Figeac is in the Lot, an hour’s drive from Cahors. This charming, lively town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with impressive mountains reaching north to the Massif Central, the pastoral landscapes of the Quercy Causses and the meanderings and cliffs of the Célé valley.

Figeac's ideal location secured its success, making it a dynamic trading town in the 12th century, due to its contact with the trade routes running across France’s Midi and its use as a restingpoint along the Saint-Jacques-de- Compostelle pilgrimage route.

The historical centre of Figeac is both harmonious and dynamic with the hustle-bustle of locals going about their errands. This lively district is also home to a full panoply of houses and urban palaces built between the 12th and 14th century by the rich merchants of Figeac.

The full expanse of the Place des Ecritures is paved with a slab of black granite bearing hieroglyphs paying homage to Champollion who was born in Figeac in 1790.

The Musée Champollion overlooks the Place des Ecritures, holding the Writings of the World and set in the Egyptologist's family home.

Around the five senses: a new guided tour of Figeac

During this tour, the guide will call upon the five senses to give visitors better insight into the history of Figeac and its architecture: hearing - listening to the town’s sounds, sight - deciphering selected façades, touch - feeling the texture of the materials with which the town is built, smell – with the aromas in the medieval district workshops, and lastly, taste - savouring an apple tart with spices made to a traditional recipe dating back to the Middle Ages.

Figeac's rich heritage has won it the Town of Art and History seal of approval. From its arcades over medieval shops to its "soleilhos", open lofts formerly used for drying fruit, the town’s façades trace the evolutions in medieval architecture from the Middle Ages to the present day. Information: Figeac tourist office - Phone: +33 (0)5 65 34 06 25 - www.tourisme-figeac.com

Musée Champollion

An interactive approach to the writings of the world Since 2007, the birth house of Jean-François Champollion (1790-1832), the man who succeeded in deciphering hieroglyphics, has been home to a museum dedicated to the writings of the world. This museum offers an insightful approach to its collections: several installations invite the visitor to trace over written characters with their finger, to take rubbings or recreate the different written forms. Its large collection of documents and maps immerse the visitor in the cultures of the world, throughout the museum’s 1,000m2 of exhibition space. This approach illustrates the contemporary spirit in which the museum has been designed. Its glass and copper façade is pierced with "1,000 letters", creating atmospheric lighting effects and reflections throughout the museum. www.ville-figeac.fr

Off into the Célé valley

The Célé valley starts at Figeac and cuts through the Causses du Quercy. Cliffs form the backdrop for the lively eddies of the Célé River, which joins the Lot River in Conduché, near St-Cirq-Lapopie. This forty kilometre itinerary will take you past a selection of sites of interest: Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie with the former Val-Paradis priory, Marcilhac-sur-Célé and its majestic semi-ruined abbey, Vieux Sauliac with its houses clinging to the cliff, the Pescalerie mill, Cabrerets village and the Pech Merle cave with cave paintings produced by prehistoric artists. With its white waters, Célé is also perfect for canoe-kayaking.

Further Information

Comité Régional du Tourisme Midi-Pyrénées
54 Bd de l'Embouchure
BP 52166 - 31022 TOULOUSE Cedex 2
www.tourism-midi-pyrenees.co.uk

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