live le lot

Figeac and Gourdon

Le Lot is home to two sub-prefectures: (1) Figeac, the birthplace of Jean-François Champollion, the first translator of Egyptian hieroglyphics; and Gourdon, Le Lot's unofficial center of the arts. 

Sub-Prefecture of Gourdon

Gourdon, one of Le Lot's two sub-prefectures, is located on Le Lot's northwestern border on a Acropolis that rises high over the surrounding countryside. The city's economy relies primarily on agriculture and tourism. Numerous galleries and artisan shops Gourdon's medieval streets as Le Lot's unofficial center of the arts. The main tourist attractions are the Castle of Gourdon with a foundation dating all the way to the 12th century and the Church of Saint-Pierre, completed in 1510, that towers over the city at the top of the butte. An annual medieval festival brings performance artists and passionates from all over the region. 

SUB-PREFECTURES

Sub-Prefecture of Figeac

Figeac, one of Le Lot's two sub-prefectures, is located in the Célé Valley at the eastern end of the department on the borders of Aveyron and Cantal. The city's economy relies primarily on the aeronautic industry and agriculture. The Ratier-Figeac factory, a helicopter manufacturer since 1904, continues to serve as a bedrock for local employment. Numerous craftsmen and shopkeepers breath life into the town with a sizeable population of 10,000 inhabitants. Figeac is best known as the birthplace of Jean-François Champollion, the first translator of Egyptian hieroglyphics.