Cahors

 We finally breached the campsite defences at around 11.30 yesterday morning.

The manager explained  via multiple arm-wavings, shrugs and rapid-fire French (I feared at one point that he'd break out into an interpretive dance) that he had in fact come looking for us the night before, but sadly couldn't find us.

He obviously didn't look in the local Ibis.....

Vowing to put it all behind us, we set up camp and headed into town.

The town of Cahors, situated on the banks of the River Lot, is famous for wine (red,passable) and cuisine (foie gras and truffles).

It's also home to two UNESCO sites, the Pont de Valentre and St.Stephen's Cathedral.

The 14th century Pont de Valentre is very impressive indeed. It was built as a defensive work, though never actually crossed in anger.

Well done, those 14th century builders.

Next up, we visited the Cathedral. It's a fairly unique design, having two domes. It is home to 'The Holy Headdress' , apparently one of the five relics of the Crucifixion.  I'm told it's a type of cloth, complete with chinstrap (think shroud of Turin but much smaller) however, it was too dark to see much in the chapel set aside to view it, so I guess we must take their word for it......

Back outside, and very visible, were the gargoyles that perch at the top of the Cathedral.  One in particular caught my eye...

I later learned that there's a similar one on the bridge : 

These French lads don't know when to stop.....

The rest of Cahors is a mismatch of medieval streets and new civic squares. 

Oh, and the 'Little Museum of Barrel Making'......