Cahors… the inspiring beauty of the Lot

From the Valentré Bridge to the Cathedral of St. Etienne, the Lot's major city combines a Southern atmosphere with a wealth of history.

Enfolded within a meander of the river Lot, Cahors, City of Art and History, is just waiting to be explored. 
Founded in Roman times, the city of Cahors became in the Middle Ages a centre of trade and finance on the European scale. This "Golden Age" left us a city centre which is still largely intact, vibrantly alive and should definitely be visited.

The Valentré bridge

The Valentré Bridge is the emblem of the city, spanning the river with its three fortified towers rising above it. You can stroll across it or approach it from the river when taking a boat trip on the Lot. Built in the 14th C., the Valentré Bridge is UNESCO World Heritage listed, in the context of the Santiago Pilgrim Ways. A legend concerning the Devil is associated with this bridge, so look up carefully to spot where he is ! For photos, the best place is at the end of the lock by the roadway.

The centre of Cahors

The visit continues in the centre of Cahors, where red brick combines with grey limestone and ochre-coloured sandstone at certain times of the day to create beautiful harmonious effects just perfect for photos. As you wander through the mediaeval streets, you can enjoy the charm of the little squares and of the 26 Secret Gardens which embellish the city. Shaded by plane trees, the Boulevard Gambetta, created in the 19th C. and lined with numerous cafes, is an invitation to take a stroll and relax.

The market by the Cathedral

Throughout the year, there's an appointment you shouldn't miss every Wednesday and Saturday morning : Cahors market, held just outside the Cathedral of St. Etienne. Here, everything is so tempting : Rocamadour cheeses, Perigord walnuts, foie gras, Quercy melons, Cahors wines…

Cahors is, of course, close to the vineyard area which has borne its name since the time of François I (contemporary of Henry VIII). This area, long associated with Malbec, the main grape variety of the appellation, has many estates that you can visit, with a wine tasting included, obviously !

For more info : www.tourisme-cahors.fr

Things to see and do