# Cahors

> commune in Lot, France

**Wikidata**: [Q23047](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23047)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cahors)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cahors

## Summary
Cahors is a commune located in the Lot department of France, situated in the historic Quercy region. Known for its medieval architecture, including the iconic Pont Valentré and Cahors Cathedral, it serves as the prefecture of the Lot department and a cultural hub in southwestern France.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Commune in the Lot department, France (coordinates: 44.4475°N, 1.4405555555556°E).
- **Population**: Estimates vary between 19,203 and 20,447 residents across different years.
- **Administrative Role**: Prefectural capital of the Lot department and seat of the arrondissement of Cahors.
- **Historical Divisions**: Formerly divided into cantons (Cahors-Nord-Est, Cahors-Nord-Ouest, Cahors-Sud) until March 2015; now part of cantons Cahors-2 and Cahors-3.
- **Landmarks**:
  - **Pont Valentré**: A 14th-century stone arch bridge crossing the Lot River.
  - **Cahors Cathedral**: A Romanesque and Gothic cathedral founded in 1101.
- **Transport**: Served by Gare de Cahors, a railway station connecting the commune to regional networks.
- **Religious Significance**: Home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cahors, with the cathedral as its headquarters.
- **Geographic Region**: Located in Quercy, a historic province, and the natural region of Quercy Blanc.
- **Website**: Official portal at [cahorsagglo.fr](https://cahorsagglo.fr).

## FAQs
**What is Cahors known for?**
Cahors is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, particularly the Pont Valentré bridge and Cahors Cathedral. It also serves as the administrative center of the Lot department and is a key cultural site in the Quercy region.

**What are the main historical sites in Cahors?**
The most notable landmarks are the Pont Valentré, a UNESCO-listed 14th-century bridge, and Cahors Cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles dating back to 1101. The commune also has a historic railway station, Gare de Cahors.

**How is Cahors administratively divided?**
Until 2015, Cahors was divided into three cantons (Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, and Sud). Since March 2015, it has been part of two new cantons: Cahors-2 and Cahors-3. It remains the prefecture of the Lot department and the seat of the arrondissement of Cahors.

**What is the significance of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cahors?**
The diocese, headquartered at Cahors Cathedral, has been a center of religious authority in the region since the Middle Ages. It plays a key role in the spiritual and cultural life of the area.

**How does Cahors fit into the broader Quercy region?**
Cahors is located in the heart of Quercy, a historic and geographic region known for its limestone plateaus and medieval heritage. It is also part of the Quercy Blanc sub-region, characterized by its white limestone landscapes.

## Why It Matters
Cahors is a vital cultural and administrative center in southwestern France, embodying the medieval heritage of the Quercy region. Its landmarks, such as the Pont Valentré and Cahors Cathedral, attract tourists and historians alike, while its role as the prefecture of the Lot department ensures its continued relevance in regional governance. The commune’s blend of historical significance, architectural beauty, and administrative function makes it a key player in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of Occitanie.

## Notable For
- **Pont Valentré**: A UNESCO-recognized medieval bridge and symbol of Cahors.
- **Cahors Cathedral**: A historic religious site blending Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
- **Administrative Hub**: Prefectural capital of the Lot department and seat of its arrondissement.
- **Medieval Heritage**: Part of the Quercy region, known for its well-preserved medieval towns and landscapes.
- **Transportation Link**: Home to Gare de Cahors, connecting the commune to France’s railway network.
- **Religious Center**: Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cahors.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Cahors is situated in the Lot department of France, within the historic Quercy region. Its coordinates are 44.4475°N, 1.4405555555556°E, placing it in southwestern France. The commune is traversed by the Lot River, which is spanned by the iconic Pont Valentré. Cahors is also part of the Quercy Blanc, a natural sub-region known for its white limestone terrain.

### Administrative Structure
Cahors serves as the prefecture of the Lot department, which was established in 1790. It is also the seat of the arrondissement of Cahors, one of the three arrondissements in the department. Historically, Cahors was divided into three cantons (Cahors-Nord-Est, Cahors-Nord-Ouest, and Cahors-Sud) until a 2015 administrative reform reorganized them into Cahors-2 and Cahors-3.

### Landmarks and Architecture
- **Pont Valentré**: A 14th-century stone arch bridge crossing the Lot River, renowned for its medieval military architecture and UNESCO recognition.
- **Cahors Cathedral (Saint-Étienne Cathedral)**: Founded in 1101, this cathedral features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, including a distinctive dome and cloister.
- **Gare de Cahors**: The commune’s railway station, providing regional connections and reflecting its role in France’s transport network.

### Religious and Cultural Significance
Cahors is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cahors, which has been a center of religious life since the Middle Ages. The diocese’s cathedral remains an active place of worship and a major tourist attraction. The commune’s medieval heritage is further highlighted by its inclusion in the Quercy region, known for its historic towns and cultural festivals.

### Transportation and Infrastructure
The Gare de Cahors railway station links the commune to other parts of France, facilitating both commuter and tourist travel. The Pont Valentré, while primarily a historical monument, also serves as a functional bridge for local traffic.

### Related Entities
- **Lot Department**: The administrative division in which Cahors is located, created in 1790.
- **Quercy**: The historic and geographic region encompassing Cahors, known for its medieval heritage.
- **Quercy Blanc**: A natural sub-region of Quercy, characterized by its white limestone landscapes.
- **Arrondissement of Cahors**: The administrative district headed by Cahors, covering multiple cantons.
- **Cahors Agglomération**: The intercommunal structure managing local governance, with its official website at [cahorsagglo.fr](https://cahorsagglo.fr).

### Historical Context
Cahors has been a significant settlement since medieval times, as evidenced by its architecture and religious institutions. The Pont Valentré, built in the 14th century, and the cathedral, founded in 1101, reflect its long-standing importance in the region. The commune’s administrative role has evolved, particularly with the 2015 canton reforms, but it remains a key center in the Lot department.

### Demographics
Population estimates for Cahors range from 19,203 to 20,447 across different years, reflecting its status as a mid-sized French commune. The population is served by local governance structures, including the arrondissement and intercommunal authority.

### Modern Role
Today, Cahors balances its historical legacy with its administrative functions. It continues to attract visitors due to its medieval landmarks while serving as a hub for regional governance and transportation. The commune’s website, [cahorsagglo.fr](https://cahorsagglo.fr), provides resources for residents and tourists alike.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/O---0150)
3. BnF authorities
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Czech National Authority Database
9. Annuaire de service-public.fr
10. MusicBrainz
11. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
12. Populations légales 2016
13. Populations légales 2017
14. Populations légales 2018
15. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
16. Populations légales 2019
17. Populations légales 2020
18. Populations légales 2021
19. Populations de référence 2022
20. Populations de référence 2023
21. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
22. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
23. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
24. GeoNames
25. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
26. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
27. Quora
28. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)