Cahors is enclosed in a loop of the Lot valley, in the hollow of one of the meanders of the river. The city bearing the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire (Country of Art and History) label dates from the Roman era. It later became a major European financial and commercial center in the Middle Ages. The heart of Cahors is renowned for its marriage between red brick, gray limestone, and ocher sandstone. The medieval streets, numerous small squares, and 26 secret gardens make Cahors a sought-after site for visiting and discovering a typically southern city.