Its position in the heart of the valley of the river Lot has defined Cahors. The citadel of the Cadurci was already here in Roman times and still shows remains of Gallo-Roman monuments, such as the bridge, the theatre, the baths and the aqueduct... Today the town is listed as a “Town of Art and History”.
It was in the Middle Ages that Cahors was to develop most rapidly. This was thanks to the trade practised by large numbers of merchants who built the town and brought it to life. The spirit of these founders can still be seen in such monuments as the superbly fortified Pont Valentré or the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the Santiago de Compostela route.
Nowadays this medieval heritage is superbly maintained and complemented by the institution in 2002 of the town’s ‘Secret Gardens’ project which has made every corner of the town burst into bloom.
Cahors is also renowned for its local gourmet fare, evidence of the good life to be enjoyed here. Farm-reared Quercy veal, Cabécou goats’ cheese from Rocamadour, foie gras or the renowned wine of Cahors made from the celebrated Malbec grape: all of these can be seen on market-stalls and in the town’s many shops. Not to be missed: the famous market in the Place de la Cathedral which is listed as one of the 100 finest markets in France, offering the whole range of flavours of the South-West!
Not to be missed!
- The Cathedral and Cloister of St Etienne in Cahors- www.tourisme-cahors.com
Free, unaccompanied tour of the cathedral, cloister and the Court of the Archdeaconate. Guided tours of the Episcopal complex (cathedral, cloister, Saint-Gausbert’s Chapel, Court of the Archdeaconate) organised in season with a guide-lecturer.
- Henri Martin Museum - www.mairie-cahors.fr - Tel: +33 (0)5 65 20 88 66
The museum was created in 1833 in the former archbishops’ palace and shows the work of Henri Martin together with major historical and archæological collections relating to the town. Its temporary exhibitions have been devoted to contemporary photography, to the notion of collecting and to the presence of major artists in the Lot and their influence on cultural life from 1936 to the present day.
- Cahors’ Secret Gardens - www.mairie-cahors.fr - Tel: +33 (0)5 65 53 20 65
To admire the Secret Gardens, you need to explore the conservation area on foot. Every garden is different and surprising: during the walk you will come across a variety of unexpected plants; it’s instructive but fun too.
- Cruise on the Valentré in Cahors – www.safaraid-croisieres.com - Tel: +33 (0)5 65 35 98 88
Enjoy a cruise round Cahors lasting an hour and a quarter: the Pont Valentré, the old town, the domes of the cathedral…the view of the town from the river is a real delight.
Cahors on the map
Our idea for a holiday in Cahors
Contact : Hôtel Terminus - 46000 CAHORS Tel : 05 65 53 32 00 Mail : terminus.balandre@wanadoo.fr |
 Hotel le Terminus in Cahors – 4-star hotelThis character inn, where the atmosphere is that of the good old days and the best traditions, is just a step away from the old town and the Pont Valentré. Its air-conditioned rooms occupy three floors and offer beautiful décor and a restful atmosphere. 2 nights with breakfast, from €109 per person |
 Contact : Hôtel du Château de Mercues - 46090 MERCUES Tel : 05 65 20 00 01 Mail : mercues@relaischateaux.com |
The Hôtel le Château de Mercuès in Mercuès ****Whether it’s a honeymoon, a wedding anniversary or just a wish to enjoy a special moment in a luxury château on the slopes of the Lot Valley and the Cahors vineyards. You will be delighted by your stay in this lavish hotel. 1 night with half board from €188 per person |
 Contacto: Mr y Mme SEVRIN CANCE - Téranga - 46090 PRADINES |
Bed & breakfast in Pradines - graded 3 'clés' (keys)Your stay will be in this 19th-century town house close to Cahors, where Agnès and Francis will give you a warm welcome. You can admire the hundred-year-old vine-trellis, the cedar wood and the grounds with their view over the hills that surround the Lot, all overlooked by the Château de Mercuès. 2 nights with breakfast from €65 per person |
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