Cahors - the old town

Here I am in Cahors the last part of this January trip to South West France. I became very interested in this part of France when I read Kate Mosse’s book Labyrinth which I loved (though many people seem to hate it !). At the time I had no idea that I would end up being a frequent visitor to this beautiful part of France, but good fortune has brought me here several times in the last few months and I hope to be back again soon.

The pictures were taken during a very short visit to the old town whilst my companion was in the Internet café!

For those who want to know more, Cahors is situated in a dramatic setting on three sides within bends in the river Lot. It is the principal town of the Lot département. Today it is perhaps best known as the centre of the famous 'black' wine that carries its name. The heyday for this glorious old town came in the fourteenth century, when, Jacques Dueze a native of Cahors, became Pope (this was during the time that the Popes were at Avignon). Cahors was important then – but now I guess it is less so and in summer is heavily reliant on tourists. It was nice to visit in January when things were quiet and there was lots of space!