Lot is one of the original 83 departments created during theFrench Revolution on 4 March 1790. It was created from part of the province ofQuercy. In 1808 some of the original southeastern cantons were separated from it to form the department ofTarn-et-Garonne. It originally extended much farther to the south and included the city ofMontauban.
Cahors is the prefecture of the department, lying in its southwestern part: a medieval cathedral town known internationally for its production ofCahors wine, it lies in a wide loop of the Lot River and is famous for its 14th-century bridge, thePont Valentré.Figeac is a medieval town whereJean-François Champollion, the first translator of Egyptian hieroglyphics, was born, situated in the eastern part of Lot.Gourdon, a medieval hilltop town located in Lot's northwestern part, with a well preserved centre, comprises many prehistoric painted caves nearby, notably theGrottes de Cougnac.
