Cahors is a commune in the western part of Southern France and one of the most known villages of Midi-Pyrénées. Nestled in a meander of the Lot and surrounded by steep arid limestone hills, this historic city is home to great monumental diversity, mainly inherited from Roman times and the Middle Ages.
There are several parkings in the city, most of them from Monday to Friday are not free (on weekend are free), but if you cross the bridge and go to right under it there is free parking all week long. If you want to visit Midi-Pyrénées you can sleep on Cahors, as i did, or change village during the journey.
CAHORS
Famed for its wine and gastronomy (truffles and foie gras), this southern French city holds the label of the French Towns of Art and History this city’s monuments include a historic city center:
- Saint-Étienne cathedral
- Les Halles, street market is on Sunday, don’t miss it
- Roman walls
- Valentré bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the pilgrimage path to Santiago de Compostela)
- Taste the “Black Wine” and its famous Malbec grape
- The Secret Gardens of Cahors will tell you the story of the city and its medieval golden age. 30 small gardens are a surprise in the old quarters: discover them by following the route marked with arrows.
An emblem of French gastronomy le Foie Gras, is an essential ingredient whose subtle flavor is unique in the world. Occitania is its kingdom, notably thanks to the Gers, France’s leading producer of traditional foie gras. Whether directly from the producer, at the restaurant, at the winter poultry markets: there are many ways to enjoy the noblest of local products, produced with respect for the animal.
MIDI-PYRÉNÉES ROADTRIP
FRENCH CASTLES
With around 300 castles to visit, Occitania opens the doors to a kingdom full of heroic figures, warlike architecture, corridors you will love to lose yourself in, and towers you will lose count of. Check Belcastel or Rocamadour.
OCCITANIE AND WINE
Occitania is home to 87 appellations, 51 of which are PDO. In the South-West, a land of small valleys, hills and river terraces, the Gaillac, Fronton, Cahors, Saint-Mont, Madiran… are spread out. The Corbières, Minervois, La Clape, Saint-Chinian, Pic-Saint-Loup, Côtes du Roussillon… are harvested in the hot lands of Languedoc and Roussillon.
The Château de Mercuès is worthy of a masterpiece and has witnessed some of the greatest moments in the history of France over its eight centuries of history, combining culture and history in perfect harmony. An exceptional vineyard-hotel, a 4-star Relais & Châteaux, a Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant and a wine estate, the Château de Mercuès is a haven of peace in the heart of the Quercy. We welcome you from May to October, by reservation, for a visit followed by a tasting (from 15€ to 27€).
WHERE TO SLEEP
