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Pont Valentré

Landmarks ·Cahors ·Open now
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#1Things to do in Cahors Lot OccitanieMost reviewed in Cahors
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About

Pont Valentré is a 14th-century fortified stone bridge across the Lot on the western side of Cahors, France, and a symbol of the city.

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Pont Valentré

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Why go

  • The only survivor of Cahors’ three medieval bridges guarding access to the city.
  • UNESCO World Heritage recognition since 1998.
  • A river crossing designed as a fortress to defend Cahors against attacks from the south.

Opening hours

Today00:00 – 23:59Show all
Monday00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday00:00 – 23:59
Thursday00:00 – 23:59
Friday00:00 – 23:59
Saturday00:00 – 23:59
Sunday00:00 – 23:59

Don't miss

  • Carved little devilLook for the small carved devil high on the central tower, made by local sculptor Calmon.Central tower1879
  • Eastern barbicanThe eastern, city-side gatehouse survives; its western counterpart was demolished in the 18th century.Eastern, city-side entrance18th century
  • Double-cross arrow slitsLook for double-cross openings designed for archers.Towers
  • Triangular pier projectionsThe five river piers have triangular projections topped with battlements.River piers

Know before you go

  • Open every day, 24 hours.
  • The bridge has been reserved for pedestrians since 1995; cross on foot.

Tips for your visit

  • Guided tours cover the bridge’s history and the devil legend.
  • The bridge forms part of the Via Podiensis pilgrimage route and the GR 36 hiking trail.
  • The Cahors Henri-Martin museum holds drawings, prints, paintings and photographs depicting the bridge.

Best time to visit

  • Summer illuminations offer a chance to see the bridge’s architecture lit after dark.

Interesting facts4

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  1. 172 metres

    The bridge measures 172 metres overall, including six large pointed Gothic arches and two smaller bank arches.

    Pont Valentré - Wikipedia
  2. 40 metres

    The three square towers rise 40 metres above the water.

    Pont Valentré - Wikipedia

  3. The roadway is six metres wide.

    Pont Valentré - Wikipedia

  4. Its Occitan name is Pont de Balandras.

    Pont Valentré - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

According to local legend, the builder promised his soul to the Devil for help completing the bridge, then escaped the bargain by ordering him to carry water in a sieve. In revenge, the Devil sent a demon to loosen a stone in the central tower each night. A later version says the Devil mistakes the carved imp for his demon and believes the sabotage continues.

  1. 1306–1308Cahors consuls approved construction in 1306. The foundation stone was laid near Valandrès port on 17 June 1308.
  2. By 1355Pilgrims and merchants were crossing the bridge. Tolls paid by merchants and travellers brought revenue to Cahors.
  3. 1378Construction reached completion after roughly seventy years.
  4. Early 19th centuryThe fortifications deteriorated so badly that the bridge closed to traffic.
  5. 1840Recognition as a historic monument enabled the bridge’s rescue.
Show all
  1. 1879During restoration led by Paul Gout, a carved devil was installed in the central tower. The work substantially changed the bridge’s appearance.

How to get there

  • On footThe bridge is less than a 10-minute walk from Cahors station. Another approach is via Allées des Soupirs.

Sources: Pont Valentré - Wikipedia · Cahors - Wikivoyage (see) · Le Pont Valentré à Cahors · Le Pont Valentré à Cahors · Le Pont Valentré à Cahors · Pont Valentré - Wikipedia · Pont Valentré - Wikipedia · checked 6 Oct 2026

Where
Cahors, Cahors, 46000

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

Is it free to visit Pont Valentré?

Yes, crossing the bridge is free.

When is Pont Valentré open?

The bridge is open 24 hours a day, every day.

Was Pont Valentré ever attacked?

Neither the English nor Henri IV attacked it.

Has Pont Valentré appeared on postage stamps?

French stamps depicting the bridge were issued in 1955, 1957 and 2008.

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