Pech Merle - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Pont Valentré is a 14th-century six-span fortified stone arch bridge crossing the Lot River to the west of Cahors, in France. This massive bridge took 70 years to complete from 1308 to 1378 and never saw combat, although its arduous construction lead to a legend of a deal with the devil. The bridge was classified in 1998 as a world heritage site and it can only be crossed by foot.

The Gouffre de Padirac is one of the largest chasms in Europe. Discovered by the famous French cave explorer Edouard Martel, it was opened to the public in 1899. visitors gaze down into the enormous 75 metre chasm into the earth, 33 metres wide. It then leads into a cave system, created by millennia of subterranean underground water erosion which has carved out spectacular caverns in the limestone.

The Bonaguil castle is a marvel of medieval architecture situated between Périgord and Quercy in the village of Saint-Front-sur-Lémance near Fumel which was built in the 13th century. It forms a set, unique in Europe, of gigantic proportions and in an outstanding state of conservation.

The garden of Marqueyssac is one of the finest achievements in the history of French gardens. It consists of six kilometers of shaded alleys, edged by 150,000 had pruned, hundred-year-old box trees. This garden was set on a rocky spur which overlooking the Dordogne valley. This immaculately maintained garden was developed around a traditional 17th-century chateau and offer a befitting belvedere balcony from where visitors can enjoy glorious views of the Dordogne Valley 130 meters below.

A majestic 12th century castle which stands high over the Dordogne valley, with magnificent views of the Châteaux of Beynac, Jardins de Marqueyssac and the medieval village of La Roque-Gageac. It was now a museum displaying the art of warfare in the Middle Ages. Inside, it has a unique private collection of arms and armour, as well as furniture from the period. The castle has a picturesque setting on the side of a hill and offers magnificent panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley.

A 12th-century majestic castle which was one of the most authentic and well-conserved in the region. It offers a magnificent view over the valley of five castles. It was built on a plateau with a sheer cliff to one side on the banks of the Dordogne River. Surrounding the chateau is the lovely village of Beynac-et-Cazenac, one of Frances Les plus beaux villages de France or designated Beautiful Villages.