Would you like to visit Lauzerte in Quercy? Here are the 8 things to do in this most beautiful village of France!
Located in the Tarn-et-Garonne, Lauzerte overlooks the valleys of the Barguelonne and Lendou from the rocky eperon where it is perched. The village, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, organizes its houses around the Place des Cornières and the church of Saint Barthélemy. Along the streets, Gothic and Renaissance homes spread to the edges of ancient ramparts. Visiting Lauzerte is no rest!
From the ramparts, travellers will enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Historic stop on the Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle Lauzerte is a must-have medieval city in the region.
Would you like to discover this charming village of Occitanie? In this article you will find the 8 things to do in Lauzerte during your stay!
1. Place des Cornières
Photo credit: Lauzerte Town Hall
First step of your discovery: the famous Place des Cornières! If you come to visit Lauzerte, you can't miss it. Modest, she was the center of community life of the bastide. It is surrounded by beautiful houses dating from the 15th to the 18th century.
A corner house gives him this name of Cornière. But above all, you can see his "recorded Corner". This original and unusual artistic creation is the work of the world famous ceramist Jacques Buchholtz.
2. The Church of Saint Barthelemy
Photo credit: Lauzerte Town Hall
Located in the upper city, close to the Place des Cornières, this must-see church is recognizable to its very sober square bell tower. The Church of St. Bartholomew, rebuilt and enlarged several times, retains the primitive building of the thirteenth century only the first crossroads and the portal overlooking the square.
In addition to its atypical architecture, the building is home to two curiosities. The first, a leather Christ, is the work of a prisoner in exchange for his liberation. The second is a golden wooden altarpiece dedicated to the Virgin, a true masterpiece of baroque art.
3. La Barbacane
Photo credit: Facebook – Travel to Quercy
No way to visit Lauzerte without going through his Barbacane! This defensive military work built after great periods of trouble once protected the Porte d’Auriac from assaults from the suburbs. She has left room since a beautiful and poetic esplanade. Here you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside!
4. The Garden of the Pilgrim
Photo credit: Flickr –
Jean – Pierre FLIPS
If there’s a must-have thing to do in Lauzerte, it’s its Jardin du Pèlerin. This place retraces the history and initiatory journey of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela . In the form of a game of the goose, the visitor follows a path with numbered boxes and panels.
He will learn more, through these movements, on the daily life of the past pilgrims.
5. La Grand Rue and Rue de la Garrigue
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Martin Burguillo Fotos
These two streets marry the contours of the Lauzerte relief. Intersected with small transverse streets, they are known to house many beautiful white stone merchant houses dating from the 13th and 14th. They testify to a time of civil construction in the bastide.
Lauzerte then played the role of attic in the city of Cahors. These homes, despite the transformations, keep some details of the past. On the ground floor, we can observe two openings in ogive, one for the shop, the other for access to the logis.
The basement is dedicated to the goods. The first floor is devoted to the house.
6. The Church of the Carmelites
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sergii Rudiuk
Located at the foot of the city, at the exit of the Faubourg d’Auriac, this church is also worth visiting in Lauzerte. Originally convent of the religious order of Carmel in the 14th century, it was rebuilt in the 17th after the wars of religion.
Redesigned in the 19th century, you can admire a magnificent baroque retable, but also its choir organ.
7. Le Chemin de l’Éveillé
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sergii Rudiuk
Created in the 18th century on the old ditches, this arrangement served the inhabitants of the place of walk and fair to the beasts. Anchored in the rock, the exterior facades of the houses also acted as ramparts.
Today, this Chemin de l’Éveillé is known for its superb views of the surrounding region. It is the ideal place, like Barbacane, to rest, enjoy the view and especially the unique atmosphere of the village.
8. Art and craft shops
Photo credit: Flickr – Archigeek
Lauzerte has always been an inspiring place for creators. In addition to the high corner of Place des Cornières, the city houses lots of shops, workshops and art and craft exhibitions. Visiting local galleries is one of the most important things to do in Lauzerte.
These establishments and shops make after all the charm and fame of this most beautiful village in France. If you’re visiting Lauzerte, don’t miss entering a few shops during your holidays. You can also support local creators by buying some art or crafts.
How to get to Lauzerte?
Lauzerte is located in the northwest of Tarn-et-Garone, just steps from Montauban and Cahors. The nearest big city is obviously Toulouse, which is only an hour and a half drive away. To reach and visit Lauzerte, you will ideally need your own vehicle, car or bike.
By plane or by train
You can thus land or arrive in Toulouse. For your flight tickets, do not hesitate to consult the offers on the flight comparison Skyscanner , which will help you find the best prices.
From Toulouse , Bordeaux or Limoges, Intercity trains will easily lead you to Montauban. From Montauban you can rent a vehicle, take a taxi, reach Lauzerte by bike or Moissac by train. On-demand transport takes place some days from the latter and to this most beautiful village in France.
By car
From Montauban, follow the D927 then it D2 until Lauzerte. From Cahors, take it D620 then it D653 .
From Toulouse, borrow the A620 until Castelsarrasin, take Exit 9 and then follow the D118 , D16 then D2 .
From Bordeaux you have to take the A620 . You will pass before Agen and exit 8 in Saint-Loup. Finally D953 until Lauzerte.
Finally from the north and Limoges, you have to take the A20 Then get out near Cahors.
Where to stay in Lauzerte?
If you plan to visit Lauzerte, you will necessarily ask where to stay. Fortunately, this most beautiful village in France and its surroundings does not lack housing options. For example, you can opt for a charming hotel or lodging that you can choose with this Compare hotels , or a dwelling in the living room thanks to Airbnb .
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