Description:

Geography

Gourdon is situated in the department of the Lot, between Sarlat and Cahors, close to the border with the Dordogne department.  It is perched on top of a hill, giving wonderful views of the surrounding Dordogne valley and is visible from miles away in all directions.

Tourism

Gourdon’s hilltop location gave it an important role, gaining the town much wealth and power in the area in addition to four monasteries.  In 1189, the town was besieged by Richard the Lionheart and on its eventual fall he slaughtered the ruling family.  Unforunately, as rumour and legend has it, he allowed one of the family to escape who then fired the fatal arrow that killed Richard at the siege of Chalus.  The town’s power was brought to an end with the Wars of Religion during the sixteenth century.  The fifteenth century Church of Saint Pierre is the only religious monument of the time left standing.

The towns long history has left a beautiful medieval centre with narrow winding streets and houses built from bright yellow stone.  A more modern town has been built around the outside which now houses the shops and commercial areas.

From the central square, climb the hill to where the castle once stood and you are rewarded by a splendid view across the Lot and Dordogne countryside.  There is a table of orientation here marking the prominent sights.

Economy

The town gained importance as a commercial centre and the town gradually grew on its culinary traditions.  Today, around thirty percent of the production of Duck fois gras comes from the communes that make up the Gourdon community.

Transport

Gourdon has its own train station on the Paris to Toulouse line, giving very easy access.  The A20 motorway runs just seventeen kilometres to the east of the town, which again joins Paris and Toulouse.

If flying to the area, Toulouse offers the greatest choice, but Brive airport, which is being completely redeveloped, is due to start commercial flights in 2010.

Have a look at our travel information pages for more details.

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