Cahors

Cahors is the prefecture of the Lot department in southwest France, situated on a distinctive ox-bow meander of the Lot river that nearly encloses the entire historic city. The Pont Valentre, a fourteenth-century fortified bridge with three square towers, is the defining monument. The Cathedral of Saint-Etienne has a Romanesque nave with remarkable carved portal tympana and a domed cupola above the crossing.

Cahors is also the centre of the Malbec wine appellation and the local truffle trade. For pilgrims on the Via Podiensis, it is the largest city between Figeac and Moissac and offers full services in an architecturally exceptional setting.