Figeac, Medieval commune in Lot department, France
Figeac is a commune in the Lot department that spreads over several hills and is crossed by narrow streets with sandstone facades. The center keeps its medieval street pattern, where squares and small courtyards alternate.
A Benedictine abbey from the 9th century formed the core of the settlement, which soon became a trade center on the route to Santiago de Compostela. Conflicts between abbey and townspeople led to the establishment of a consular constitution in the 13th century.
The streets show houses with soleilhos, open galleries under the roof where craftsmen and merchants once stored their goods. Many of these timber elements remain today and shape the townscape.
The train station is about a fifteen-minute walk from the historic center and connects the town with surrounding regions. Many streets in the center are reserved for pedestrians, making exploration easier.
The birthplace of Jean-François Champollion, who deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphs in 1822, is marked today by several plaques and references throughout the town. His birth house now holds a museum dedicated to his work.
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