The village of Montcuq is in the Lot department of southern France, between Lauzerte and Cahors and in the region known locally as Quercy Blanc.
Explore Montcuq
France This Way review: although there is not a great deal to see and there are not many facilities in Montcuq old town it is still interesting to visit when you are exploring the north-east Lot department.
The view as you approach Montcuq is dominated by two towers: one of the church and the other the tower that is all that remains of an ancient castle. These are surrounded by lots of small roads some of which have retained their medieval houses.
You will reach the church almost as soon as you enter the centre of Montcuq, and it is unusual in being dominated by a large octagonal belltower. The choir section of the church dates from the 15th century and has gothic bays from that period, although the stained glass windows and most of the building are due to later reconstructions.
In the streets and alleys around the church there are several lovely medieval houses, although we did think that because there is no main central square in the village it lacked a certain charm that you find in many medieval villages.
The mairie in the village dates from the 14th century and is among the oldest buildings in the village, and the other half-timbered houses here typically date from the 15th century. The village was already here, and apparently very prosperous, in the 12th century but was completely destroyed during the Hundred Years War so the oldest houses we see today were built after that period.
After exploring the centre of the village you can walk up the pretty path (lined with roses and other flowers) to the castle tower. Even if the tower is closed you can still enjoy the views across the Lot countryside!
The medieval tower was built as part of the Castle of Montcuq in the 12th century, on a small hill overlooking the rest of the village.
The tower is 24 metres high and now contains a small museum: there are four levels within the tower each with a single large room that are used as the exhibition spaces (the tower is only open to the public during July and August).
Attractions nearby
A short distance west of Montcuq the Lake of Saint-Sernin is a popular summertime destination in a picturesque setting surrounded by grass and trees and includes a small beach, a children's play area and a snack bar, so a perfect place for your picnic while the children run around!
To the south-west of Montcuq, the village of Lauzerte is one of our favourite villages in the Lot department and listed among the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
You can find more travel ideas in the Lot guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
Photos of Montcuq
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Visit near Montcuq with France This Way reviews
Lauzerte
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Castelnau-Montratier guide
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Montaigu-de-Quercy guide
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Tournon d'Agenais guide
Puy-l'Eveque
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Puy-l'Eveque guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Lot
Address: Montcuq, Cahors, Midi-Pyrenees, 46800, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.339722, longitude 1.210278
Plan your visit to Montcuq, Lot
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Jardin du Pèlerin: remarkable garden (11 km)
- Lauzerte: most beautiful village (11 km)
- Cahors Pont-Valentré (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (21 km)
- Eglise de Notre-Dame (Lacour): religious monument (21 km)
- Cahors: secteur sauvegarde (22 km)
- Jardins secrets de Cahors: remarkable garden (22 km)
- Cahors cathédrale St Etienne (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (22 km)
- Moissac abbatiale St Pierre (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (28 km)
- Abbaye de Saint Maurin (Saint-Maurin): religious monument (29 km)
- Eglise Notre Dame (Frespech): religious monument (31 km)
- Cayriech: ville fleurie 4* (35 km)
- Montauban: secteur sauvegarde (38 km)
Market days in Montcuq, France
Regular market(s) are held in Montcuq each Sunday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Montcuq (Francais)