The town of Cazals developed in three phases from the Middle Ages onwards.
The first settlement developed around the church on the hill from the 10th century onwards. Three centuries after that, the Lords of Gourdon occupied the part around the ‘castrum’ or castle on the other side of what is now the village. Then, in the 14th century, the bastide of Montolza was built around the main square. This was the beginning of Cazals’ important military and economic role.
This bastide, founded by the English in 1319, was to help the English king defend his possessions against the king of France, helped by the troops in the bastide of Montfaucon (the village spectacularly situated on a hill between Gourdon and the A20).
Cazals was a crossroads of pilgrimage routes leading to Rocamadour and the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, partly along ancient Roman and Celtic roads.
Today, Cazals forms the transition between Périgord and Quercy. It offers numerous B&Bs, gites, a campsite, a beautiful lake, tennis court, bike rental and everything else the holidaymaker needs. There is a lively Sunday market, and in the summer season there are evening markets with local produce, and musical events.
