From Toulouse: Hidden Medieval France & Lot Valley Day Trip

Overview

Begin your day with a drive from Toulouse to Cahors, a city with over two thousand years of history. In antiquity, it was known as Divona Cadurcorum, a name that refers to a sacred spring, associated with a Celtic water goddess: this was a place defined by water. First, encounter the natural origin of the city at the Fontaine des Chartreux — a powerful underground spring that supplied water and likely gave rise to early religious practices. Then move into the Roman period, where urban organization becomes visible through remains like Diane's Arc, part of ancient thermal baths. As you progress, enter the Middle Ages, where you’ll explore the Cathedral of St. Stephen of Cahors, a monumental structure. After Cahors, travel to Cabrerets, where you will visit the Pech Merle Cave. The paintings you will see there date back to prehistoric times — around 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. They are evidence of symbolic thinking, of culture, and of early human imagination.