Situated at equal distances from the Atlantic, the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, Once the capital of the old Quercy province it stands on the river Lot (Occitanie region), caught in a tight loop of the waterway. The cathedral, one of the oldest, was consecrated in 1119, which means a simplified yet elegant architecture. The most outstanding architecture though is to be found at Pont Valentré. With three towers, which once had portcullises, it protected the river crossing. It is a former university town, but now it is a popular tourist centre.
Access
Cahors has been a great host – to the Gauls, the Romans, the Moors and the British. And today visitors are still arriving – though nowadays it is by train from Paris road and by air via Toulouse or the small local aerodrome.
Activities
You will find the tourist right in the centre of town in the Place Mitterand. There is a lot to see including Roman remains. You can take a road train ride around town or take a cruise on the river to see the sights and enjoy a meal. There are several markets, covered and open, a wine museum and art galleries. The town has enough English speakers to support a local church
There are a number of sporting venues including 2 swimming pools and events such as a tennis tournament and moto-cross. You can join groups to fly model planes, wind surf or even learn to parachute – imagine the views. There is a whole list of other sports – mountain climbing, martial arts and equestrian sports among others. Since the1990’s the town has concentrated on gardens , many of laid out in medieval patterns so there are plenty of places for gentle strolls away from crowded streets. The whole area is full of places with their individual fetes, festivals and so on – far too many to list.
Food and drink
From local wines of distinction, goats cheese, mutton, veal, prunes, nuts, the Chasselas grape, melons and the special local bread. There is, as one might expect, an annual wine festival.
There are exotic restaurants including those from China and India, but for traditional local food the choice is huge, whether you just want a brasserie or something more formal. There are even two of that rare species – vegetarian restaurants – one near the market and the other, L’Orangerie, near the cathedral – look for the wisteria.
Restaurants
- L’O à la Bouche, 134 rue St-Urcisse, Cahors, Tel no: 05-65-35-65-69
- La Rendezvous, 49 rue Clément Marot, Cahors, Tel no: 05-65-22-65-10
This area is of course well known to the British, but that doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy a truly French life style, but can still look in the Yellow pages when you long to hear an English plumber singing in your bathroom.
Talking of English speakers, do find a bi-lingual estate, as at Sextant properties, however good your normal French is. You are entering a whole new realm of language with terms for hollow walls, plaster board , attics etc to be mastered. We know the area really well and can help you along the road to your perfect place in the Gers. We will accompany you on viewings, explain terms and vocabulary – we are your life line towards your new home. The real France will no longer be just somewhere on a travel poster, but your home.