Monuments to visit France

The hotel de Bernuy is more known today under the name of the high school, which houses it, the Pierre de Fermat high school. Nevertheless, this is the origin of one of the most beautiful hotels in the city, built thanks to the pastel trade in the sixteenth century. It is possible to admire it from Gambetta Street, which leads to the Garonne from the Capitole. The Pastelier Pastelier Jean Bernuy, who became Capitoul in 1533, therefore erected this hotel by Louis Privat in the Renaissance style. Its hexagonal tower is one of the highest in the city.

The city hotel is located in the centre of Gambetta Boulevard, between the new and the old town. The th century building welcomes Jean-Marc Vayssouze-Faure, mayor of the city and president of the Greater Cahors Community, and his team of municipal councillors.

The Saint-Nicolas fortress was built between 1660 and 1664 in record time. Following a series of revolts, king Louis XIV ordered the construction of the citadel to assure supervision of the city, but also its defence. During the Revolution, the fort is swept by the revolutionaries who degrade a part of it. It is in 1860 that the fort is seen divided into two by the construction of a new boulevard named Charles-Livon, which connects the Port au Pharo Old man. Therefore the sea side part is called strong Ganteaume, on the other side, the strong summit is named after Entrecasteaux. Today, only part of the fort is open to the public. An opportunity to admire panoramic views of the city and the port. Strong Saint-Nicolas is classified as a historical heritage since 1969.

Heading towards the marina, to the left of the dike. Its proud appearance and fortifications are worth noting, as they seem to be 18th century remains, behind which the old village protected itself. It was a strategic point that controlled access to La Baule Bay with the Pointe de Penchâteau. Pointe du Bé was completely renovated and inaugurated two years ago. A complete facelift very appreciated for a pleasant family walk along a wooden esplanade. Trees and wild herbs preserve the authentic aspect of the coast and its rocky beach, which makes this place a popular spot for fishermen on foot who find mussels, periwinkles, Berns. We will meet the splendid Château des Tourelles, facing the sea, where we can even take a chic break to quench our thirst or have a bite to eat facing the sea.

Sensations guaranteed! The lighthouse (145 steps), built in 1950, is actually the third building. The first was suggested by Vauban in 1694. It was lited up in 1702 and only during winter months. In 1774, a lamppost with 60 spherical reflectors replaced the inferno. Placed in a lantern, this system started working in 1821. The range of its fire ranged from 15 to 21 miles. The second lighthouse was built around 1840, dues to the state of the building. The project is a new 22 m high octagonal tower which can support a Fresnel optic. The range of fire went up to 25 miles. The electrification plans of 1880 were abandonned following a ministerial decision. During the Second World War, the lighthouse is used as an observation post for the German army who destroyed the building on August 11, 1944. Only the old Vauban tower remained standing and supported a temporary fire until 1950. The current lighthouse, the third, was built from 1950. It uses a xenon arch lamp; the size of its fire varies from 200 m (very thick fog) to 120 km (good weather). At the top, you find yourself at more than 100 metres above sea level. In clear weather, you can be at 100 km! It is one of the most powerful lighthouses in France, it has been classified as a historical monument in 2011.