Discovered
in 1965 and classed as a ‘Monument Historique’ in 1978,
the
Grotte de Foissac contains some real treasures: exceptional mineralogy – it’s
a veritable work of art sculpted by Nature. There are objects and
traces dating back 5,000 years, from the time when the site served
as shelter and necropolis.
The surrounding
park brings to life how Prehistoric Man lived. The Museum houses
ancient tools, copper, arrowheads
and animal remains. High point for kids: the ‘Prehistoric Suppers’ held
each week throughout summer, featuring a ‘prehistoric’ menu
(ask us for more details).. |
Perched
high above the meandering River Lot, the ancient village of Capdenac
Le Haut offers spectacular views and has plenty of ancient stories
to tell.
In particular, the village claims to be "Uxellodunum",
the last bastion of the Gauls against the armies of Julius Caesar
in 51 BC. It vies for the title with two other villages in the Lot
but there is much to support its claim.
Enjoy the ancient
fountains; listed ramparts and tower, the narrow streets straight
from the Middle Ages
and the beautiful Church of St John the Baptist. Whether or not
Capdenac Le Haut really is “Uxellodunum”, it’s clear that
it has witnessed many periods of history including Roman invasions
and the Hundred Years’ War. |
Notre
Dame des Voyageurs, situated in the centre of Capdenac Gare, was
built between 1899 / 1904. It replaced Notre Dame de la Gare which
became too small to meet the needs of the town’s growing population.
A focal point of the Church is its stunning stained glass windows
which show the station, the men who worked on the railway, steam
locomotives and wagons, all with a backdrop of Capdenac in the early
years of the 20th century.
From 1963-70 the original windows were
replaced by glass panes of a contemporary design which allow the
light to penetrate to a greater effect. The windows are the work
of Marc Hénard, glassmaker and sculptor of religious art.
The Church windows capture the history and development of Capdenac
Gare.
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