The best road cycling routes around Sainte-Alauzie

Atypical bridge with magnificent architecture: you absolutely must go see it!!

The first bridge of Cabessut, called the "Pont Neuf", was built of stone in the 13th century by the consuls and clergy of the town. It originally had two defensive towers which were destroyed in 1816. The old stone bridge was demolished in the early 20th century (around 1906) to make way for a wider structure.

Pont Valentré is one of the few fortified medieval bridges remaining in the world. Its Gothic military architecture makes it a masterpiece of defense and engineering. 1308: The start of construction: The decision to build the bridge is made by the consuls of Cahors to secure the western access to the city and adapt to the flourishing trade. 1308-1378: An endless construction site: The work lasts nearly 70 years, slowed down by the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War. From this legendary slowness was born the famous legend of the Devil. 1879: The great restoration: Having become dilapidated, the bridge undergoes a major restoration led by architect Paul Gout (a student of Viollet-le-Duc). He chose to add the famous sculpture of the little devil on the central tower to immortalize the legend. 1998: Worldwide recognition: The bridge is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.

Built at the end of the 13th century and remodelled in the 18th century following a fire in 1562, then again in 1881, the village church forms a single-nave stone vessel with a polygonal apse. The choir (Radiant Gothic) is covered. The stained glass windows, in very vivid colour ranges, depict the lives of Christ and Saint-Hilaire.

Montcuq is a superb medieval hilltop village with a rich heritage in the heart of Quercy Blanc: La Tour de Montcuq: A majestic 12th-century keep that proudly overlooks the village. Built between the late 12th and early 13th centuries under the authority of the Counts of Toulouse.Destruction of the castle: During the Albigensian Crusade and the treaties with the King of France, the local lord had to dismantle the ramparts. Only this keep survived.Particularities: It has a rectangular (or trapezoidal) shape and a square turret housing a unique spiral staircase. Scientifically, the name has nothing lewd about it: it comes from the Occitan Moncuc, which simply means a conical hill or a fortified hill.

The original building was completely destroyed by Protestants in the 16th century, during the Wars of Religion. The current church was completely rebuilt in 1890 in a neo-Gothic style very characteristic of that era. Despite its more recent exterior architecture, it houses and preserves precious and interesting Baroque furnishings.

Lauzerte is a magnificent medieval bastide from the 12th century perched on a rocky spur. Lauzerte is an unmissable and mythical stop for pilgrims on the Via Podensis (the route from Puy-en-Velay). Founded by the Count of Toulouse, this ancient strategic city features a checkerboard architecture typical of the bastides of the Southwest.

Lauzerte is a magnificent medieval bastide from the 12th century perched on a rocky outcrop. Lauzerte is an essential and mythical stop for pilgrims on the Via Podensis (the path from Le Puy-en-Velay). Founded by the Count of Toulouse, this ancient strategic town has a checkerboard architecture typical of the bastides of the Southwest.