The town is on a rocky peninsula almost entirely surrounded by a loop of the Lot River. It grew near a sacred spring that still supplies the city with water. At the source of the spring, the Fontaine des Chartreux stands by the side of Pont Valentré (also called Pont du Diable), a bridge with a trio of towers. It’s a magnificent example of medieval defensive design erected between 1308 and 1380 and restored in the 19th century. The pont, the first medieval fortified bridge in France, is the most eye-catching site in Cahors, with crenellated parapets, battlements, and pointed arches.

Dominating the old town, the Cathédrale St-Etienne, 30 rue de la Chantrerie (tel. 05-65-35-27-80), was begun in 1119 and reconstructed between 1285 and 1500. It was the first cathedral in the country to have cupolas (pictured above), giving it a Romanesque-Byzantine look. One remarkable feature is its sculptured Romanesque north portal, carved around 1135 in the Languedoc style. It’s open daily from 9am to 7pm; in winter the cathedral is closed Sunday mornings. Adjoining the cathedral are the remains of a Gothic cloister from the late 15th century. The admission-free cloister is open during the same hours as the cathedral.

The romans left their mark on Cahors too, with parts of an amphitheater visible in a carpark under allée Fenélon and the more impressive L’Arc de Diane, the vestiges of a thermal baths and a frigidarium on rue Emile Zola.

Other fine buildings to seek out include La Halle, a 19th-century covered market (place St. Maurcie) dripping with delectable food stalls, and the medieval houses that lines the narrow streets of Rue du Docteur Bergougnoux and Rue du Château du Roi. Ask at the tourist office for their suggested walking itineraries.

Finally, you cannot come to Cahors and not sample its most famous export: Malbec red wine! Nicknamed the ‘black wine’ after the deep, blackish red color it gets from its Malbec grapes, the wines are suave and full-bodied, with notes of red fruit and spices, and constitute some of the southwest’s best vintages, along with Bordeaux. One of the loveliest places to try it, is at Château Lagrezette (tel. 05-65-20-07-42), a stunning stone castle and vineyard, 11km (7miles) west of Cahors. It’s open daily July and August from 10am to 7pm for tastings and offers tours of the chai (cellars). Or it has its own shop, right by the Pont Valentré (Allée des Soupirs).


Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.