Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
More Sights in the Lot River Valley
Cahors and the Pont Valentré
One of Europe's best medieval monuments, this fortified bridge was built in 1308 to keep
the English out of Cahors. It worked. Learn the story of the devil on the center tower. The
steep trail on the non-city side leads to great views (views are actually better partway up;
becarefulifthetrailiswet)andwasoncepartofthepilgrimageroutetoSantiagodeCom-
postela in northwest Spain. Imagine that cars were allowed to cross this bridge until re-
cently.
Ifyouneedanurbanfix,strollthepedestrian-friendlyalleysbetweenCahors'cathed-
ral and the river, a thriving place filled with good lunch options. To find this area by car,
follow Centre-Ville and St. Urcisse Eglise signs, and park where you can.
▲▲▲ Grotte du Pech Merle
This cave, about 30 minutes east of Cahors, has prehistoric paintings of mammoths,
bison, and horses—rivaling the better-known cave art at Grotte de Font-de-Gaume. Al-
though this cave is easier to view, as more people per day are allowed in (700), that also
makes the cave a bit less special. Still, it has brilliant cave art and interesting stalactite and
stalagmite formations. I like the mud-preserved Cro-Magnon footprint. Allow a total of
two hours for your visit, starting at the small museum, continuing with a 20-minute film
subtitled in English, and finishing with the caves. If you can't join an English tour, ask for
the English booklet.
Cost and Hours: €10, daily March-mid-Nov 9:30-17:30, closes earlier off-season,
fewer visitors on weekends, tel. 05 65 31 27 05, www.pechmerle.com . Before you visit,
read “Cave Art 101” on here .
Getting Tickets: It's smart to reserve your spot in advance (by phone or online), as
privategroupscanfillthecave'squota.Bookaweekaheadinsummer;ifyouvisitwithout
a reservation, arrive by 9:30 and line up.
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