Old Mint Hôtel de la Monnaie
A stunning 13th-century medieval building in Figeac, now housing the tourist office, showcasing elegant arcades and unique architectural details.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Guides available for heritage info
Old Mint Hôtel de la Monnaie
Best Time
Guides available for heritage info
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 13th-century medieval building in Figeac, now housing the tourist office, showcasing elegant arcades and unique architectural details.
"The Hôtel de la Monnaie is a remarkable example of Figeac's civil architecture, offering free entry to admire its medieval charm."
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy exploring this historic gem without any cost. Perfect for budget travelers!
Focus on Architecture
Appreciate the medieval arcades, oculi windows, and unique fireplace. It's a history lesson in stone.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elegant Medieval Facade
Place Vival, Figeac
Admire the 13th-century arcades and distinctive double windows topped with oculi.
Architectural Details
Interior
Discover rare Gothic civil style elements like the octagonal stone fireplace and original materials.
Figeac Tourist Information
Ground Floor
Get local insights and explore the historic building that now houses the tourist office.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Historic Charm
Tourist Office Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy exploring this historic gem without any cost. Perfect for budget travelers!
Focus on Architecture
Appreciate the medieval arcades, oculi windows, and unique fireplace. It's a history lesson in stone.
Tourist Office Services
The building houses the tourist office, a great spot for local info and maps.
Museum Relocated
The old ethnographic museum is no longer here; it's moved to a different location.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy exploring this historic gem without any cost. Perfect for budget travelers!
Focus on Architecture
Appreciate the medieval arcades, oculi windows, and unique fireplace. It's a history lesson in stone.
Tourist Office Services
The building houses the tourist office, a great spot for local info and maps.
Museum Relocated
The old ethnographic museum is no longer here; it's moved to a different location.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hôtel de la Monnaie for its free admission and beautiful 13th-century medieval architecture, particularly its arcades and unique windows. It serves as a convenient tourist information hub. However, some reviews mention confusion with dining services in the vicinity, which is separate from the historical building itself.
"I really enjoyed visiting the Hôtel de la Monnaie in Figeac (postal code F-46100) in the Lot department, as it is remarkable for its elegant medieval arcaded façade. This 13th-century building, characteristic of Figeac's civil architecture, features arcades on the ground floor. Double windows topped with oculi pierce the façade. This building was the home of a wealthy Figeac resident. The royal mint established by Philip the Fair was located in a separate building. The Hôtel de la Monnaie now houses the tourist office.
Following my visit in September 2025, I can provide you with a practical and concise guide to the Hôtel de la Monnaie (Mint) in Figeac, Lot, with everything you need to know:
Location and address:
Located on Place Vival, in the historic center of Figeac.
The building is situated in a typical medieval quarter, in the heart of the old town with its ancient alleyways and sandstone houses.
History & architecture:
Dating from the 13th century, it is a fine example of Figeac's civil architecture, with arcades on the ground floor, double windows topped with oculi, and an octagonal stone fireplace.
The name "Oustal de lo Mounédo" (Mint of the King) evokes the royal minting of coins, but it is now generally accepted that this building was more likely the residence of a wealthy bourgeois. The mint itself was located elsewhere.
Listed as a historical monument (since 1862), it is one of the oldest protected civic buildings in Figeac.
Current use:
Today, the Hôtel de la Monnaie houses the Figeac Tourist Office.
A Figeac history museum (ethnographic museum), formerly located upstairs as the Musée du Vieux Figeac (Museum of Old Figeac), has been relocated since 2012 to the former seminary behind the Notre-Dame-du-Puy church.
What to see/discover:
The main interest lies in the architectural details: the arcades, the twin windows with oculus, the octagonal fireplace, the original materials, etc.
A guide is present during the high season (July–August) to inform visitors about the building's heritage.
Heritage and Contemporary Art:
Atmosphere and Decor:
The atmosphere is understated and heritage-focused: the medieval exterior dominates, without ostentatious interior decoration—but the space presents itself as an autonomous, almost sculptural volume within its urban environment.
What I liked during my visit:
The beauty of the Gothic civil style, the rare architectural details, the presence of the guide, and the central location make it a popular spot.
Prices & Hours:
Free admission
Guidance Hours (July–August): Thursday to Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
General Hours according to other sources: January–March, November–December: Tue–Fri 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. / 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.; Sat 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. / 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (open Mondays during winter holidays). April to July 5: Mon–Sat 9 am–12:30 pm / 2 pm–6 pm; Sundays on certain bank holidays 10 am–12:30 pm / 2 pm–6 pm.
July 6 to August 25: Mon–Sat 9 am–1 pm / 1:30 pm–6:30 pm; Sun 10 am–1 pm / 1:30 pm–6 pm.
Reservations and contact: No reservation is required for visits (free access).
For guided tours or information sessions, please contact the Figeac Tourist Office: Tel: +33 5 65 34 06 25
I recommend visiting the Hôtel de la Monnaie (Mint) in Figeac (F-46100), Lot.
I have attached some photos and videos. Please leave a smiley face, a "bravo," a heart, or anything else you like under the review and photos to encourage me. It's always nice to receive kind feedback.
Enjoy your visit. Best regards, Eric Tison, F-57 Féy (Metz, Moselle, France)."
Eric Tison
"Very disappointed, constant confusion during the service.
They took my order and told me a plate of raw vegetables with fries and a farçou with a vegetable velouté. The plate arrived without fries; the vegetable velouté was actually a small mushroom soup. Only the farçou was excellent.
I pointed out that a vegetable velouté isn't mushroom soup and that I don't like mushrooms, to which they dared to reply, "Isn't it written on your forehead that you don't like mushrooms?" I also pointed out that the fries provided were missing from the plates! They brought us a mini plate of fries when two plates were missing! Honestly, we won't be back; it's complete nonsense."
Ulyna B.
"To visit Figeac, this is where you need to find out!"
kris despecimen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hôtel de la Monnaie is located on Place Vival, right in the historic center of Figeac. It's easily accessible on foot within the old town, surrounded by ancient alleyways and sandstone houses. Parking might be limited in the immediate vicinity due to its central location in the medieval quarter.
Yes, it's very easy to find as it's situated in the heart of Figeac's historic center on Place Vival. Its distinctive medieval arcaded facade makes it a landmark.
Exploring on foot is highly recommended to fully appreciate the medieval quarter, ancient alleyways, and sandstone houses surrounding the Hôtel de la Monnaie.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Hôtel de la Monnaie is completely free. You can explore the building and its architectural features without purchasing a ticket.
Opening hours vary by season. During July-August, guidance is available from Thursday to Monday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Off-season hours are generally shorter, typically Tuesday-Friday mornings and afternoons, and Saturday mornings. It's best to check with the Figeac Tourist Office for the most current hours.
Yes, a guide is present during the high season (July-August) to inform visitors about the building's heritage. For specific tour times or information sessions, contact the Figeac Tourist Office.
Yes, the Hôtel de la Monnaie is generally open outside of peak season, though with reduced hours. It houses the tourist office year-round.
No reservation is required for visits as it's free access. However, for specific information sessions or guided tours, it's advisable to contact the Figeac Tourist Office.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the building's architecture: the 13th-century arcades, double windows with oculi, an octagonal stone fireplace, and original materials. It now houses the Figeac Tourist Office.
The ethnographic museum, formerly the Musée du Vieux Figeac, was located upstairs but has been relocated since 2012 to the former seminary behind the Notre-Dame-du-Puy church. The Hôtel de la Monnaie itself now primarily functions as the tourist office.
Dating from the 13th century, it's a prime example of Figeac's civil architecture and is listed as a historical monument. While named the 'Mint,' it's believed to have been a wealthy bourgeois residence rather than the royal mint itself.
The atmosphere is understated and heritage-focused, with the medieval exterior being the dominant feature. The interior space is presented as an autonomous, sculptural volume.
Crowds are generally moderate, especially during peak tourist season (July-August). Visiting during off-peak hours or seasons can offer a more tranquil experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, being in the historic center of Figeac, there are several restaurants and cafes nearby offering various dining options. The review mentions a 'very good restaurant with a beautiful view' and a 'good coffee' nearby.
The Hôtel de la Monnaie itself primarily functions as the tourist office and does not have its own cafe or restaurant. However, there are dining establishments in close proximity.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the elegant medieval facade with its arcades and oculi windows. The surrounding historic streets also offer charming photographic backdrops.
Photography is generally permitted inside the Hôtel de la Monnaie, especially for capturing the architectural details. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the focus is on architectural appreciation rather than interactive exhibits. Visiting during the high season (July-August) might mean a guide is available to offer simplified explanations. The surrounding medieval streets are also fun to explore, making it part of a larger, engaging town discovery for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
Since it houses the tourist office, you can also gather valuable information about other free or low-cost activities in the region. It's an excellent starting point for planning an affordable exploration of Figeac and its surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Figeac's Medieval Past
Inside, the building, though now housing the tourist office, retains elements of its past. Visitors can appreciate architectural details such as an octagonal stone fireplace, a rare find that speaks to the building's former grandeur. The original materials used in its construction are also a key point of interest, offering a tangible connection to the past. The atmosphere is described as understated and heritage-focused, allowing the medieval exterior and its inherent sculptural volume within the urban environment to take center stage. This focus on preservation and historical integrity makes it a valuable site for understanding Figeac's architectural evolution.
While the dedicated Figeac history museum (Musée du Vieux Figeac) has been relocated, the Hôtel de la Monnaie itself serves as an introduction to the town's heritage. Its central location on Place Vival makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding medieval quarter, with its ancient alleyways and characteristic sandstone houses. The presence of a guide during the high season further enhances the visitor experience, providing insights into the building's past and its place in Figeac's history.
Navigating the Hôtel de la Monnaie Today
Access to the building is free of charge, making it an easily accessible attraction for all travelers. During the peak summer months of July and August, a guide is typically on hand to share information about the building's heritage, enhancing the visitor experience. Outside of these peak times, the tourist office staff can still provide valuable insights. It's important to note that the ethnographic museum, which was previously housed upstairs, has been moved to a different location, so visitors should not expect extensive museum exhibits within the Hôtel de la Monnaie itself.
When planning your visit, be aware that opening hours can vary significantly depending on the season. While generally open during weekdays and Saturdays, the specific times for mornings and afternoons change. The tourist office is the best point of contact for the most up-to-date information on hours and any special events or guided tours.
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