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 due to its port on the river.
Explore Cajarc
The historic centre of Cajarc is enclosed by wide boulevards which are in the position of the original defensive walls of the town. Many of the historic buildings in the centre have small signs explaining their history and date of construction, adding interest to a visit.
Cajarc town 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.
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.
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.
The weekly market in Cajarc is held on saturday afternoons.
Plan d'eau de Cajarc
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. You will also notice some medieval buildings along the river front.
Attractions nearby
You can see the Caougne Waterfall close to Cajarc, and the imposing Chateau Cénevières is a short distance downstream. A short distance upstream at the Saut de la Mounine you can have one of the best views in the region.
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.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Lot guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
Photos of Cajarc
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Map of Cajarc and places nearby
Visit near Cajarc with France This Way reviews
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is certainly among the most beautiful villages in France, with its riverside setting and lovely historic streets
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie guide
Faycelles
Although quite small, take the time to stroll around Faycelles when you are in this region
Faycelles guide
Cabrerets
Cabrerets is a pretty village on the Célé river best known for the Grotte de Pech Merle
Cabrerets guide
Figeac
The market town of Figeac has many interesting historic buildings and streets to explore - one of our favourite towns in this region
Figeac guide
Capdenac
Capdenac-le-Haut, another of the 'beautiful villages of France' is quite small but very picturesque
Capdenac guide
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
The 13th century bastide town of Villefranche-de-Rouergue is very much a traditional local town of the region
Villefranche-de-Rouergue guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Lot
Address: Cajarc, Figeac, Midi-Pyrenees, 46160, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.486389, longitude 1.843611
Plan your visit to Cajarc, Lot
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Gréalou dolmen de Pech-Laglaire (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (6 km)
- Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: most beautiful village (14 km)
- Causses du Quercy: regional natural parc (16 km)
- Figeac: recommended detour (20 km)
- Figeac Hopital St Jacques (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (20 km)
- Assier Chateau: national monument (21 km)
- Villefranche-de-Rouergue: recommended detour (21 km)
- Gouffre des Vitarelles: site of natural beauty (29 km)
- Gorges de l'Aveyron: site of natural beauty (30 km)
- Beaulieu en Rouergue Abbey: national monument (31 km)
- Najac: town of art and history (32 km)
- Cahors cathédrale St Etienne (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (32 km)
The French version of this page is at Cajarc (Francais)