Figeac, the jewel of medieval France

Inspiration

Occitanie Cultural Heritage

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Reading time: 0 minPublished on 11 January 2023, updated on 15 April 2024

Attention: solid gold nugget! Figeac has nearly 10,000 inhabitants, 27 historic monuments and a natural environment that is more than beautiful. Nestling in the Lot and the Célé valleys, Figeac is a place apart, somewhere in which time passes slowly. It’s in the heart of the narrow medieval streets and among its wood-panelled houses that Figeac reveals itself. Here, even the stones exude warmth and colour. The churches of Saint-Sauveur and Notre-Dame du Puy, the Hôtel du Viguier du Roi, the bridges across the River Célé and, of course, the Musée Champollion and Place des Ecritures that honour the town’s heroes: Champollion, was responsible for revealing to us the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt. Come and see for yourself!

The Church of Saint-Sauveur

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The jewel of Figeac’s religious heritage, this church was formerly the church of the abbey of the same name, daughter of Sainte-Foy de Conques; another Romanesque pearl.

The home of Le Viguier du Roy

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Built in the heart of the medieval quarter of Figeac, this superb building is nowadays a 4* hotel that has managed to retain its Middle Ages charm. This establishment gives the impression of stepping back in time whilst offering modern yet authentic comforts.

The market of Figeac

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Every Saturday morning, the streets in the historic heart of Figeac are taken over by local producers and stallholders from the market! This is an authentic and important part of the town’s local life, although it’s clearly popular with visitors too!

Green spaces

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A nature break in the Célé Valley, a river that is natural, alive and boasts a very distinct personality: 136 kilometres long with some often astonishing ups-and-downs!

Architectural heritage

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With façades sculpted, the medieval houses of Figeac are evidence of a very prosperous time. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, the merchants of the town would set up their shops on the ground floor and live upstairs. This exceptional heritage can still be visited today!

For more information: - Grand Figeac Tourist Office, Lot and Célé Valleys

By Rédaction France.fr

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