The path was hand-carved into the solid cliff face by stonecutters in the mid-19th century.
The Lot River, which the path follows, was a major commercial waterway for transporting wine and wood before the arrival of the railway.
The trail features a series of iron sculptures integrated into the rock face by local artists.
It is an integral part of the UNESCO-recognized pilgrimage routes of Santiago de Compostela.
The narrow width of the path is restricted by the natural overhangs of the cliff, which were intentionally left to protect the tow horses and trackers.
The Towpath (Chemin de Halage) in Bouziès is a historic track carved directly into the vertical limestone cliffs along the Lot River. Originally created in 1845 to allow horses to tow barges upstream, the path extends for approximately one kilometer of excavated rock. It serves as a key segment of the GR65 hiking trail, which is a major route of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage. The path connects Bouziès to the cliffside village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. It is managed as a public scenic trail and remains accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. The surrounding landscape is characterized by the karst topography of the Quercy region.
The tunnel section where the limestone cliff overhangs the path, framing the view of the river.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you intend to explore the rock-cut tunnels near dusk.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the limestone surface can be uneven or slippery when damp.
Carry sufficient drinking water, as there are no refreshment stalls along the cliff section itself.
Attempting to navigate the path with strollers or wheelchairs, as the terrain is uneven and not barrier-free.
Cyclists should yield to pedestrians; maintain a quiet tone to respect the natural surroundings.
