Developed by an engineer called Frédéric Suisse the system uses the amazing power of the river to pump water from the fountain of the Chartreux, thus supplying Cahors with drinking water.
The pump station was first opened in 1854. The Maison de l'Eau aims to encourage members of the public to fully explore nad understand Cahors and to appreciate this area of natural beauty. There are a range of permanent exhibitions including:
- History and operation of the old pumping station
- Discover of the Valentré bridge, jewel of medieval defensive architecture
- Water in Cahors, its history and the use of a single resource, the Chartreux fountain
- An important element in the area: the river Lot
Entry to this museum and exhibition is free.
