Pont Valentré

About this place

The Pont Valentré is a 14th-century six-span fortified stone arch bridge crossing the river Lot to the west of Cahors, in France. It has become a symbol of the city. After the decision was made to build it on 30 April 1306, construction began on 17 June 1308. It was built between 1308 and 1378 with six Gothic arches and three square bridge towers. It opened for use in 1350. It was originally fortified at both ends; the western tower has not survived. The bridge was built due to increasing tensions in the region between France and England that would eventually erupt into the Hundred Years' War around 30 years later. View the structure from the side as well as along its length. This makes its engineering easier to understand and helps connect the monument with the practical movement of water, people or goods that shaped the surrounding settlement.