Historical and cultural region, southwestern France.
The district was organized in Gallo-Roman times and was occupied by the Franks in the 6th century. It was contested by England and France throughout the Middle Ages. United with the French crown in 1472, it suffered severely during the Wars of Religion of the 16th century. It is well forested with oaks of the genus Quercus that give the region its name. There are vineyards around Cahors that produce rich red wines.