| Pont Valentré | |
|---|---|
| Crosses | Lot River[1] |
| Locale | Cahors, France |
| Design | arch bridge[1] |
| Material | stone[1] |
| Total length | 138 metres (453 ft)[1] |
| Width | 5 metres (16 ft)[1] |
| Height | 40 metres (130 ft) (towers)[1] |
| Longest span | 6 × 16.5 metres (54 ft)[1] |
| Number of spans | 6 |
| Construction begin | 17 June 1308[1] |
| Construction end | 1378 |
| Opened | 1350[1] |
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The Pont Valentré (Occitan: Pont de Balandras; English: Valentré Bridge) is a fourteenth century six-span fortified stone arch bridge crossing the Lot River to the west of Cahors, in France. It has become a symbol of the city.
After the decision was made to build it on 30 April 1306, construction began on 17 June 1308.[1] It was built between 1308 and 1378 with six Gothic arches and three square towers.[2] It opened for use in 1350.[1] Originally fortified at both ends, the western one has not survived.[3]
A major restoration was performed from 1867 to 1879 by Paul Gout.[1][3][4]
The bridge was featured in a 2009 episode of Food Network Challenge where pastry chefs had to build bridges made out of cereal.[5]