Your neighbourhood: rue du Château du Roi, the Jean XXII Tower & the Maison Henri IV
A short 20-minute walk around the building through seven centuries of history
Rue du Château du Roi is one of the most endearing historic streets of Old Cahors. Take a few steps to the right or left as you leave the building, and here are the treasures you will come across.
Why is our street called « rue du Château du Roi »?
In the Middle Ages, this site housed the seat of the King of France's Seneschal (the « Château du Roi », or King's Castle). Our building at number 98 is part of this historic ensemble built in Quercy stone. As you stroll along the street, look at the carved lintels, mullioned windows, half-timbered houses and the old homes of the Lombard merchants and bankers who made Cahors a major European financial centre in the 13th century.
Walking up the street to the north (3 min on foot): Pope John XXII's Tower, the Barbacane & the Tour des Pendus
Turning left as you leave 98 rue du Château du Roi and walking up the street, you immediately reach the foot of an impressive 34-metre-high round tower: this is the Palais Duèze, built by the family of Jacques Duèze, a son of Cahors who became Pope in Avignon as John XXII in 1316. Right next to it, pass under the Porte Saint-Michel to see the Barbacane (a 15th-century guardhouse) and the Tour des Pendus perched above the river.
Walking down towards the Lot (2 min on foot): Maison Henri IV & the Daurade quarter
On your way down to Quai Champollion, stop in front of the Hôtel de Roaldès (known as the Maison Henri IV, 15th century) with its superb façade overlooking the Lot, then come back through the narrow lanes of the Daurade and Four-Sainte-Catherine.
100% pedestrian walk starting right from the door of 98 rue du Château du Roi.
It is the ideal walk when you arrive, once you have dropped off your luggage, to get your bearings in the neighbourhood and reach the banks of the Lot.