Cahors

Cahors is a commune in southwestern France, the prefecture of the Lot department in the Occitanie region. It is situated on the Lot river in the Quercy limestone plateau, and serves as the historic and economic center of the department.

The town's historic center, with narrow medieval streets and imposing stone buildings, features the Pont Valentré, a 14th-century three-arched stone bridge that spans the Lot, and the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, whose architecture shows Romanesque origins with later Gothic additions.

Cahors is the seat of the Cahors wine region. Wines are traditionally produced from the Malbec grape and related varieties and are known for their deep color and tannic structure; the Cahors AOC covers vineyards in the surrounding hills and river valley. The Malbec grape is also widely grown in other countries, notably Argentina.

The local economy combines wine production, agriculture, and tourism. Visitors come to explore the medieval center, to walk the Pont Valentré, and to use Cahors as a base for exploring the Lot valley and nearby cliffs and caves. The town also hosts markets and cultural events.

Transport connections include the A20 autoroute nearby and the Cahors railway station on the Toulouse–Brive-la-Gaillarde line, with links to Toulouse, Brive and other regional centers.