The capital of the Lot department, Cahors is a city with a thousand years of history, nestled in a bend of the Lot River. It is famous for its medieval heritage, its black wine with powerful aromas, and its southern lifestyle. The city combines architecture, culture, gastronomy, and nature, between medieval streets and river landscapes.
Visitor’s guide
- Valentré Bridge – 27 minutes
- Lunch at Suzanne’s
- Saint-Etienne Cathedral – 5 minutes
- Tour of the old town
- Lunch at Balinaise or Bonnie
- The Secret Gardens of Cahors
- Henri Martin Museum – 2 minutes
- Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – 25 minutes
Pont Valentré – Travel time: 27 min
A symbol of Cahors and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pont Valentré is a masterpiece of 14th-century fortified Gothic architecture.
Lunch – Chez Suzanne Restaurant (Cahors)
Located opposite the Valentré Bridge, Chez Suzanne is a charming restaurant that combines fine dining, a friendly atmosphere, and creativity. In a modern setting, guests can enjoy refined cuisine that showcases local Lot products. Telephone: 05 65 22 13 04 (closed Sundays and Mondays)
Saint-Etienne Cathedral and its cloister – Travel time: 5 min
Saint-Étienne Cathedral is an exceptional Romanesque building, one of the few to have two monumental Byzantine domes. Its adjoining cloister, a true haven of peace, is a jewel of flamboyant Gothic art.
Opening hours: free access
Tour of the old town
The medieval streets of Cahors, such as Rue du Docteur Bergougnoux and Rue du Château du Roi, still feature many multi-story houses typical of the Middle Ages. These multi-purpose residences combined craft and commercial activities on the ground floor with the owner’s living quarters on the upper floor, often adorned with mullioned or double-arched windows. The direct link between the house and the street, marked by arcades and stalls, illustrates the commercial and urban vitality of medieval Cahors.
Lunch – La Balinaise or Bonnie restaurants (Cahors)
Located near the cathedral, La Balinaise invites you on a culinary journey with its delicious and subtly spiced Asian cuisine. Enjoy homemade dishes inspired by Bali and Java. A welcoming and exotic stop, ideal for an exotic lunch in Cahors.
Telephone: 09 52 35 07 39 (closed Sundays and Mondays)
On the cathedral square, Bonnie offers inventive and elegant bistronomic cuisine, served in a contemporary setting with hints of an artist’s studio. Local products are enhanced by bold combinations, accompanied by a fine selection of Cahors wines.
Telephone: +33 (0)6 24 47 74 20 (closed Sundays and Mondays)
The Secret Gardens of Cahors
Since 2002, the Secret Gardens, created by the city’s gardeners and awarded the Jardin Remarquable label, have offered an original stroll through nature and heritage. From May to October, these small themed gardens can be discovered as you wander through the narrow streets of the historic center. Ask us for a brochure.
Henri Martin Museum – Travel time: 2 min
Founded in 1833 and housed in the former bishop’s palace, the Henri-Martin Museum in Cahors now displays nearly 11,000 works and objects from various collections. It houses the largest public collection of works by Henri Martin, a post-impressionist painter inspired by the landscapes of Quercy.
Opening hours: April to October — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Mondays—except July and August—and Tuesdays) and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays.
Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – Travel time: 25 min
💡 Suggestion: Before leaving, climb Mont Saint-Cyr for a breathtaking view of the sunset over the Lot loop, the rooftops of Cahors, and the illuminated Pont Valentré bridge. 6 km circuit – 2 hours
📖 Mont Saint-Cyr circuit
You can also get there by car; parking is available 200 meters from Belvédère.
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