Formerly the capital of the old province of Quercy, Cahors is the largest town in the Lot valley. The site was inhabited by the Cadurci tribe in Roman-Gaul times.
Cahors, Lot
The largest town in the Lot and with Roman roots. Situated on the banks of the Lot river
The town sits on a tight meander of the river Lot and on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
Today its economy comes from the land - wine and agriculture - and from tourism. Perhaps best known as the centre of the famous AOC 'black' wine known since the Middle Ages and exported via Bordeaux, long before that region had developed its own viniculture industry.
Its most famous sight is the fortified Pont Valentré with its three square towers which date to the 14th century and is the city's emblem.
The current cathedral, Saint-Etienne, dates to the 12th century.
Events in Cahors
There are many small events and festivals that take place in this town, but one of the most celebrated and popular without a doubt is the 'Lot of Saveurs'. It takes place annually in July and celebrates the culinary heritage of the region.
Events in Cahors
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Cahors
The first cathedral was erected in the 7th century by the bishop Saint Didier, and the bishops of Cahors went on to have control over a large regional area.
Cahors' bishop, Jacques Duèze, was named Pope John XXII in 1316 and went on to build a palace in Cahors, as well as founding the university.
However, it has declined economically since the Middle Ages, and lost its university in the 18th century. Today it's mainly associated with the appellation of the same name, and has become a popular tourist destination which has boosted the economy.
Sights & Attractions in Cahors
With a long history in producing full bodied red wines, how can you resist a visit to one of the many vineyards in this area. The Cahors appellation is well known in all parts of the world so expect to enjoy some with your meals and make sure you have space in your bag to take some home.
The town is full of history and stunning examples of architecture from various periods in time. The Pont Valentre and the Cathedral are just two examples that are worth visiting.
Sights in Cahors
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La Maison de l'Eau Museum, Cahors
An interesting exhibition about Cahors drinking water supply
Developed by an engineer called Frédéric Suisse the system uses the amazing power of the river to pump water from the fountain of the Chartreux, thus supplying Cahors with drinking water.
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Resistance, Deportation & Liberation Museum, Cahors
A small museum dedicated to the resistance & Cahors during WW2
Spread over three levels this museums tells many stories of resistance efforts, concentration camps and the part the Cahors played in the liberation of France.
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Cathedrale Saint-Etienne, Cahors
11th century Roman Catholic cathedral holding the Holy Coif
The cathedral in Cahors dates to the 11th century though it has undergone modifications over the centuries.
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Pont Valentre, Cahors
Impressive 14th century bridge built with a little help from the devil
Built in the 14th century, the Valentré bridge is synonymous with the town of Cahors.
Dining in Cahors
Restaurants in Cahors
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Chateau de Mercues Restaurant, Cahors
Michelin star bliss in 13th Century Castle
In a dining room graced with elegance and class, you can savour a meal while looking out to the surrounding Lay Valley, vineyards and Chateau gardens. Internationally renowned, the 1 michelin star restaurant serves up refined cuisine based on the superior produce of the region.
Things to do in Cahors
The walk up to Mont Saint Cyr is worth it for the views alone, although it is also a steep, but pleasant walk. There are public areas for BBQ's at the top so you could take a picnic and enjoy your time up there for a little longer.
Being surrounded by a river means that there are also plenty of watersports to be had here. So make sure you don't spend all of your time on dry land...
Things To Do in Cahors
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CAP NATURE - Parc de Loisirs
Adventure park featuring tree-top adventures, paintball & kayaking
Just 5 minutes from Cahors, in Pradines, there are a multitude of activities on offer from acrobatic courses in the trees, to paintball, kayaking, hiking, orienteering and much much more.
Watersports in Cahors
Watersports in Cahors
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Canoes Loisirs Watersports, Vitrac
Kayak & canoe rental on the Dordogne river south of Sarlat
Offering various routes along the Dordogne river to enjoy the sights of the Perigord Noir region. Discover hidden treasures during a relaxing journey down the river.
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Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Canoe hire on the Dordogne river through the beautiful Perigord
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Canoe holidays on the river Dordogne
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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Canoe Dordogne
Enjoy a gentle kayak down the river Dordogne from La Roque Gageac
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
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Carennac Aventure Watersports, Carennac
Canoeing, kayaking and hiking along the Dordogne river
Situated at the foot of Carennac village this watersports centre offers more than just fun on the water! They offer three main activities; canoeing or kayaking, group canoeing with up to six people in the same boat, and adventure trekking with overnight camping out in the wild.
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Canoes Rivieres Loisirs, Limeuil
Accessible to all, you can travel the region at your own pace
With family, in a group, with friends and at any age, you can explore at your own pace two of the most beautiful rivers of Périgord.
Holiday Rentals in Cahors
Holiday Rentals in Cahors
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Lou Calvel Villa, Cazals
2 bedroom Villa in Cazals. Sleeps 5
A haven of tranquillity, Lou Calvel sits within private woodland in the picturesque Lot region of South West France where the densely forested landscape teems with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Hedgerows of bluebells, posies and colourful orchids provide both walkers and keen photographers with much to admire while local market stalls always offer a wealth of freshly harvested, seasonal produce including asparagus, herbs and a wide variety of wild mushrooms.
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Tourondel Villa, Floressas
2 bedroom Villa in Floressas, South West France. Sleeps 4
A restorative, rural retreat is the most befitting way to describe Tourondel. Tucked away on a hillside in the glorious Lot countryside, it is a bolthole for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, an open invitation to relax, drink in the views and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
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La Maison Fleurie Villa, Frayssinet-le-Gelat
2 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 4
The undulating countryside north of the River Lot is dotted with chestnut woods and stone villages. In a tiny hamlet, close to the border with the Dordogne (3km), sits La Maison Fleurie, a picturesque stone cottage, adorned with pots of colourful flowers.
La Maison Fleurie Villa, Frayssinet-le-Gelat
17 Oct 2026, 7 Nights, 1-4 people, Self-cateredFrom £880 -
La Croix Villa, Prats-du-Périgord
3 bedroom Villa in Prats-du-Périgord, South West France. Sleeps 8
This recently renovated semi-detached stone village house is a delightful addition to our collection of properties in the picturesque Dordogne region. Situated along one of the narrow lanes in the village of Prats-du-Périgord, La Croix is a restoration that blends the traditional with the contemporary to great effect.
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La Cloche Villa, Prats-du-périgor
3 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 8
Surrounded by a patchwork of fields and forests in the picturesque Perigord Noir area, the charming village of Prats-du-Perigord, with its honey coloured stone buildings topped with pitched roofs of deep red tiles, is most typical of the region.
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Pech Marty Villa, Monflanquin
3 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 6
A sparkling retreat which offers something for everyone, Pech Marty will delight all who stay there. Set in spacious grounds with views over the surrounding countryside towards the 'bastide' town of Monflanquin, this lovely stone building has been sympathetically restored to become a most relaxing and comfortable 'home from home'.
Hotels in Cahors
Hotels in Cahors
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La Chartreuse Hotel, Cahors
Peaceful retreat with views over the River Lot
Just a 5 minute walk to the centre of Cahors and with stunning views of the river and countryside, this is an ideal spot from which to explore. The hotel features a large outdoor pool and restaurant, along with 50 bedrooms which were recently refurbished in 2011.
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Chateau de Mercues Hotel, Cahors
13th Century Castle, once home to the Bishops of Cahors
The Chateau has unbeatable views of the surrounding Lot valley and vineyards. The bedrooms throughout are lavishly decorated with style, class and comfort in mind. A beautiful park surrounds the property and contains a swimming pool, two tennis courts and stunning cedar trees.
Property For Sale in Cahors
Property for Sale in Cahors
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Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
5 bedroom chateau for sale
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
€967,200 -
Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
Manor for sale around Sarlat la Caneda
In a typical environment of the Dordogne, superb set of properties with a mansion with a living room of 68m2 and 6 rooms and a listed 3 bedrooms cottages and private pool, a second holiday 3 bedrooms, large heated pool, in a lovely over 1.8 hectares garden.
Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
€1,410,000 -
Manoir For Sale, Villeneuve-sur-Lot - Ref.12997
6 bedroom Manoir House for sale
Near a tourist village with all amenities and 10 km from Villeneuve sur Lot Beautiful stone fortified Manor of the XV century developing almost 450m2 of living space with panoramic views of its 10 hectares of land.
Manoir For Sale, Villeneuve-sur-Lot - Ref.12997
€1,166,000 -
House For Sale, Villeneuve-sur-Lot - Ref.13409
5 bedroom house for sale
Farm of the 18-19th century, this high-quality restoration lies in the heart of the Lot et Garonne, near Casseneuil village with shops and services, 10 minutes from Villeneuve sur Lot.
House For Sale, Villeneuve-sur-Lot - Ref.13409
€848,000 -
Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Magnificent chartreuse north of Les Eyzies for sale
The property,dating from the 17th century, lies in a quiet, open valley, fed by a small stream.
Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
€3,500,000 -
Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
3 bedroom house for sale
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.
Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
€249,000










































