I have just done a magnificent tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne that I will share with you with its itinerary and its Google Maps map. Thus, by using the map in GPS mode, you can follow this Lot et Garonne tourist circuit by car, van, motorbike or motorhome.
Why a tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne?
Located between the Lot river and the Garonne river, the Lot et Garonne is often ignored by foreign and even French tourists who focus more on the Dordogne,Ardèche, Eastern Pyrenees, Basque coast and of course the French Riviera.
Yet this department is full of beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages and incredible local gastronomy. In this article, I will share with you my tourist circuit to discover this unique region and its hidden treasures.
Circuit of the Bastides in Lot et Garonne
More than 10 years ago, there was a route that visitors followed to discover the most beautiful tourist sites in Lot et Garonne. It was the circuit of the Bastides.
But, when I inquired with the tourist office, they explained to me that they no longer find the route of this road either in the archives, or in the old road maps, or in the tourist documentation. They therefore no longer have knowledge of the precise route of the Route des Bastides.
However, when you visit the Lot et Garonne, you notice that in some places, there is still this sign indicating the circuit of the Bastides. But the tourist office told me that was all that was left of this tourist circuit.
The Bastides of Lot and Garonne
Have you ever heard of the bastides in the south-west of the France ? Well, a bastide is a medieval village built in the 13th and 14th centuries. What characterizes the bastides is their carefully planned layout and architectural design. Indeed, each bastide was built with a central square, surrounded by streets that formed a grid. This geometric layout not only gave the villages a sense of order and organization, but also gave them incredible charm and quaintness.
Another characteristic of bastides is their defensive structure. Although they were established mainly for economic purposes, they also had to be ready to face possible attacks. This is why most bastides had fortified walls or gates that could be closed in case of danger.
The Tourist Office gave me documentation on the bastides of Lot et Garonne which I used in part to make my tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne:
Route map of the Bastides of Lot et Garonne
And here is the map that the tourist office gave me to do the route of the Bastides of Lot et Garonne:
You can see that there is no route on this map to follow the Bastides du Lot et Garonne circuit.
So I decided to repeat this tourist circuit by adding stops to visit the most beautiful tourist sites in Lot et Garonne.
Tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne by car, van or motorbike
To discover the Lot et Garonne, I have selected in my tourist circuit the visits of most beautiful villages of Lot et Garonne, unmissable castles and natural sites not to be missed.
Indeed, this department is a land rich in history which has attracted many personalities such as Richard the Lionheart, Jeanne d'Albret or Henri IV.
And you will also see, by following my tourist circuit by car, van, motorbike or motorhome, that the Lot et Garonne is a magnificent and authentic region that really deserves to be discovered!
Road trip in Lot and Garonne
This road trip which allows you to visit the most beautiful places in the Lot et Garonne that I propose to you below represents 240 kilometers. It can be done in a few days or in 1 week depending on the duration of your vacation and your frequency of visits.
Itinerary of the tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne
Here is the itinerary of the Lot et Garonne tourist circuit that you can do by car, van, motorhome or motorbike.
- Castelmoron-sur-Lot
- Villereal
- Montflanquin
- Fumel
- Bonaguil Castle
- Tournon d'Agenais
- Penne from Agenais
- Villeneuve-sur-Lot
- Pujols
- Sainte-Livrade-sur-Lot
- Latour-Marliac water lily garden
- Montpezat
- Prayssas
- Nérac (trip in Gabarre with Prince Henry Cruises)
- Moulin des Tours or Moulin Henri IV
- Château de Lavardac (wine estate dating from the XNUMXth century in the heart of the Buzet vineyard)
- Damasan village
- Moulineau Lake
- Clairac (Abbey)
- Castelmoron-sur-Lot
Lot and Garonne tourist circuit map
Here is the map that you can put in GPS mode to follow my tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne:
Stages of my tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne
Here are now the main stages of my tourist circuit on the road to the Bastides of Lot et Garonne:
Castelmoron sur Lot – Departure of the tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne
Located on the banks of the Lot, Castelmoron sur Lot is a small village which offers a peaceful atmosphere and many activities such as swimming, canoeing, fishing or hiking.
And above all, it is an ideal place to stay to flit around to discover the most beautiful sites of the Lot et Garonne. This is why Castelmoron sur Lot is the starting point of my tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne.
See the nice accommodation where I had the chance to stay: Country house in Castelmoron sur Lot
And for those who do this Lot et Garonne tourist circuit in a motorhome or van, there is a very nice campsite in Castelmoron with a pretty beach on the banks of the Lot:
Gazaille Campsite : Tel: +33 6 10 34 16 08 Email: solar.events47@gmail.co
Villeréal – 1st stage of the Lot et Garonne tourist circuit
Villeréal is a medieval village that is definitely worth a visit. Stroll through its cobbled streets and admire the half-timbered houses that bear witness to its rich past. Don't miss the weekly market held in the central square where you can buy fresh local produce and regional specialities.
You can visit the Notre-Dame church which is a fine example of Gothic architecture. And if you're interested in history, head to the Bernard Palissy Museum, which houses a collection of arts and crafts from the region.
Montflanquin – Very beautiful perched village
Perched on a hill, Montflanquin is a bastide which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley.
This medieval village is a real journey back in time, with its cobbled streets, stone houses and well-preserved ramparts. Visit St. Andrew's Church, home to beautiful stained glass windows and remarkable Gothic architecture.
Don't miss the Musée des Bastides either, where you can learn more about the history of the fortified villages in the region. Also take advantage of the many hiking trails that surround the village to discover the natural beauty of the region.
Fumel – Industrial and historical heritage
Located in the Lot valley, Fumel is a city that combines industrial and historical heritage such as the Château de Fumel which houses the town hall. You can also visit the Fumel hydraulic power station. It is over 80 years old and is still active.
You can also take a nice walk along the Lot in a barge (the pier is at the bottom of the village of Fumel).
Bonaguil Castle – Dominant fortress
The Château de Bonaguil is a must in the Lot et Garonne region.
This medieval fortress is one of the best preserved in France and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Indeed, this fortress is built on a rock which gives it a dominant and strategic position in the Middle Ages.
While visiting the castle, you will walk along the ramparts and discover the different rooms and towers of the castle.
And if you have time, you can visit the nearby village of Saint-Front-sur-Lémance which also offers superb panoramic views.
Tournon d'Agenais – Royal bastide and panoramic views
Tournon d'Agenais is a medieval village situated on a hill, offering panoramic views over the Lot valley. He is part of most beautiful villages in France ! To visit this pretty bastide, you can take a path that goes around the village. Following the ramparts, you will take a walk which offers you beautiful panoramas of the surrounding landscapes.
If you are a hiking enthusiast, do not miss the GR652 long-distance hiking trail, which passes through Tournon d'Agenais.
Penne d'Agenais – Fortified village of Lot et Garonne
Penne d'Agenais is one of the most beautiful fortified villages in Lot et Garonne. Stroll randomly through its cobbled streets and admire the stone houses that bear witness to its rich past.
But it is by climbing to the very top of Penne d'Agenais that you will discover a little treasure: The Church of Notre-Dame-de-Peyragude and its silver dome!
And to reach the highest point of the village, taking the small path behind the church, you will climb to the top to reach the ruins of the Château de Richard Coeur de Lion.
Villeneuve-sur-Lot – Lively and cultural town
Villeneuve-sur-Lot is a lively town located on the banks of the Lot river.
Stroll along the quays and admire the half-timbered houses that line the river. Visit Saint Catherine's Cathedral, a fine example of Gothic architecture. Don't miss the Gajac museum either, which houses a collection of contemporary art.
And to discover regional products, take advantage of the open-air market which is held every Tuesday and Saturday morning.
Pujols – One of the “most beautiful villages in France”
Pujols is a picturesque village classified among the “most beautiful villages in France”. It can be visited by walking through its cobbled streets and taking time to get lost.
Don't miss the panorama from the terrace of the village, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Lot valley.
Lot and Garonne tourist circuit – Sainte-Livrade-sur-Lot
Here is another bastide that I suggest as a gourmet stopover on my tourist circuit. Indeed, I discovered by chance a very good address in the small village of Sainte-Livrade-sur-Lot: Le domaine de Bugatel.
The setting is splendid for a romantic dinner by the water:
And the dishes are at the height of the frame: at the top! But remember to book in advance: contact@domainedebugatel.com
Latour-Marliac water lily garden – Cradle of Claude Monet's water lilies
The Latour-Marliac water lily garden is a must for nature and gardening enthusiasts. Founded in 1875, this garden is the birthplace of Claude Monet's water lilies.
Stroll among ponds and lush gardens and discover a wide variety of water lilies and aquatic plants. Be sure to visit the tropical greenhouse, which houses exotic plants and rare species.
Montpezat – Its mill and its view
This small village offers a peaceful atmosphere but above all a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes from its mill.
Prayssas – Charming village on the Route des Bastides
Prayssas is a charming village which is located on the road of the Bastides of the Lot et Garonne. Stroll through its cobbled streets and admire the stone houses that bear witness to its rich past.
Do not miss the castle of Prayssas which offers a breathtaking view of the Lot valley.
For a unique experience, visit the night market held every Friday evening in summer, where you can sample local produce and enjoy the lively village atmosphere.
Nérac – Royal city in Lot et Garonne
Nérac is a historic town located on the banks of the Baïse river.
For a unique experience, board a barge with Croisières du Prince Henry and discover the rich history of Nérac. Be guided along the river and admire the picturesque landscapes of the countryside. Don't miss a visit to the Château de Nérac, which now houses the Château-Musée Henri IV museum.
To complete your visit, stroll through the narrow streets of the old town and discover the pretty half-timbered houses.
Moulin des Tours or Moulin Henri IV
Le Moulin des Tours, also known as Moulin Henri IV, is a historic watermill located on the banks of the Lot.
Visit the mill and learn about traditional milling techniques. Learn about the history of mills in the area and admire the ancient mechanisms that have been preserved.
Tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne – Village and castle of Lavardac
On the road to the Bastides of Lot et Garonne is the pretty village of Lavardac which you can visit on foot.
Then, if you have time, I recommend that you stop off at Château de Lavardac. It is a wine estate located in the heart of the Buzet vineyards. By visiting the castle, you will discover the secrets of winemaking. You will enjoy a wine tasting and discover the different varieties and grape varieties produced in the region.
Damasan Village
Here is another pretty village to visit while doing my tour of the Bastides of Lot et Garonne: Damazan
Moulineau Lake
Here is another stage of my tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne is right next to Damazan: Le Lac du Moulineau.
Indeed, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. Located near the village of Damazan, this lake has a small beach and offers many activities, such as swimming, fishing and water sports.
For those visiting the Lot et Garonne by motorhome or van, it is also a good option for spending the night. Indeed, a campsite is located on the banks of Lac du Moulineau.
Here are the contact details of the campsite: Tel: 07 56 05 46 51 – email: campingdulacdamazan(at)collectivite47.fr Website : www.camping-du-lac-damazan.fr
Tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne – Clairac
My tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne ends with this last stage which is part of the Route des Bastides. Indeed, in Clairac you can visit this pretty bastide of Lot et Garonne but especially its abbey of Saint-Pierre.
Where to stay for this tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne?
One of the best accommodation options in Lot et Garonne is to rent a holiday home. Indeed, the Lot et Garonne is home to many magnificent properties that offer all the comforts of a home and private gardens. This allows you to travel with your dog, have your own space and a base to have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Additionally, by staying in a holiday cottage or villa, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local way of life, as you can shop at the local markets and cook your own meals using fresh ingredients and premises.
If you prefer a little more luxury for your sightseeing tour, there are also several boutique hotels in Lot et Garonne that offer a unique and stylish experience. These hotels are often housed in historic buildings, such as old castles or renovated farmhouses, and offer a combination of modern amenities and traditional charm. Many of these charming hotels also have their own restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious regional cuisine after a day spent exploring the beautiful villages of Lot et Garonne.
Here is a selection of the best accommodation ideally located to follow my tourist circuit in Lot et Garonne:
- Castelmoron sur Lot – Recommended accommodation: VILLA
- Villereal
- Montflanquin – Recommended accommodation: THE BOULEDE MILL
- Fumel
- Bonaguil Castle
- Tournon d'Agenais – Recommended accommodation: THE MIRABELLES
- Penne from Agenais
- Villeneuve-sur-Lot
- Pujols – Recommended accommodation: Renovated cottage in the Mail Valley
- Montpezat
- Prayssas
- Nérac – Recommended accommodation: Cauderoue Castle
- Moulin des Tours or Moulin Henri IV
- Near Lavardac – Recommended accommodation: At Clair de Vianne
- Moulineau lake and Damazan village
- Clairac (Abbey)