" LOT ET GARONNE "
Roads leading to the Most Beautiful Villages of France
The Lot et Garonne is a region of well being and hearty eating, of mixtures of cultures and conviviality.
Today, the tourist attractions of the Lot et Garonne are numerous, a country of Bastides and Castles, of rural and river tourism (200km of waterways) of orchards and multiple outdoor activities, it is a place of tourism in the at the same time cultural, relaxing, sporting and gastronomic.
WHAT TO BE DONE
Theme parks are the best places to discover the past and the lifestyle of the people living at that time :
Aqua Sports & divertissements:
Boat rentals - Aqualand - Lud o Parc - Aqua Fun Park - Rowing Clubs -River Cruises - Nautical Ski - Karaïb Riders - Canoës & stand up paddles - Malbentre Parc - Nature des Etangs Ferrié
Amusement parks:
Wallygator - Happyforest tree climbing - Parc en Ciel climbing - Paintball - Pop Corn Labyrinthe - Castel Adventure - Des-chênes-toi Aventure - Z'animoland -Chaudron Magique -Laser game outdoor or indoor - Le Ragnarok -
Hiking :
Different offers for horseback riding, walking and cycling. Tourist Offices have hundreds of different regional trails available. The domain is at 1km of the "Greenway" , a regional infrastructure developped and reserved for non-motorized travel like cycling and walking.
Visit the sky
Paragliding, Skydiving, ULM, Airstrip, Flying club at the aerodrome of Villeneuve sur Lot. A hot air balloon ride can make you discover the Dordogne Valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the largest world biosphere reserve in France.
To Play Golf :
Villeneuve-sur-Lot Golf & Country Club, at 4kms, is one of the best 18 hole golf courses in Aquitaine. If you're more into leisure & fun you can visit a Mini-Golf in the nearby surroundings.
WHAT TO SEE
Lot et garonne has 42 bastides, Medieval Towns & Villages of intrest:
Castles :
Gavaudun - Biron - Bonaguil - Duras - Henri IV - Monbazillac - Lauzun - Bridoire - Frechou - Beynac - Xantrailles - Brassac -Madaillan - Castelnaud la Chapelle - Puymartin - Marqueyssac - Josephine Baker - Malvirade
Abbeys Churches & Priories :
Basilique de Notre-Dame de Peyragude - Cathédrale Saint-Caprais d'Agen - Eglise Saint-Eutrope - Abbatiale de Saint-Avit Sénieur - Église Saint-Pierre - Abbaye de Cadouin - Sanctuaire Notre Dame de Lorette - Cloitre de Marmande - Eglise de Saint Gayrand - Eglise Notre Dame de Moirax - Eglise Sainte Catherine - Eglise Notre Dame de Marmande - Eglise Saint Nicolas - Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul de Casseneuil
Museums :
Sauve Terre Prehistory Museum - Archaeological Museum of Eysses - Musée de Bastides à Monflanquin - Musée du Liège et du Bouchon - Musée du Liège et du Bouchon in Mézin - Musée des Beaux-arts d’Agen - Musée de Gajac in Villeneuve sur Lot - Musée Bernard Palissy in Lacapelle-Biron
Caves and Charms :
Grotte de lastournelle - Grottes de Fontirou - Grotte de Maxange - Gouffre de Proumeyssac - Grottes de Presque - Grottes de Lestournelles
WHAT TO TASTE
Lot and Garonne, A land of Culinary Tradition :
Traditionnal Markets
The inhabitants have a pleasant life with good food. It is the dream department for any epicurean.
Marchés des producteurs de pays
The culinary variety is showcased through the local products. The art of eating well & living contributes to the gastronomic reputation of this southwest region.
Discover the welcoming at farms :
During your vacation, you will have different opportunities to taste and buy products from organic farming at markets ar at site of the producer. As a souvenir of your holidays, you can take home jams, fruits in brandy, sweets, chocolates, preserves (ducks, goose, chestnuts, porcini mushrooms, etc.), flavored vinegars and nut oils, wine and spirits, etc.
Local gourmet delicacies and specialities :
Plum d'Agen , Garriguette strawberries, Melon, Kiwis, Chocolats of the Pays du Dropt, Hazelnuts of Cancon, Marmande Tomatoes, The ham of Tonneins, Palombe Salmis, Foie gras, Poultry of geese or ducks, Truffles, Porcini mushrooms, Asparagus, Blonde d'Aquitaine, Tourtière of Appels, Quercy of the Islands, Wine and Eau de Vie
What You Can Do on the spot
Relax and Read a Book by the River
The river makes a perfect spot to relax and read a book surround by an astonishing nature.
Of course the river also allows you to initiate or bring to perfection your skills of recreational freshwater fishing.
Peaceful Paradise conceived for "concentration games" as Darts
This mansion in the middle of nature and peace allows you to concentrate on an outside darts game. During mild days you can enjoy slow-paced boardgames, glorious wines and delicious sharing plates, in your own playing area under the walnut tree.
When you need a relaxing day
Water sustains and hydrates us and is probably the most relaxing substance on the planet. The seasonally heated family pool will float you to relaxation, and keep you cool during hot days.
"Jeu de boules" under oak trees
Organize your private "Apero - Petanque" under the oak trees. A nice way to chill and have a good time with friends & family.
Jacuzzi - Hot Tub
It's not just the warm water and precise jets that help you to relax – hot tubs on holiday can do even more ! As the perfect ambient relaxing atmosphere helps you find the peace you need after a long period of effort and hard work. This facility has to be reserved 24h in advance and this implements a complementary fee of 10€/day.
What of the "Most Beautiful" you can see nearby
Visit Monflanquin
Monflanquin, the pioneer in beauty! This village is the Dean of the Most Beautiful Villages of France in the Lot-et-Garonne, it was the first village of the region to have won the title in the year 1989 ! The village hosts the Museum of the Bastides where you are invited to discover the South-West through its medieval history. Relive the time of profound social, political and urban changes which which are at the root of these old european villages. With its emblematic bastide and its superb central square lined with arcades, Monflanquin is full of cozy restaurants perfect for an epicurean stopover once you have visited the museum of bastides.
Visit Penne d'Agenais
A former stronghold, the castle was fortified by Richard Coeur de Lion, the medieval town of Penne-d'Agenais, now classified as a holiday resort, seduces many visitors with its architectural charm, its relaxed lifestyle and its location on the banks of the Lot river. On the road to Santiago de Compostela. Dominated by the silhouette of the Notre-Dame de Peyragude basilic, a Romano-Byzantine style building recognizable by its silver dome. The old village of Penne-d'Agenais is particularly inviting to stroll: its sloping streets lined with pretty houses. The central square Paul Froment, very pleasant to sip a drink, and its arts and crafts workshops, are all attractions that make the place charming. From the orientation table located near the basilic, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Lot valley!
Visit Pujols
Pujols, the highly seductive ! One of France's "Most Beautiful Villages", is a former stronghold perched on a hill near Villeneuve-sur-Lot. This small fortified town is a charming place to wander around with narrow flower-bedecked streets overlooked by beautiful houses, an old well, fortified gates, Saint-Nicolas and Sainte-Foy churches. The church is a jewel classified as a Historic Monument for its wall frescoes dating from the end of the 15th century. An absolute must see ! Besides all this there is also a covered market hall where a local produce market takes place on Sunday mornings from May to September. From the heights Pujols you benefit of one the best panoramic views of the Lot valley.
Visit Villeréal
Villeréal, the stronghold of the bon vivants! The village is easily identifiable to its fortified church and its two towers topped with pinnacles. Right in the heart of the village, you come face to face with an imposing 14th century wooden hall. This magnificient construction is today classified as a Historic Monument, its magnificient structure leaves may of us speechless!
Visit Tournon d'Agenais
The fortified town of Tournon-d'Agenais is the center of sweet festivities! This village is located in the Lot valley, on the borders of Quercy, it shelters a belfry which has two particularities: a lunar clock to follow the different phases of the moon at night and a bell tower water tower. This unique tower you can see from miles away.This medieval Bastide was founded by the King of France Louis IX, commonly known as Saint Louis. Its typically medieval central square will take you right back to the time when knights rode the streets. As a bonus, enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes!
Visit Monpazier
The origins of Monpazier date from the end of the 13th century when it was founded as a bastide town in 1284 by King Edward I of England. The entire village has preserved almost intact its original aspect and dimensions. Eight centuries after foundation, it is still presented as an authentic jewel of medieval architecture. More than 30 of the buildings in Monpazier are classified as 'national monuments'. Monpazier village has a large central square, as well as a smaller square with the church close by, it is composed by straight streets lined with medieval buildings running out from this centre to the edges of the town and parts of the historic fortifications. The original village centre is entered through large stone gateways through these defensive walls.
What To Taste
Experiment the French Cuisine
You will be delighted with the best of the french cuisine with the local products. Be prepared to experiment the best variety of food and taste France has to offer. There are many nice and price-friendly restaurants in the immediate vicinity. In the summer months, the historic villages also organize "marchés gourmands". Cozy evening markets where you can often sit at long tables and, with live music, enjoy the numerous regional specialties. Do not hesitate to ask us for local food and restaurant dinning recommendations.
Savor a South of France Wine Tasting
Welcome to the paradise of the best wines in the world. If you are a wine lover or curious to understand more about this amazing culture, you will have countless nearby vineyards to visit Duras - Buzet -Bergerac - Monbazillac - Saussignac - Pécharmant - Cahors. Including also the famous Bordeaux wines in the nearby region, or the Fronton from between Toulouse & Montauban which are all at approximately one hour and a half driving from home. If you wish to stay close to home you can go to visit our Casseneuil award-wining wine producer at a few minutes from our house. Besides classical wine degustations "Lou Gaillot" also organises Ludo Vigne Discoveries.
Visit Bergerac
Bergerac is a town in southwest France. It’s known for its old town’s half-timbered buildings and the castles that dot the surrounding countryside. In the town, the Maison des Vins showcases the region’s wine. It’s housed in the Cloître des Récollets, a 17th-century cloister. Nearby, the Musée de Tabac documents the history of tobacco. Traditional barges cruise the Dordogne River, which runs through the city
Visit Cahors
Cahors gems are listed as world heritage in relation to the Santiago de Compostela routes. The iconic Pont Valentré, a 14th century bridge as well as the stunning Saint-Etienne Cathedral with its Byzantine-style domes. Wander inthe old town's medieval lanes which give Cahors a mysterious and magical atmosphere. Soak up the beautiful old notable homes, magical little squares and inventive Secret Gardens that splash the town with exuberant colours. And last but not least visit the AOC Cahors vineyards. On the road from home you will encounter some of the 4000 hectares of Cahors vineyards which are installed on both sides of the Lot River peppered with traditional Quercy villages, pretty churches, châteaus & national accredited "Vignobles et Découvertes".
What "Day Excursion" To See during longer stays
In the distance of an hour and a half of driving several highly visit worthy sites are interesting to be visited:
Bordeaux -Saint Emilion - Toulouse - Sarlat la Canéda - La Roque Gageac - Saint Cirq Lapopie - Rocamadour - Forêt des Singes -Gouffre de Padirac- Lascaux - Peche Merle - Figeac
Bordeaux
Bordeaux “the elegant”, it isn't just a city with the same name as the famous French wine. It is the most extensive urban environment in the world to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bordeaux has 350 historical buildings & monuments, dozens of museums & art galleries, as well as a brand new wine experience center.
Grottes de Lascaux
In couple, between friends or with the family, Lascaux has something for all ages! Immersive and interactive spaces which guarantee alle visitors are immerged of the wonder. Above all it learn us more about parietal art and its modern influence. Discover more than 21,000 years of history !
Sarlat
The breathtaking town of Sarlat sits at the heart of the Dordogne Valley. An absolute must-see! Sarlat is famous for its beautiful stone medieval buildings that make it feel like something straight out of a movie. This little town has the highest amount of historical buildings per square meter in the whole of France.
Toulouse
Toulouse the "city of pink colour" with its brick façades blending pinks and oranges, emblematic flowers of the warm convivial ever festive city which is an absolute Bucket list for Air and space lovers by the Cité de l'Espace & Airbus Aeroscopia. Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France, also a major university city and during term time the place has a decidedly younger vibe than many other places. It is a city with life, where things happen, and where people are busy doing day tot day things while they enjoy themselves.
Gouffre de Padirac
The Gouffre de Padirac, France's most beautifull underground natural heritage site. A spectacular and magical site. An incredible and timeless visit to discover the beauty of planet Earth. The chasm is very well laid out and easily accessible
Saint Cirq Lapopie
The medieval village is perched high above the Lot river, and represents a spectacular cliff-hanging act Going eastwards from Cahors, a cliff-lined road winds upriver through the Lot valley to bring you to Saint Cirq Lapopie. From the late 19th/early 20th century, this village attracted artists, Parisian art-gallery owners & numerous artists belonging to the Surrealist Movement. This artistic dimension is still clearly perceptible
Discover ther "Lot et Garonne" at a glance
It is a mosaic country, it has inherited from its neighbours the Périgord-Quercy-Gers- Landes. Sunny terroirs, generous land, suitable for agriculture. Criss-crossed by an exceptional concentration of rivers and rivers. The Lot et Garonne with more than 200 km of navigable waterways, is one of the best-endowed departments in France.
Feel this authentic terroir, meet the local beauties and the riches of this few known French "Department" through these few videos:
GET IN TOUCH
Please use the form below to get in touch with details of how we can help to make your holiday experience extra special.
Give Us a Call +33 6 52 36 26 74
You can directly call or Talk to us on Whatsapp.
Email us at: enbordderiviere@gmail.com
Just click here to be taken to your mailbox
Drop up a Message on the Form Here
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
