Cardaillac

The superb medieval village of Cardaillac is situated on a prominent plateau in the chestnut wooded region of the Ségala. The village is listed as “One of France’s most beautiful villages” and is worth the visit.

Cardaillac was given to the knight Bertrand in the 8th century in reward for his services. Building of the fort started in 1064 and was completed in the mid 13th century. During the 13th century, branches of the Cardaillac family settled in various villages in the Quercy and gave their name to the village Cardaillac.

In 1598 the village became a protestant stronghold while the priory Saint Julien remained catholic, a co-habitation which continued until the 17th century.

On 11th May 1944 the retreating armoured column, notorious for the massacre at Ouradour sur Glane pillaged the houses and shot those who attempted to escape.

• Manganel well
• Sagnes tower, 13th century defensive tower
• “Oustal Vielh” attractive 18th century house
• Clock tower
• Saint Thomas chapel
• Round tower
• Murat wash house, built in 1924

• The Mercadiol district where farm workers and craftsmen lived
• The Middle wash house

is the best way to immerse yourself in the history of the village. Mme Mage lends her passion to the story of the village taking you to the old school where time stands still and memories are conjured up by the smell of ink on paper in the manner of Proust’s madeleine.

In the drying shed for sweet chestnuts “le sécadou” or the prune oven more fragrances linger... and the village has yet more stories to tell....

• “Les Clés de Cardaillac” – Guide book (In French)
• Guided tour in season (in French)
• Cardaillac is a halt on the GR 6, one of the alternative routes on the Way of Saint James.