This museum is named after Figeac-born Egyptologist and linguist Jean-François Champollion (1790–1832), whose efforts in deciphering the Rosetta Stone provided the key for cracking Egyptian hieroglyphics. The mansion where he was born is now devoted to the history of writing, with exhibits ranging from illustrated medieval manuscripts to the evolution of Chinese characters. Audioguide recommended (€3), unless you read French.
© Bennekom/Shutterstock
Musée Champollion
Top choice in The Lot
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
27.28 MILES
Beaulieu’s most celebrated feature is this 12th-century Romanesque abbey church, with a wonderful tympanum (c 1130) depicting incredible scenes from the…
27.18 MILES
High on a hilltop 150m above a hairpin bend in the River Aveyron, Najac’s fortress looks as if it's fallen from the pages of a fairy tale: slender towers…
0.01 MILES
Enter the historic centre of Figeac at place Vival, where the tourist office occupies the Hôtel de la Monnaie, an arcaded 13th-century building where…
24.35 MILES
The Sanctuaires are seven beautiful 12th- to 14th-century chapels built into the rock-face and surrounding a central courtyard. You can see worn stones…
22.18 MILES
Discovered in 1889, the spectacular Gouffre de Padirac features some of France’s spangliest underground caverns. The cave’s navigable river, 103m below…
Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux
22.47 MILES
Not to be confused with the Château de Castelnaud, Castelnau-Bretenoux was constructed in the 12th century and saw heavy action during the Hundred Years…
20.52 MILES
Discovered in 1922, the 1200m-long Grotte de Pech Merle is one of the few decorated caves found around the Lot Valley. It has several wonderful galleries…
19.89 MILES
Feeling energetic? The return walking loop from Autoire's waterfall (around 1km) passes by a spur trail that climbs another kilometre up to the base of…
Nearby The Lot attractions
0.01 MILES
Enter the historic centre of Figeac at place Vival, where the tourist office occupies the Hôtel de la Monnaie, an arcaded 13th-century building where…
0.12 MILES
This soaring spot on the Compostela pilgrims’ trail, the 11th-century former Benedictine Abbey church, features the exquisite Notre-Dame-de-Pieté chapel,…
17.77 MILES
The enormous 15th-century Collégiale Notre Dame has a never-completed bell tower and choir stalls, ornamented with a menagerie of comical and cheeky…
19.65 MILES
This 30-metre waterfall is accessed via a pleasant 1km walk through the forest heading upstream. The trail leaves from the parking lot at the north end of…
19.89 MILES
Feeling energetic? The return walking loop from Autoire's waterfall (around 1km) passes by a spur trail that climbs another kilometre up to the base of…
20.52 MILES
Discovered in 1922, the 1200m-long Grotte de Pech Merle is one of the few decorated caves found around the Lot Valley. It has several wonderful galleries…
20.56 MILES
Eclectic collection of French furniture, African and Chinese art, and rotating exhibitions. Delightful garden.
20.59 MILES
The belfry and accompanying turret of this simple 16th-century church, dedicated to Saint Cyr, rise above the village.