- Albi, Carcassonne and Dordogne -

Cahors 3

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THE VINEYARDS of Cahors have existed for more than twenty centuries. Clement Marot, the Renaissance poet, Pope John XXII, Kings Francois I and Henry IV have all been the wine's ambassadors. The area produced wine for the Russian Orthodox Church mass, and as a sovereign remedy for Tsar Peter the Great!

The region was much affected by the phylloxera epidemic (1883-1885). But in 1971 its 4200 hectares of vineyards were awarded AOC status. The recovery of the Cahors region to a quality wine growing area was largely due to those who, through hard work and skill, managed to recreate the essential characters of the original grape varieties.

A view of the dam on River Lot on the eastern side of the city.  (Left)


The construction of the Valentré Bridge (below) situated on the western side of the city, and which forms the symbol of the town, was begun in 1308 and completed in 1378. A legend has it that its architect made a pact with the devil to help in its completion. When the bridge was restored in 1879 the architect, Paul Gout, made reference to this by placing a small sculpture of the devil at the summit of one of the towers.

In earlier times a smaller Roman bridge had been built at this point. The present bridge was a garrison for defending troops and was complete with armoury, stores and kitchen. It has three fortified towers and six arches. The structure is an outstanding example of medieval defensive architecture and is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful bridges. The Lot River has more recently been adapted to provide hydro-electric power and has also been dammed to control flooding. Before these projects were put into place the river was often a raging torrent.

Lock under the western arch of the bridge  (Left and Below)

The visit to Cahors is complete.
We return to Toulouse airport from whence we make our homeward flight.
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