Top Ten Things to do in the Lot Valley

1.Chateau de Bonaguil
www.bonaguil.org
47500 Fumel
Tel  05 53 71 90 33

Chateau de BonaguilLocated in the Lot-et-Garonne, “Bonaguil” was the last of the great fortified castles to be constructed in France. Positioned on a high rocky outcrop between the river Thèze and the Lémance river, it was classified a National Monument in 1862 and has undergone much maintenance and sympathetic restoration since then, playing host to an impressive night-time firework display held towards the end of July each year with stunning lighting and sound effects adding that extra dimension to a visit to Bonaguil

 

2. Penne d’ Agenais
www.penne-tourisme.com

Penne D'AgenaisThis pretty Medieval village with its steep narrow streets and documented history dating back to the middle ages was a strong hold for Richard the Lionheart affording as it does, commanding views of the region.
A place of pilgrimage  with an impressive basilica “Notre Dame de Peyragude”  overlooking the Lot River, Penne d' Agenais features craft shops and good restaurants and picturesque rivers and lakes for those who enjoy fishing. Nearby is the museum du Foie Gras – a museum with a modern twist, detailing the heritage and history of the finest local produce. Foie gras, cèpe mushrooms, garbure soup and preserved meat confits etc. Visitors are invited to taste the famous “Laguilhon” products.

Musee du Foie Gras
47140 Frespech ( nr Penne de Agenais)
Tel; 05 53 41 23 24

3.Tournon d Agenais
http://www.europa47.org/anglais/pageanglais/Bastides/brimming_bastides_tournon.htm

Tournon D'AgenaisApproached via the D656, The pretty bastide town of Tournon d’Agenais appears, perched on a craggy outcrop surrounded by ramparts through which spiral paths lead up to the central market place.

With its Moon Clock, the ancient house of the Agen bishops, half timbered houses and calm public gardens, Tournon d Agenais is a truly relaxing and peaceful location with views over the Boudouyssou valley and the Quercy Blanc. Your camera will never tire of this delightful area.

 

4.Villeneuve Sur Lot & Pujols
www.tourisme-villeneuve-sur-lot.com

Villeneuve Sur LotThe ancient bastide town of Villeneuve-sur-Lot has thus far, escaped the ravages of tourism. The central hub of the town features the original town square with good local, non touristy shops and is found between two old gateways - the Porte de Paris and the Porte de Pujols. On Wednesday evenings throughout July and August music festivals are held at the riverside.
An ancient 13th century bridge provides attractive views along the river valley and a short, but steep walk will bring you to the nearby hilltop town of Pujols, another camera friendly village with cobbled streets and lovely views.

5.Agen
http://www.ot-agen.org

Agen, the county town  of Lot-et-Garonne, dates back to Roman times and has been of great importance as a trading centre since then.

Although much of the town is modern, Agen’s setting on the banks of the River Garonne offers delightful riverside walks and there are well preserved medieval houses and interesting churches, including the Romanesque church of St Caprais.  Masterpieces by Goya and treasures from the Gallo-Roman period can be viewed in the town including a statue discovered in a field beside the Garonne. Place des Laiters nearby plays host to  relaxing cafés, interesting shops and find bargains in the outdoor Wednesday market. A Saturday morning market is held in the public gardens of Le Gravier near a footbridge across the river. You can hire canoes and take cruises by the hour or day on the Canal Lateral which flows parallel to the Garonne.

6.Lauzerte
www.lauzerte-tourisme.fr

LauzerteLauzerte is an historic bastide or fortified village and can trace its origins back to the signing of the village charter in 1241 by the Count of Toulouse. As a stronghold, Lauzerte governed the surrounding area up until the 18th century. It was an established stopping off point on the pilgrim trail to Santiago de Compostela, with many modern travellers following the same route to this day.

 

 

7.Cahors
www.mairie-cahors.fr

Pont Valentre CahorsThis large and quintessentially French  medieval town surrounded on  three sides  by the Lot River was as In the middle ages as important as Toulouse. The Pont (Bridge) Valentre over the Lot is one of the finest examples of medieval  architecture.  Now world famous for the wonderful wines from this area the town is a bustling, thriving centre of commerce, full of attractions.   Markets are held on on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

 

 

 

8.Monfanquin
http://www.cc-monflanquinois.fr

MonfanquinLocated 30km north of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, the perfectly preserved bastide town of Monflanquin is positioned on a conical hilltop between the Lot and Dordogne rivers. In this wonderfully scenic location, you can explore Monflanquin’s narrow streets and alleys with their ancient buildings and Gothic houses and relax with a traditional meal in the cafes and restaurants of the Places des Arcades.

Visit Monflanquin’s Musee des Bastides to learn more about these fascinating fortified ‘bastide’ settlements built during the Middle Ages.   These ‘new towns’ were planned around a central market square, with land and privileges given to locals who were prepared to live in and defend the town. If you pay a visit on one of Monflanquin’s ‘medieval days’ in summer you will be treated all sorts of festivities, such as falconry and  exhibitions, with everyone in medieval clothes.

9.Moissac
www.moissac.fr

MoissacMoissac, found 40km east of Agen, is on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. The main reason people visit Moissac is for the Abbey of Saint Peter with its world famous porchway and cloisters, untouched by the flooding of 1930 which destroyed most of the town.

This incredible cloister later acted as a model for hundreds of churches elsewhere, and is reputed to be the most beautiful of its kind, in the world. There are 76 marble columns and a myriad of fine carvings around a pretty courtyard garden. The old pictures exhibited suggest that the garden was once an ornate and tropical in appearance, although it is now simply lawned.

There is an open square lined with cafes just in front of the abbey entrance in Moissac where you can enjoy a drink and meander around the many, interesting and varied shops.

10.Puy l’Eveque
www.puy-leveque.fr

Puy L'Eveque Puy l'Eveque is a pretty village / small town in the Lot Valley to the east of Fumel. It is a quiet town although busier during the summer. The town sits on a steep slope above the river, with narrow lanes winding between the houses.

There are small courtyards interspersing these houses, many of which will have a curiosity in place, a small fountain here, an interesting plant there, a traditional raised balcony or something unusual to catch the eye.

After enjoying an amble around the back streets of the town a short walk across the bridge brings you to a particularly camera friendly spot from where you can really capture the essence of the place.

 

Holidays in the South of France - Click here to search for villas, gites and holiday cottages

 

back to the top