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Historic centre · Cahors, Occitânia
Quartier médiéval de Cahors
The medieval centre of Cahors, between the cathedral and the north of the town, with the tower of Pope John XXII, the Barbacane, the tower Saint-Jean and the secret gardens.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Quartier médiéval de Cahors
The medieval centre of Cahors occupies the eastern part of the peninsula formed by the bend of the Lot, between the cathedral and the northern tip of the town. The narrow streets contain houses of stone and brick, palaces of old merchant and banking families, and towers that recall the town's wealth in the Middle Ages.
Pope John XXII, elected in 1316, was born in Cahors and looked after his native town. The tower of Jean XXII, about 34 metres high, is what remains of his family's palace and is the tallest building in the old centre.
At the northern end are the Barbacane, which protected the old Porte de la Barre, and the tower Saint-Jean, also called the Hangmen's Tower, on a rock above the Lot. Through the centre's streets there are more than twenty secret gardens, small themed gardens open to the public near the monuments, with medieval plants, kitchen gardens and herbs.
The walk through the centre can start at the cathedral and follow north along the streets parallel to the river.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours on foot.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, with low light on the façades and less heat in summer. The gardens are more in bloom in spring and early summer.
How to get there
The medieval centre begins at the cathedral and extends to the north. From the station it's about a 15-minute walk to the cathedral.
Tip
Pick up the secret gardens map at the tourist office and use it as a walking route: it goes past the towers and the main palaces.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Quartier médiéval de Cahors
What are the secret gardens of Cahors?
More than twenty small themed gardens scattered through the old centre, near the monuments, featuring medieval plants, kitchen gardens and aromatic herbs.
Who was Pope João XXII?
Jacques Duèze, born in Cahors, elected pope in 1316. The tower of Jean XXII is what remains of his family’s palace.
What is the Barbican?
A fortified construction at the far north of the city that protected the old porta da Barre.