Figeac to Cahors

The bus left Figeac at 9.50 and took 1.5 hours. It was a large tour bus, too big for the narrow winding country road, and only a handful of passengers. We followed the river on our left all the way; it was brown and swollen with the recent rains. On the right of the road were overhanging cliffs, with occasional tunnels. I sat behind the driver and tried to take photos. I knew we would be passing St Cirque de Popie, a famous beauty spot across the river, and just managed to get a photo before the heavens opened with the first of several downpours.

From the bus

Swollen river

Entering a tunnel

St Cirque high on the cliff across the river

We finally arrived at Cahors train station, so I went straight away to book a ticket to Moissac for tomorrow. I then had to find my hotel, La Chartreuse, which was some way off.

Cahors is built inside a big meander on the river, a good defensive position occupied since Roman times, when it was known as Divona. The town is best known for its fortified medieval bridge (1306-80), with its three towers: the Valontre Bridge.

It was a big magnet for tourists, including a big group of Spaniards.

Looking down to the ancient arches

Weir downstream of the bridge

An old lock to the left of the weir