Car rental Cahors

Parking in Cahors

Despite being a small and compact town, Cahors has plenty of parking dotted around its center.

• Street parking can be found  at a reasonable price. Parking is usually free on Sundays, bank holidays and national holidays.  
• Place de Gaulle is an outdoor parking lot with over 200 spaces. You can find this near the Saint-Barthélemy church.
• L'amphithéâtre is the largest indoor parking lot, named after the Roman ruins which were found here during construction. 

Traffic in Cahors

Traffic in Cahors is fairly minimal but expect some delays during rush hour times. This is usually between 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm.

How to get from Cahors-Lalbenque Airport to Cahors Cathedral

Cathédrale Saint-Etienne’s address is: 17 Place Jean Jacques Chapou, 46000 Cahors, France

To get to Cahors Cathedral from the airport:

1.      Leave the rental car parking lot and turn left onto Enteste road.
2.      Take the first exit on the roundabout to join the D800E toll road
3.      At the second roundabout take the first exit to join the D820.
4.      Stay on this road until Belle Croix, then take the second exit to join the D620.
5.      Carry on this road to cross the Lot river, then take the first exit onto D653.
6.      Continue along the river before turning left onto Rue Maréchal.

Roads and freeways

Main route in Cahors

There are three main roadways leading in and out of Cahors:

• D620 starts just outside Cahors and cuts through the center.
• D820 runs from Montauban all the way to Brive-la-Gaillarde, circling Cahors on the left.
• D653 starts just outside of Cahors and follows the river east before running through Causses du Quercy Natural Regional Park.

Cahors to Toulouse

The D820 heads south to join the A20 and A620 to Toulouse in around one and a half hours. The A20 is a toll road, but you can take the D953 road instead to avoid paying, which adds about half an hour to your journey time.

Cahors to Bordeaux

Take the D653 west of Cahors to merge onto the A62 towards Bordeaux in just under three hours. There are alternative routes for those avoiding tolls, but these will add to your overall journey time. 

What to see and do in Cahors

The Secret Gardens

Nestled in Cahors’ old town are 25 hidden gardens to discover. Starting at Pont Valentré, set off on an adventure to wind through the town’s charming streets, uncovering the secrets found within the gardens as you go.

Pont Valentré

The emblem of the town and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pont Valentré stands proudly over the Lot river. Stuff of myths and legends, it is said the architect sold his soul to the devil to help the bridge be completed. Look out for a carved stone of the devil on the bridge’s northwest corner.

Cathédrale St-Étienne

Undergoing various reconstructions throughout the 12^th to 19^th centuries, Cahors Cathedral has an attractive mix of architectural styles. Pay homage to the church to spot the grand Byzantine domes, Roman portal and Baroque altarpiece.

Halle de Cahors

South France is well-known for its wine, cheese and truffles. One of the best ways to sample the region’s culinary delights is at Cahors market. Park up near the cathedral on a Wednesday or Saturday morning and enjoy meandering around the colourful stalls.

Cahors’ best hotels

Hôtel Divona Cahors

Set along the Lot river, just moments from the town’s train station, this four-star hotel offers a comfortable stay in the heart of the action. Head down to the wellness center for a day of relaxation and spend an evening sampling the region’s wine in the hotel’s lounge bar, with your rental car parked up in the private garage.

Hôtel Terminus

This cozy hotel sits inside a converted mansion and is just minutes from Cahors’ center. After a day of sightseeing, return to Hôtel Terminus for an evening of fine dining in its traditional restaurant, Le Balandre.

Chateau De Mercues

It doesn’t get much more luxurious than a stay at Chateau De Mercues. Set in the French countryside, just 20 minutes drive from Cahors, this hotel is complete with a Michelin-star restaurant, wine tasting experience and views overlooking the valley’s lush vineyards.

Best places to eat in Cahors

L'Ô à la Bouche

Known for its creative menu, L'Ô à la Bouche takes fresh, traditional produce and turns them into a modern masterpiece. Located beside Cahors’ largest parking lot, l’amphithéâtre, you can easily park up your rental car for an evening of bold flavours and innovative dishes.

Le Grill de Julia

For those looking for a more traditional take on French cuisine, look no further than Le Grill de Julia, located just beside the cathedral. All their dishes are homemade using fresh and local products.  

Chez Marie

Nestled on the River Lot, Chez Marie is perfect for those wanting to enjoy a delicious meal in a warm and inviting setting. If the weather is pleasant, sit outside and soak up the views.  

Cahors’ most striking chateau’s

Château de Cayx

Owned by Dutch royalty, this picturesque palace is a dream come true, nestled in the French countryside. Surrounded by sweeping vineyards, park up your rental car and let the passenger sample the region’s famed Malbec red wine in the winery.

Château Lagrézette

Boasting one of the oldest vineyards in France, Château Lagrézette is well known for its award-winning wine list. Head to the underground shop to purchase a bottle or two for when you’re back at your hotel. Or, book on one of their winery tours to discover how their exceptional wines are made.

Château Saint-Sernin

This charming family château and vineyard has been passed through generations, but still holds onto its traditional French winemaking heritage. Specialising in more than just Malbec, embark on a wine cellar tour, visit the vineyards or let the passengers indulge in a tasting session. If you’re around in July and August, look out for their summer exhibit of old wine barrels turned into artwork.