Cahors is the historic capital of the ancient land of Quercy. It is almost fully enclosed within a highly sinuous meander of the Lot River in the department of Lot, Central Southern France. The forested landscape that surrounds Cahors is a land of myths and legend once linked to the fabled King Arthur. Today, the limestone plateau, through which the Lot River cuts its snake-like path, yields many small picturesque villages and hamlets that are filled with delightful and charming French property.
Cahors as we know it today is essentially medieval in character. At its heart along the river bank are fine examples of traditional medieval Cahors property dating back to the 13th and 14th century when the city was first fortified with ramparts. One of the most visited attractions in Cahors is the Valentre Bridge. Constructed of stone it took 70 years to complete, and gave rise to the legend of the 'little devil'. It is said that the architect bemoaned the slow pace at which the bridge was built and enlisted the help of the devil to speed up progress. As the bridge neared completion, the architect broke his pact with the devil. As a way to avenge the architect's breach of contract, it is said that every night the devil would remove the last stone from the central tower, only to replace it by daybreak. The bridge was restored in 1879 and the 'little devil' from the legend was carved upon the bridge. It can still be seen today about to take that last stone away!
Many people who come to Cahors to look for available French property to buy, start their search in the Lot countryside surrounding the city. There are many prestige homes available for sale in this region, including chateaux, farmhouses, luxury villas and character Cahors property. A 6-room villa in France not far from Cahors with traditional stone features can be acquired for less than 250,000 euros.
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