Lot-et-Garonne, the beautiful surprise of the South West

Head towards the South-West of France in a department often underestimated but not less fascinating.

Founded in 1790, the Lot and Garonne was named after the two rivers that crossed the department. For a long time, these have been a strategic advantage when it comes to wars, and commercial for the agriculture and export of products.

The Lot and Garonne stands out for its geography: its large plateaus, limestone hills with hilly forms, its fields of cereals, green meadows, green vineyards and large forests make this department a beautiful green setting.

But that’s not all! The Lot and Garonne is also a country in charge of History: a strategic place during the Hundred Years War, it was under the supervision of the English before returning to the French giron. His villages, witnesses of the past, have for the most part kept traces of the medieval period: they give you the feeling of going back.

Wanderlix offers you to discover a department often forgotten and to make you discover, the secrets of fascinating places that will not leave you in the rest.

Agen et Villeneuve-sur-Lot : les indétrônables

It is not uncommon in history to see rivalries between two cities of the same territory. In our case it is rather Villeneuve-sur-Lot who, jealous of Agen, accuses him of making him shadow!

Nationally (and internationally) known for its prunes, Agen has been expanding its fame for more than a century. At the same time, its tourism is growing.

At thirty kilometers from there, Villeneuve-sur-Lot plays the beautiful dorms with a certain charm of "big town of province".

Despite their rivalry, the two Lot-and-German cities remain exceptional places in the region and must be visited. It would be a shame to pass next to these historic and architecturally fascinating communes.

Built by the Romans, they serve, during Antiquity, camps for the Legionnaires, artisan neighborhoods, a forum... of which there are still remains remains. During the Middle Ages, they are rare crossing points on the river that make them strategic positions during the Hundred Years War and during the religious wars. They are English for a time (in the great wars) and then come under the French crown.

Architecturally, the two cities follow the same plan, from the orthogonal streets that recall the time when Agen and Villeneuve-sur-Lot were under the cut of the Roman Empire. By walking you, you will have the chance to see ancient monuments such as the Hotel d’Escouloubres.

Thus, walk through the streets and observe the pretty yellow, red and brown brick houses that give the two cities a warm and friendly atmosphere. Contemplate during your walk the extremely rich religious heritage of Agen and Villeneuve-sur-Lot and stop in front of the churches and cathedrals that give a grave and moving to both cities.

Rugby to XV VS Rugby to XIII: the eternal battle

Agen and Villeneuve-sur-Lot also compete on another land: the rugby lawn!

This national team sport is a symbol for the inhabitants of the region. When you’re on the edge of the field, regardless of age, gender, skin colour or origin, as long as the same team is encouraged in good times as in bad times.

If the fight can be tough on the lawn and the passionate atmosphere in the rostrums, we forget every individual in the evening, in the third half, where the festive and friendly spirit takes over!

But if rugby is a religion in this South-West department, all do not preach at the same parish. Indeed, the Agen Sport Union has 15 athletes, while the Aquitaine Leopards, the Villeneuve-sur-Lot Club has 13 athletes and this makes all the difference. Although these two disciplines are based almost on the same rules, sensations, emotions, perceptions are not the same.

Still, in XIII or XV the Lot-et-Garonne is a land of champions for rugby. The SU d’Agen, eight times French champion, still has a good place in the Top 14, popular competition gathering the best rugby clubs in XV French.

Nine times French champion, the Léopards d’Aquitaine club competes in the First National Division, another championship, certainly less famous, but which brings together the best rugby teams in XIII.

The villages of Lot-et-Garonne : the heirs of a time

The Lot-et-Garonne is also and above all a journey in the past. Witnesses as suspended in time, the small hamlets of the department have this little something old that makes it the historical wealth.

Monflanquin the bastide

Start the discovery of medieval cities by Monflanquin, ranked among the most beautiful French villages. Directed by Alphonse de Poitiers under the name Mons Flanquinus the commune was fortified in 1252 to protect itself from invasions.

When you enter the city, you notice two perpendicular axes that scindent it and place it in its centre: this is the model of the bastides that are widespread in the South West of France during the Middle Ages.

Bastides are perfectly regular cities that responded to a political and economic project. Regulated by a founding act, the bastides are primarily marketplaces. Their damier plan brings you to the central square surrounded by arcades under which small shops are installed. The market day set in the charter from the Middle Ages is still the same today.

After silling the village through the many pedestrian streets, go to the Monflanquin Bastide Museum to learn more about the city and its history.

On your way, think to observe well the houses with doves made of stones and bricks that date from the 13th century. Then go to the Prince Noir house or the Chateau de Martel. This is where a sordid story has taken place that you surely know. In fact, Martel Castle has sheltered for several years the so-called “Les reclus de Monflanquin”: eleven members of a Bordeaux aristocratic family who, under the influence of an unintentioned man, have remained locked in their building for several years.

For even more adventure, just a few kilometers from Monflanquin are the remains of the merovingians and carolingians. Why don’t you go for a ride to finish the escapade in beauty?

Nerac, between river and history

En route now to Nerac, one of the most famous villages in the department for a walk in the heart of history.

In the Middle Ages, Nerac became the favourite residence of the Albret (a royal family of Aquitaine), thus welcoming the great names of the French royalty such as Catherine de Medici.

The old Nerac forms a harmonious ensemble with its old houses, its docks that line the Baise and its Gothic bridge.

The lovers enjoy strolling along the river, with the fountains, statues and centuries-old essences that follow the charming lot-and-garonnais village in which it makes good living. Opt for a boat ride to discover Nerac from the water. You can admire its church, its shaded houses and the famous castle of Henri IV.

Pujols in the heart of the Middle Ages

Cap on Pujols, which is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the territory. Perched at more than 180 m of altitude, it dominates Villeneuve-sur-Lot. In this city, you will have the chance to discover many vestiges that testify to the historical richness of the place.

Although the ramparts have been demolished, two doors remain in good condition: one enters the city by the English Gate or the Clocher.

Then, direction the remains of Pujols Castle which are worth the detour. On the road, shaded houses with white facades will charm you for sure. Before leaving, go to the church of Saint-Foy and take the time to contemplate its wonderful murals that date back to the 16th century.

Lalande-Stelsia Castle: the amazing madness

It is the story of a castle located 30 km from Agen and built seven centuries ago. At the firm start, it has evolved over its successive owners. It has been renovated several times in the 16th, 17th and 18th century and has been added some new buildings, new towers, which have built its windows, its roof...

The building named "Château Lalande" by its owner was last restored in 1992 to be converted into a luxury hotel. However, in 2008, the company responsible for the operation of the whole went bankrupt and left the castle to abandon.

In 2011, Philippe Ginestet, patron of the GIFI group, fell in love with Lalande and bought it. With his friend, the famous architect Jacques Bru, he decided to renovate him and make him an exceptional address. Then undertake dementia work to transform the chateau Lalande into a luxury hotel: Le Stelsia. Yes, but... not any luxury hotel.

Because when you pass the grid and enter the enclosure, the castle offers a magical show, out of the ordinary. The walls are pink, red, yellow, green, shiny, with touches of blue, purple. It is not to believe his eyes!

The interior of the building has nothing to envy on the outside: the colour and the eccentricity that make it a fair place. No room looks like itself and yet they are numerous. After installing your business in one of the spacious rooms of the castle, explore the park of thirty hectares around the building.

As you stroll through this green setting, on your way, you will cross a mix of a carousel, a library, "magic" waterfalls, giant animal-shaped topiaries, futuristic sculptures, a plant labyrinth... And as a bonus, the largest golf course in Europe: 4,700m2 of greenery sprinkled with 18 holes! The project in progress? Building the biggest European karting... it makes you want!

A kind of Disneyland in the Lot-et-Garonne, a touch of modernism that contrasts with the medieval local heritage... It is the avowed goal of GIFI’s boss who wishes to “infuse life to stone” and break the codes of luxury hotel industry often austere and restrictive. In Stelsia, it is indeed very different: the host finds his child’s soul, his good mood through all the experiences offered by the establishment.

The Lot-et-Garonne a land of nature...

"La Florence à la Française" is how this department is described with a soft and hilly relief. The Lot-et-Garonne offers, for our greatest happiness, a mosaic of landscapes: vineyards, forests, meadows, hills... In short, a perfect place to disconnect and find yourself in a serenity-friendly environment.

The departmental council has rightly chosen to exploit this environment and to protect it as much as possible by developing itineraries specific to the so-called "green" means of transport.

The Lot-et-Garonne is gridded by more than 4,800km of marked trails and hiking trails and there are for all tastes! Go on a road trip for several days on the famous path of Santiago de Compostela which travels the department over 150 km or simply take a walk between two villages or two farms.

The Lot-et-Garonne is also famous for its BikeRoute. This green road that welcomes pedestrians and bicycles winds over 160 km and offers several routes, for example, starting from Aiguillon, Fumel is reached by small quiet roads along the Lot by discovering the museum of Pruneau in Lafitte-sur-Lot, the medieval village of Penne d’Agenais or the castle of Bonaguil.

You can also follow the channel of the Two Seas that connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean or the Scandiberian that joins the Spain to the Norway . Let’s go on the banks of the Garonne to the sound of Francis Cabrel’s songs, from Agen, breathe fresh air, listen to the sound of the wind that makes the trees shudder... Not really how to feel more relaxed and relaxed?

...and greedy

History, architecture, sport... and gastronomy in all this? Of course, Lot-et-Garonne is a charming place to visit, but how to pass next to the specialties of this terroir? The first French department in the field of fruit and vegetable diversity, the first department of organic production in New Aquitaine, Lot-et-Garonne is well known as the garden of France.

If museums are not at your taste, go to artisanal markets! Taste the acidified softness of Gariguette strawberries, Charlotte, or other Ciflorette, test Marmande tomatoes, Cancon hazelnuts... And of course Agen's prunes!

If you are not yet satisfied, go through the night markets that offer you even more surprises! Tastings and animations are on the programme in a friendly and warm atmosphere. You will also have the chance to discuss with local farmers who will be happy to present their products to you.

To accompany all these dishes, what better than a wine tasting? Les vignerons de Buzet, des côtes de Duras, ou du Marmandais will be happy to welcome you to share their know-how but be careful, always with moderation! And to end of course, the Armagnac and the Floc de Gascogne impose themselves!

Uninteresting, little to the Lot-et-Garonne? That’s all the opposite! Terre d’Histoire, de bien-vivre, d’hospitalité, de nature et de sport, sa douce de vivre et ses lieux bucoliques font une destination très agréable pour qui ose passes ses prejudices !