Labastide-Murat Location map Useful contacts Cuzac is in the heart of the Lot – a relatively little known area of south-west France. Rich in history and tradition, the region is primarily famous for its delicious foie gras and fresh local produce. Cuzac is equidistant from the towns of Cahors to the south and Gourdon to the north. Local Area [click photo for more information] Labastide-Murat A little history... Labastide-Murat is halfway between the valleys of the Lot and Dordogne and is situated on the pilgrim routes to both Rocamadour and Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle. Bertrand de Gourdon transformed the village into a bastide town in 1238, having realised its strategic significance in the area. The town was later renamed Labastide-Fortanière in memory of Fortanier-de-Gourdon. Then in 1852, Napoleon decreed that the town should be renamed Labastide-Murat. This was to honour Joachim Murat who was born in the town on 25 March 1767 and who became Napoleon's "Maréchal de France" and "Roi de Naples". Architecture Dolmens; caves; drystone walls; fountains; lavoirs; igues (deep caverns); church of Sainte-Catherine (1345) was ruined in the 17th century - a new, Gothic-style parish church was rebuilt by the Murat family from 1869 to 1875; the private Château de Labastide-Murat was built by Joachim Murat's brother to be used as the family home. Things to see Le Musée Murat; market every 2nd & 4th Monday; local speciality market every Sunday morning during July & August; festivals, fêtes, antique markets and art exhibitions during July & August; fountain and Lac-de-Boutanes with walking and leisure activities. Things to do Marked trails for walkers, cyclists & horse riders; man-made leisure lake (Lac-de-Boutanes); fishing; potholing; microlights; karting; tennis club; sports centre; solarium. Commune Labastide-Murat Population 690 Area 2727 (10.5 sq miles) Altitude 447 (1467 ft) Département 46 Région Midi-Pyrénées Useful contacts Tourisme département 46 Préfecture Book now! Tariff Availability top of page