This region was part of the battlefield of the Hundred
Years War, thus many of the castles, villages and towns were
built by the English. The Chateau at Bonaguil just north of
Fumel is one of the finest examples of l5th Century
mediaeval fortress
Winding up the valley sides, there are tantalising
glimpses of the river below, a sense of history is
everywhere. Visit prehistoric caves with amazing
paintings, discover ancient fortified towns and
villages perched on hill top sites such as St Cirq Lapopie
and Rocamadour and the bastide towns such as Tournon
d'Agenais . These have a central square and the classical
pattern of narrow streets intersecting at right
angles.
Cahors is the principal town of this area and it was a
flourishing commercial and university city in the middle
ages and became famous in the courts of Europe for its
wonderful wine. In Cahors itself you can still see the l4th
Century "Pont Valentre", a remarkable mediaeval
military bridge which has a fascinating legend behind its
building.
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