Castle Ruins


Little remains of St-Cirq's fortress, witness to sieges during the Hundred Years War, the Wars of Religion and long before. The crumbling walls still provide a dramatic viewpoint over the valley and village, making it worth the short climb.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Church

0.04 MILES

The belfry and accompanying turret of this simple 16th-century church, dedicated to Saint Cyr, rise above the village.

2. Musée Rignault

0.08 MILES

Eclectic collection of French furniture, African and Chinese art, and rotating exhibitions. Delightful garden.

3. Grotte du Pech Merle

3.17 MILES

Discovered in 1922, the 1200m-long Grotte de Pech Merle is one of the few decorated caves found around the Lot Valley. It has several wonderful galleries…

4. Cathédrale St-Étienne

11.27 MILES

The airy nave of Cahors’ Romanesque cathedral, consecrated in 1119, is topped by two cupolas (at 18m wide, the largest in France). Some of the frescoes…

5. Tour du Pape Jean XXII

11.36 MILES

The Tour du Pape Jean XXII (closed to the public) is the town’s tallest building at 34m high. It was originally part of a 14th-century mansion belonging…

6. Musée de la Résistance

11.44 MILES

Cahors was a base for the resistance during WWII. Look for displays on local hero Hélène Metges who died for the cause. As of mid-2018, the museum was…

7. Musée Henri Martin

11.46 MILES

Displays include works by the Cahors-born pointillist painter Henri Martin (1893–1972). It is closed for renovation through at least 2019.

8. Pont Valentré

11.83 MILES

The seven-span Pont Valentré, on the western side of the city, south of the train station, is one of France’s most iconic medieval bridges, built as part…