Cahors: The Complete Guide

Nestled in the rolling limestone hills of the Occitanie and Languedoc, Cahors makes an enchanting base for exploring the southwest of France. Begin your visit by wandering the medieval heart of town, where the graceful arches of the Pont Valentré soar above the lazy loops of the Lot River. Stroll along the riverbanks at sunrise to watch fishing canoes glide under the bridge, then amble through the narrow, flower-lined streets to discover tucked-away cafés serving strong coffee and flaky croissants. Don’t miss the lively market on Place Louis-Lautrec—on Wednesdays and Saturdays local producers lay out crates of fresh truffles, goat cheeses, walnuts and bottles of the signature Cahors “black” Malbec.

For a taste of the surrounding countryside, rent a bicycle or join a guided tour to pedal along the Voie Verte, a converted railway track that follows the river through orchards and past cliff-perched villages. Along the way you’ll pass shaded picnic spots where you can sample local charcuterie paired with crisp Côtes du Lot rosé. If you’d rather stay on two feet, lace up hiking boots to tackle the panoramic trails above the river gorge, stopping at scenic belvederes that look out over patchwork vineyards and sunflower fields. Active types can also kayak or stand-up paddleboard on the calm waters of the Lot, slipping beneath ancient bridges and past riverside manor houses.

As evening falls, Cahors comes alive with convivial bistros and wine bars clustered around Place François-Mitterrand. Sip a glass of full-bodied Malbec—its deep fruit and peppery notes perfectly complement slow-cooked duck confit or warm walnut cake—while locals and visitors chat under strings of glowing lanterns. For a splurge, reserve a table in one of the town’s elegant restaurants, where menus change with the seasons and highlight black truffle shavings or Célé mushrooms foraged from nearby forests. Whether you’re here for the food, the scenery or simply the quiet charm of southwestern France, Cahors offers a warm welcome and an inviting pace that will linger long after you depart.

History of Cahors

Cahors in Antiquity and Late Antiquity

Cahors first emerged as a significant settlement under Roman rule, known then as Divona Cadurcorum. By the 1st century AD, it boasted a forum, baths and a network of roads linking it to Burdigala (Bordeaux) and Lugdunum (Lyon). Its strategic position on a bend of the river encouraged trade in grain, wine and pottery. As Roman authority waned in the 4th and 5th centuries, Cahors adapted its urban fabric: the forum was repurposed for Christian worship, and stone quarries subsidized the construction of early basilicas and episcopal residences.

Cahors in the Early and High Middle Ages

In the centuries following the collapse of Roman administration, Cahors fell under Visigothic, then Frankish influence. By the 7th century, it had become an episcopal seat, with bishops exercising both spiritual and temporal power. Fortifications sprang up to defend against Viking raids and local feudal skirmishes. During the 11th and 12th centuries, Cahors flourished as a center of commerce on pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, minting its own coinage and enjoying special tax privileges granted by the Counts of Toulouse.

Cahors during the Hundred Years’ War

The 14th century brought tumult as Cahors found itself caught between English and French ambitions. In 1360, the Treaty of Brétigny briefly placed the town under English suzerainty, only for it to be reclaimed by the French crown in 1440. Throughout this era, the Pont Valentré—initiated in 1308—served both as a toll bridge and defensive bulwark. Despite sieges and shifting allegiances, Cahors’ merchants continued to trade Malbec wines northward, establishing a reputation that would endure for centuries.

Cahors in the Renaissance and Early Modern Period

As stability returned in the 16th century, Cahors invested in civic beautification: hôtels particuliers with ornate façades rose along its main streets, and the cathedral was embellished with flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance details. The Wars of Religion (1562–1598) tested the town’s unity, but local leaders maintained relative peace compared to surrounding regions. By the 17th and 18th centuries, Cahors had become an intellectual hub, home to scholars who corresponded with Parisian academies while its merchants exported leather, saffron and fortified wines throughout Europe.

Cahors during the Revolution and the 19th Century

The upheavals of 1789 brought the abolition of feudal dues and the reorganization of Cahors as the prefecture of the newly created Lot department in 1790. Revolutionary fervor saw church lands seized and the cathedral desecrated, but by the end of the 19th century the town embarked on modernization: riverbanks were embanked, gas lighting installed, and the first railway connection to Brive and Montauban opened in 1862. This century also saw renewed interest in medieval heritage, prompting preservation of the Pont Valentré and restoration of the episcopal palace.

Cahors in the 20th and 21st Centuries

Two world wars left their mark on Cahors—its youth fought in distant trenches, while the town served as a place of refuge for evacuees in 1940. Post-war years ushered in urban expansion beyond the medieval core, with new neighborhoods rising along transport routes. Beginning in the 1980s, local authorities championed cultural revival: annual jazz festivals, art biennales and the inauguration of a museum of prehistoric art in nearby caves. Today, Cahors balances its layered history with sustainable tourism and viticultural innovation, preserving its medieval ramparts even as its streets hum with contemporary life.

Visiting Cahors for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Cahors on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

1. Pont Valentré de Cahors

Rising above the Lot River with its three crenellated towers and fortified arches, the Pont Valentré is Cahors’s emblematic medieval bridge. Built between 1308 and 1378, it once collected tolls and guarded the western approach to the town. Today, visitors can stroll across its 138-metre length, pausing on the red limestone parapets to admire reflections in the water below. Free access, open 24/7.

By dawn or at sunset, the bridge takes on a golden glow, offering prime photo opportunities when the arches frame the mist-shrouded river. Interpretive panels at either end recount the legend of the devil’s pact—legend has it that a demon helped the master mason complete a missing keystone in exchange for his soul. The Pont Valentré’s enduring presence makes it a perfect starting point for any visit to Cahors.

2. Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Cahors

Dominating the old town skyline, the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne blends Romanesque massiveness with later Gothic flourishes. Begun in the 11th century, its interior houses 14th-century frescoes in the chapels and a magnificent choir screen carved from local stone. Entry is free; open daily 9 am–6 pm.

Beneath the transept lies a network of crypts and chapels—these subterranean spaces, once a pilgrimage destination, offer guided tours (€4, 10 am–5 pm). Stone steps descend into candlelit vaults where small stone reliquaries once held sacred relics. Whether you linger in the nave or venture underground, the cathedral reveals Cahors’s spiritual heritage in every carved capital and stained-glass window.

3. Musée Henri-Martin de Cahors

Housed in an elegant 19th-century neoclassical building, the Musée Henri-Martin showcases works by its namesake painter alongside rotating exhibitions of regional art and archaeology. Permanent collections include landscapes of the Lot valley, emblematic of Occitanie’s light and color. Admission €6; reduced €4; open Tuesday–Sunday 10 am–12 pm and 2 pm–6 pm.

After viewing the galleries, step into the museum’s shaded courtyard garden, where sculptures by local artists punctuate the manicured lawns. The onsite bookshop stocks monographs on Cahors’s history and catalogs of past exhibitions. Whether you’re an art aficionado or curious traveler, the Musée Henri-Martin deepens your understanding of the town’s cultural evolution.

4. Kayaking on the Lot at Cahors

Gliding beneath medieval bridges and past limestone riverbanks, a kayak trip on the Lot offers both tranquility and gentle adventure. Launch points near the Pont Valentré provide hourly rentals (€15 per hour) and guided excursions for families and solo paddlers alike. Rentals available daily 9 am–6 pm, April–October.

As you paddle downstream, the river widens into peaceful bends flanked by walnut groves. Look for herons fishing at dawn, and stop at riverside picnic spots to sample local charcuterie and Cahors Malbec. For a longer journey, a half-day circuit loops back to town via a quiet canal channel—perfect for those seeking both scenery and a mild workout.

5. Cycling the Voie Verte of Cahors

Following a former railway line along the Lot, the Voie Verte offers a flat, car-free route ideal for cyclists of all levels. Bike rentals start at €10 per half-day from the stalls by the Gare routière, open 9 am–6 pm. The trail leads through orchards and vineyards, with benches and waymarkers every few kilometers.

Choose a short out-and-back ride to explore nearby hamlets, or embark on the full 30-km path toward Puy-l’Évêque. Interpretive panels explain traditional farming methods, and shaded rest areas invite you to pause for a picnic of goat cheese and fresh bread. The Voie Verte’s gentle grades make it a family favorite and a refreshing way to see the Lot countryside.

6. Place Louis-Lautrec Market in Cahors

Twice weekly—Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 am to 1 pm—the Place Louis-Lautrec transforms into a bustling open-air market. Stallholders fill the square with vibrant displays of seasonal produce: black truffles in winter, asparagus in spring, walnuts and cheeses year-round. Entry is free.

Beyond food, artisans sell pottery, textiles and regional crafts under striped canopies. Local vintners offer tastings of Cahors Malbec by the glass, while boulangeries tempt shoppers with freshly baked fougasse and almond croissants. The convivial atmosphere draws both locals and travelers, making the market a cornerstone of Cahors’s everyday life.

7. Self-Guided Medieval Walking Tour of Cahors

Wander narrow cobblestone lanes to uncover hidden courtyards, half-timbered houses and medieval gateways. A free map from the tourist office marks 15 points of interest, including the Porte de Balène and the fountain of Gariès. The 2-km loop can be completed in under two hours, with plenty of cafés along the way for rest stops.

Detailed plaques on building façades recount their 12th- and 13th-century origins, while small squares reveal Renaissance mansions with carved doorways. As you walk, look up to spot corbelled turrets and stone gargoyles—the town’s protective mascots. This self-paced tour immerses you in Cahors’s layers of history without the formality of a guided group.

8. Abbaye de Caillac near Cahors

Just 3 km south of the town center, the Abbaye de Caillac stands amid olive groves and vineyards. Founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, its austere cloister now hosts art exhibitions and classical concerts. Free entry; grounds open daily from dawn until dusk.

Inside, the chapter house features ribbed vaulting and slender columns, while the church retains its original Romanesque portal. Visitors can stroll the shaded cloister walk, then relax by the old fishpond once used by the monastic community. Seasonal events—such as summer organ recitals—bring renewed life to these ancient stones.

9. Tourist Train of Cahors

For a leisurely overview of Cahors, hop aboard the Petit Train Touristique. This little red train departs daily at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm and 4 pm (April–October) from Place Mitterrand. Tickets cost €8 for adults and €5 for children, covering a 45-minute loop past major landmarks and hillside viewpoints.

A recorded commentary (available in multiple languages) points out architectural highlights and recounts local legends. Panoramic windows ensure clear sightlines for photographers, while padded seats make the ride comfortable even on warm afternoons. It’s a perfect activity for families or anyone seeking a relaxed introduction to Cahors.

10. Crypts of Cathédrale Saint-Étienne in Cahors

Beneath the cathedral’s main floor lies a series of vaulted crypts and chapels carved into the limestone bedrock. Guided visits (€4) run daily at 11 am and 3 pm (April–November), beginning at the cathedral’s south transept. Groups are small, ensuring an intimate encounter with the subterranean spaces.

Torchlit vaults reveal ancient fresco fragments and stone reliquaries embedded in the walls—tangible evidence of medieval devotional practices. The cool, damp air carries whispered echoes of pilgrims who once knelt here. Emerging back into the light of the nave, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the cathedral’s role as both fortress and sanctuary in Cahors’s storied past.