| The Bastide towns The Lot-et-Garonne has 42 bastide towns whose origins go back to the late XIIIc and early XIVc when the area was disputed between the kings of France and of England. A central space was left open for trade, (sometimes built out as a Halle) and this was surrounded by arcades for traders. Some consider the 'heart' of the bastide zone to be the Monflanquin - Monpazier - Villereal triangle, including Eymet, Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Pujols, Tournon and Penne d'Agenais, Beaumont, Castillones and Domme. The sign posted "circuit des bastides" actually passes the end of the Mouledou driveway. Our favourite however is the very local and beautiful Penne d'Agenais. Penne has spectacular views over the River Lot and enjoyable - if steep - walks through its network of narrow lanes filled with beautiful houses,a beautiful basilica; 'Notre Dame de Peyragude', artists studios and fine restaurants, notably L'Air du Temps and the stylish 'La Maison sur La Place' .Many good cafes, restaurant and artist studios / craft shops. Regular high quality art exhibitions in the town hall. | |
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Villeneuve is one of the largest towns in the area (about 20 minutes drive)There is an old bastide centre centres around Place Lafayette, with its attractive arcade. Largely untouched by tourism, it is well worth a visit (and for the large Leclerc, Gifi and other stores on our edge of town). Villeneuve sur Lot hosts the farmers market on Tuesdays and Saturdays and also has the largest organic market outside of Paris. A powerful Bastide on the banks of the Lot river. Founded in 1264 it has preserved a large quantity of small streets and half-timbered buildings. Villeneuve also plays host to a free summer music festival where you can enjoy concerts on the riverside and, on Bastille Day, spectacular fireworks!
Agen: The County town of the Lot-et-Garonne (approx. 40 km to the SE) changed hands 11 times during the hundred years war.It is well known for its plums (pruneux). On the banks of the Garonne river it has a beautiful museum housed in four Renaissance houses, well worth visiting.
Tournon d'Agenais: About 5 minutes away is the pretty Royal Bastide village dating from 1271 and on the route of St Jaques de Compostella with a lovely square and belfry tower superb views from small public park, restaurants, and seasonal market. A recently opened good quality restaurant in the square - Le Beffroi - as well as bakers, cafe, post office, galleries etc. Amazing glass ware.
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A lovely castle about 10 km from Villereal, just south of Monpazier, on a hilltop with views across miles of countryside. Beynac, also on the Dordogne River, has a spectacular castle overlooking the river and the countryside, and a lovely climb through the village to reach it.
The many splendours of the Dordogne are within easy reach. With caves and prehistoric sites, beautiful towns and villages and of course the scenery around the River Dordogne, and swimming and canoeing in the river itself, there is a great deal to see and do, and to enjoy.The chateau at Beynac has magnificent views over the river and surrounding area.The village below Biron castle is lovely, and there is a pleasant restaurant.
Gavaudun Castle / St Avit / Beauville
No visit to the region is complete without sampling the high quality local wines - the vineyards of Cahors are 10 mins. away (just beyond Tournon) and Duras, Buzet and are within an hours drive - (these local vineyards are high quality and usually much cheaper than the better known Bordeaux labels).
| Monflanquin |  |  | |
Similar in style and perfection to Monpazier, is on top of a hill with lovely views over the surrounding countryside and slightly less touristy. Driving towards Monflanquin on the Villeneuve-sur-Lot road the ancient houses spreading down the hill, suddenly appear and is one of the great views of the area.Founded in 1256 by Alphonse de Poitiers. (Restaurant de Jardin in the square is worth a visit). Villereal
The most remarkable feature of Villereal is its intact 14th century market hall dominating the central square - and still used for its Saturday market. A wonderful lively small town, with a myriad of back streets to explore.(Very good bakers, charcuterie, brocante etc). Probably the least commercialised town among those listed here, and thus the most lively outside the May - September holiday season.Villereal was founded in 1269 by Alphonse de Poitiers, in an effort to keep the English at bay. This didn't work and the English occupied the town during the Hundred Years War.
Pujols
Mouledou
