Print and Features Editor Jess Parker outlines her top sights and experiences for a short break to Lot-et-Garonne
Lot-et-Garonne is a department in the southwest of France, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and named after the river Lot and the river Garonne. The area is full of sleepy medieval Bastide towns and incredibly well-preserved chateaus from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, that feel unbelievably outside of the touristy bubble.
Monflanquin
Built in 1256, Monflanquin is a military bastide town that sits atop a hill, hence, the town can be seen from miles around. Sporting its signature medieval architecture, the town is fairly small so only needs a couple of hours to fully enjoy. Monflanquin is made up of sprawling suburbs that lead to the centre, featuring a range of incredible independent businesses and restaurants, Le Bistrot du Prince Noir being my personal favourite.
Gavaudun
Gavaudun is my favourite hidden gem of Lot-et-Garonne, hidden enough that I have visited the site over five times, and have never seen another group there. The tiny commune of Gavaudun seems to come out of nowhere, situated in the midst of a lush green forest. Its few houses and businesses are shadowed by Gavaudun’s looming Chateau, a thirteenth century keep that sits atop a 25m bulk of rock that hangs over the river Lède. Gavaudun will take you an hour maximum to wander, but also features a range of signposted walks that circle the centre.
Gavaudun seems to come out of nowhere, situated in the midst of a luscious green forest
Monpazier
Known as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Monpazier is an incredibly preserved thirteenth-century Medieval Bastide. The town square, Place de Cornieres, is mostly intact and features a similarly tempting array of shops and restaurants to Monflanquin. Monpazier’s church, Église Saint-Dominique, was built on an old Roman chapel, and retains many original elements. Monpazier also sees a regular Thursday Morning market, featuring local fresh produce and delicacies from the wider region.
Bonaguil
Chateau de Bonaguil lies in Saint-Front-sur-Lémance and is known as the last of the fortified castles. The site was classified as a historic monument in 1862, and features steep turrets and seven drawbridges that bridge the gap across Bonaguil’s steep rocky entrance. Alongside visiting the interior and exterior of Chateau de Bonaguil, visitors to the area can also enjoy the nearby village of Bonaguil and walk the forests and hills surrounding the site.
Penne-d’Agenais
Located on the bank of the river Lot, Penne-d’Argenais features an impressive basilica, Notre-Dame de Peyragude, which stuns from miles around with its signature silver dome and Byzantine-Romanesque architectural style. Marché Traditionnel de Penne D’agenais is a local produce and makers’ market that runs every Sunday morning throughout the year. The village’s steep slopes provide wonderful views of the surrounding hills and villages, and is home to many unique small businesses. The village is also home to plenty of well-fed cats that are certainly fans of Penne-d’Agenais’ produce and restaurants.
Just Outside of Lot-et-Garonne
Monbazillac and Bergerac
If you dare to venture a little outside of Lot-et-Garonne to the outskirts of the Dordogne, the tiny Chateau of Monbazillac is worth a quick visit. The site is known for its wine that’s grapes are grown on-site, which you can try and buy in the gift shop. If you purchase a ticket, you will be allowed access to the house’s interior and be offered a wine tasting, however, Monbazillac’s most stunning feature is its impressive views. The site provides a look straight across Bergerac and beyond, with visitors often spending most of their trip sat out in the gardens.
The site provides a look straight across Bergerac and beyond
While you’re there, it’s worth considering the quick trip to nearby Bergerac. As you drive on from Monbazillac, visitors to the area will reach Bergerac in about a fifteen-minute drive. The town is well known for its old town, tumbledown timbered buildings, gorgeous countryside, lakeside location, and the eponymous character Cyrano de Bergerac.
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