Sightseeing in Cahors
The Valentré Bridge
You could hardly visit Cahors without seeing the city’s trademark image: the Valentré Bridge. A unique example of medieval defense, it has three towers. Follow the signs throughout the city center. The bridge is at the northwest corner of downtown. Don’t forget to look for the devil statue atop one of the towers.
Musée Henri Martin
Musée Henri Martin, 792 Rue Emile Zola in Cahors, features the works of its namesake painter. The museum also features an exhibit on the city’s most famous son, Léon Gambetta. Open daily except Tuesdays March to November from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 to 6 pm.
The Lot is famous for its various mills, or moulins. There are windmills, such as Moulin de Seyrinac in Lunan, a working 15th-century mill open for tours. There are various water mills, such as Moulin de Cougnaguet, a lovely fortified mill open for tours daily.
Chantrerie
Wine aficionados should not miss a chance to visit a local museum devoted to wine. Chantrerie, at 35 Rue de Chantrerie in Cahors, has exhibits on methods used to develop the local wines.
Saint-Etienne Cathedral
Saint-Etienne Cathedral (Rue de Chantrerie in Cahors) is a lovely example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral is also home to a museum of religious art. Its most interesting relic, called the holy cap or cap of Christ, was brought to Cahors by Bishop Géraud de Cardaillac. Having returned from the Holy Land in the 12th century, the cap is said to have covered Christ’s head in his tomb. The museum also contains interesting murals and tapestries.
Centre de Préhistoire de Pech Merle
One of the major allures of the Lot are the wonderful painted caves, providing a unique opportunity to see the artwork of early man. The Centre de Préhistoire de Pech Merle, in Cabrarets, features wonderful paintings and engravings dating back more than 20,000 years. There are nice examples of horses, bison, mammoths and human figures. The Grottes de Cougnac in Payrinac also has some fine drawings of deer, mammoths, human outlines and symbols. It boasts the oldest figure drawings that are still open to the public.
Shopping in Cahors
Shop for this region’s famous black diamond with the area’s truffle markets. Limogne hosts a truffle market Friday mornings from December to March, and Lalbenque’s market features truffles Tuesdays from December to March.
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