Bed and Breakfast (Chambre d'Hotes) or Large Gite Holidays - South West France - Las Razes

Montcuq

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Sunday morning market - October 2007

Montcuq is a small town and commune in south-western France in the Lot departement. Lying 25km outside of  Cahors, its residents are known as Montcuqois.

The town remains vibrant and a popular tourist destination. It still has a rich agricultural industry, and is known for its manufacture of  meringues and gaufres de Saint Daumes waffles.

The town's name derives from the Latin 'montem cuci' meaning "cuckoo mountain".

History

The town's foundation dates back to at least Roman times.

A stronghold of the Cathars the town received its charter from Raymond V1 in the 12th century. On 1 June 1212,  Simon de Montfort took the castle after it had been deserted by its defenders, and gave it to Beaudouin, half-brother of the Count of Toulouse, an ally of the Crusaders.

On 17 February 1214 Beaudouin marched on the Château de Lolmie, and after a short battle was arrested by Ratier de Castelnau, despite also being an ally of de Montfort. Transported to Montcuq and deprived of food, he refused to order his soldiers to surrender. The French garrison offered to surrender if their lives be spared, but they were soon massacred. Beaudouin was taken to Montauban and hanged at his brother's command.

After the Treaty of  Meaux in  1229, the French king rebuilt the walls of both the town and castle of which only the keep remains.

The castle was retaken several times by the English during the 14th century, and in the 16th century was plundered by the Huguenots.

 

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Autumn sunshine at the market