Old Mint Hôtel de la Monnaie

"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