Cajarc

Visit Cajarc, Midi-Pyrenees

The small town of Cajarc is in the heart of the Lot Valley, a very scenic stretch of river between Figeac and Cahors as it passes through the Regional Natural Parc of the Causses de Quercy.

The site of the town has been occupied since the roman period, with the fortified village we now see dating from the 12th century onwards when the town prospered thanks to its port on the river.

Exploring Cajarc

The historic centre of Cajarc is enclosed by wide boulevards which are in the position of the original defensive walls of the town.

The centre contains a good number of interesting medieval buildings. Narrow alleys to the sides of the main streets provide glimpses of a town unchanged with the centuries, while part of the original 13th century castle can still be seen in the main street through the centre.

Among the buildings of particular interest are the Maison des Consuls, a substantial 15th century town house, and a roman style house nearby dating from the 12th century. Many other historic buildings in Cajarc centre have small signs explaining their history and date of construction, adding interest to a visit.

In the centre of Cajarc the Place de l'église is a particularly picturesque small square with shady trees and several historical buildings around the edges, including a 13th century church.

The weekly market in Cajarc is held on saturday afternoons.

Plan d'eau

On the edge of the town the Lot River is crossed by a 19th century suspension bridge (which replaced a medieval stone bridge destroyed during the Wars of religion) and has a large 'plan d'eau' - a section of the river where boating and other activities are popular.

Extending for several kilometres along the river, it is the largest area of this type in the Midi-Pyrenees. There are also some medieval buildings along the river front.

Attractions nearby

You will discover Cajarc as you explore the Lot Valley. You can see the Caougne Waterfall close by, and the imposing Chateau Cénevières is a short distance downstream. The broad river valley is very scenic with cliffs, wooded slopes, and several very picturesque villages often in dramatic hilltop locations such as Montbrun and Calvignac.

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a particularly beautiful village, to the west of Cajarc and listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

See Midi-Pyrenees and Lot (the region and department for Cajarc) for more travel ideas...

Photos of Cajarc

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Suggested places to visit near Cajarc, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Villefranche-de-Rouergue 22km; Cardaillac 25km; Lacapelle-Marival 28km; Najac 32km; Cahors 32km; Gramat 34km; Maurs 38km; Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val 38km; Rocamadour 39km; Belcastel 41km; Autoire 41km;

Cajarc tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Causses du Quercy - regional natural parc (16km) : Assier Chateau - national monument (21km) : Beaulieu en Rouergue Abbey - national monument (31km) : Jardins secrets de Cahors - remarkable garden (32km) : Cathédrale de Saint-Étienne (Cahors) - religious monument (32km) : Jardins de Quercy - remarkable garden (33km) : Cayriech - ville fleurie 4* (35km) : Chateau Montal - national monument (42km) :

See more places and a map at places near Cajarc