The Devil and Pont Valentre

By Crusader1307

Pont Valentre is located in Cahors, France. A stone Defensive Bridge constructed in 1308, although it took until 1350 to complete, it would be reinforced well into the 1370s. Restored many times, Pont Valentre has a very unique backstory. One which features The Devil as it's Antagonist. The true origins of this Tale was dated to the 14th Century AD, with a ''written version'' first discovered in the 1870s during yet another renovation. According to the tale, The Chief Builder was desperate to finish His task, but was far behind His deadline. He supposedly made a deal with ''Old Scratch'' (The Devil). He would surrender His Soul, if The devil helped Him complete His masterpiece. The Devil did so overnight, save for one final stone. But The Builder was far too clever, just prior to completion – He told The Devil If He would bring water to His workers, He would surrender His Soul. The Devil agreed. The Builder gave The Devil a wooden gourd with holes. No matter have many times He tried to fill it up, water kept falling out. In short, The Devil realized He would never be able to perform the task. This angered Him and He cursed The Bridge, stating that the last Stone would never be set. In 1878, during renovation, this same Stone was removed and re-carved with a Devil, trying to pull said Stone free. Quaint Story...........