Valley, Midi-Pyrenees, France

Eglise Church and Medieval town of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in the Lot Valley, Midi-Pyrenees, France

Evening sunlight over Saint Cirq Lapopie, Midi-Pyrenees France

Sunset over hilltop town of Saint Cirq Lapopie, Lot Valley, Midi-Pyrenees, France