When you go on holiday as a family, it’s often difficult to please everyone all of the time. Finding those destinations and activities that will keep the whole clan happy, can be a challenge.
So what if I said that there’s a beautiful town, that’s a mere 25 minute drive from Bijou Barn which can tick all the boxes of even the most diverse family needs? And the name of this town?….. Cahors.
What do you think – do you want to give it a try?
Not Sure Whether an Old Town Is The Place for Your Family Day Out?
That’s understandable. Families often give bustling towns a miss because they don’t feel such places can deliver what they need…. so let’s do some myth busting.
A big town will be too hot and not at all relaxing
It can be hot in South West France, but the narrow streets of the old town and the tree-lined main street offer plenty of shade. Don’t forget all the cafes with shady terraces if you want to sit down, have a refreshing drink and watch the world go by. Plus we have a lovely surprise for you later in the article in case you want to cool down in the river!
Parking the car will be difficult in a busy place
Cahors is a very welcoming town, so just follow the signs for the centre then all the main parking areas are signposted. Of course in the height of the summer season, it can be busy so I would recommend that you get in early, then you can park and leave the car for the whole day.
The children will be bored
Cahors has worked hard to provide something for the whole family, so there’s plenty for the kids to do…. and everyone else for that matter. Some of the best days out work because compromises are kept to a minimum and by doing everything together as a family will mean that you have more fun and more memories of a great holiday.
Hard to find your way around – not geared up for tourists
The beauty of Cahors is that it is easy to get around…. go on give it a try. Plus there’s a little tourist train, so you can take in the sights and get your bearings, which will make the whole day much more relaxed. You’ll be wandering around like a local in no time at all!
Here’s How Your Day Trip to Cahors Could Look
Nestled in a bend of the meandering river Lot, Cahors was founded in Roman times. The old town features half-timbered houses and narrow alleyways which open onto shady squares and secret gardens. Cahors is just waiting to be explored so let’s see what you can experience from your day out.
Travel to Cahors and park the car
All parking is well signposted, the most central is the underground one with remains of a Roman Amphitheatre (called Parking Amphitheatre unsurprisingly) which was uncovered during the building of the car park. You emerge at ground level near to the tourist information centre.
Take a tour on the petit train
Find your bearings of the city by taking the little train – it’s fun, informative and great for covering more distance without having to walk everywhere. A brilliant idea if you have small children!
You can buy a ticket for the train tour (45mins) and the shorter boat trip (1hour 15 mins) at the same time. Adults 15.50 euros and children 7 euros.
Go to the market and browse the local shops.
There’s a Farmers Market in the old town of Cahors on Wednesday and Saturday mornings where you can buy local produce. It’s always exciting and tough to resist all the lovely food and drinks on display – go on spoil yourself, you’re on holiday after all!
There are also 2 brocante markets a month, on a Wednesday, where you’ll find all kinds of curios from large items of furniture to silverware or just wander about the old streets and check out the restaurant blackboards for their special lunch options.
Visit the Riverside Beach
Between 14 July and 19 August, there is a beach by the river which is open every day from 11.00am until 8.00pm. To be fair, it’s so much more than a beach! You can swim in the river pool, float about on a pedalo, play petanque or enjoy the trampoline. It even has a cafe on site!
Lunch in Cahors
A mixture of choice from small completely individual restaurants. Whether you want an utterly rustic plat du jour, a tasty crepe, an oven cooked pizza or something more gastronomic, you will find it all here, in the town centre.
Boat Trip
Cahors is almost surrounded by the river Lot, so what better way to see the town from a different vantage point than by taking a boat trip. Cruise under the famous Pont Valentré and relax as you take in the sights.
Pont Valentré
You cant visit Cahors without crossing the only bridge in the world to have 3 towers! A medieval bridge built in the 14th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Drive to the Cahors viewing point for football and ice cream
As you leave Cahors, follow the signs to the viewing point of the city. It takes about 15 minutes but the view is well worth it and then the kids can either play football or basketball followed by ice cream at the local cafe.
A perfect end to your day out
Return to Bijou Barn and relax by the pool then enjoy all those lovely things you purchased at the market as you watch the sunset from the back terrace and laugh about the day’s adventures in Cahors. What could be better?
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