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Lot-et-Garonne, located in the magnificent region of southwestern France, is an underrated department that harbors a hidden wealth of green landscapes, historic towns and villages, and a vibrant, festive culture. From medieval bastides to spa towns, each village in Lot-et-Garonne has a unique identity that charms and captivates visitors. Local markets, traditional festivals, and numerous historical sites make this region an ideal place for a full immersion in the French way of life.
Whether you are looking for a vacation destination or a peaceful place to settle down, the villages of Lot-et-Garonne offer an exceptional living environment. Here is our selection of the 10 most beautiful villages in Lot-et-Garonne, each offering a unique blend of beauty, charm, and hospitality.
Nérac is a town full of charm and history. Nestled in the heart of Gascony, this former medieval city is particularly famous for its association with the royal family of Navarre and King Henry IV. The Château de Nérac, although partially destroyed, is a fascinating testament to this era. It now houses a museum that traces the history of the region and displays artifacts from the king’s time.
Stroll through the streets of the town to the Pont-Vieux, which spans the Baïse River and offers a picturesque view of the city.
In addition to the iconic local market, the town hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year. The Festival de la Garenne or the Albret Jazz Festival, for example, offer outdoor performances, while the Saint-Jean festivities light up the town with fireworks, dances, and feasts.
Villeneuve-sur-Lot is a charming bastide renowned for its rich historical heritage and cultural dynamism. The town was founded by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of Saint Louis, to strengthen the French presence in the region. Its strategic position made it an important center for commercial exchanges in the Middle Ages. Villeneuve-sur-Lot still preserves much of its medieval architecture today, offering visitors a journey back in time: visit the Gothic church of Sainte-Catherine with its beautiful stained glass windows, stroll across the Pont des Cieutats that spans the Lot River, tour the Gajac art museum housed in a former mill, and wander through the ancient streets of the bastide to discover its half-timbered houses and arcaded squares. You will fully enjoy the magic of the region!
Villeneuve-sur-Lot is lively throughout the year with numerous cultural and festive events. The weekly market, music festivals, craft fairs, and outdoor performances contribute to the town’s vibrant life.
Labelled as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," Villeréal is one of the most iconic bastides in the region. Founded in 1265, the town retains its medieval charm with half-timbered houses, a hall with oak beams, and a fortified church. Every Saturday, a large market sets up under the historic hall, showcasing local products and artisans!
Each July, the bastide hosts La Bodega, a large village festival with Spanish flair, creating a great moment of sharing and conviviality!
Marmande is a town known for two seemingly unrelated elements: its agricultural significance, particularly for tomato cultivation, and the Garorock, an iconic music festival that attracts festival-goers from all over France each year! Founded in the 12th century, Marmande played a key role during the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion. The town has preserved its heritage while developing as an important agricultural and industrial center.
A perched town, also labelled as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" (there is no shortage of these in the department), Monflanquin is one of the best-preserved bastides in the region. Here, you'll find a central square bordered by beautiful arcades, a Gothic church (Saint-André Church), ancient cobblestones, and the famous House of the Black Prince, a 14th-century building with an enigmatic origin.
Climb up to Cap del Pech Square, at 180 meters high, for one of the best views in the department! If the weather is clear (which is almost always the case in the region), you can even see the Château de Biron, a classified historical monument!
Pujols is one of the famous perched villages of Lot-et-Garonne! Built on a hill overlooking Villeneuve-sur-Lot, the town is classified among the most beautiful villages in France. This medieval village offers spectacular panoramic views in a charming environment of cobbled streets and stone houses!
Pujols is known for its craft markets and medieval fairs. On Sundays, the local market attracts residents and visitors, offering fresh produce and handmade crafts.
Founded in the 13th century by Alphonse de Poitiers, Vianne, named after his niece Vianne de Gontaut-Biron, is one of the few bastides in the region to have preserved an almost intact system of fortifications! The ramparts, gates, and towers surrounding the town are relics of Albret's medieval past. Stroll along the ramparts and the Baïse River to its lovely port, perfect for boat rides and water activities.
Vianne is also known for its craftsmanship, especially glassblowing! Visitors can watch demonstrations in local workshops and purchase items made on-site. The town also hosts night markets, one of our favorite summer activities!
Located between Agen and Marmande on the banks of the Garonne River, Tonneins is a charming and dynamic town known for its industrial past (notably in the tobacco sector) and its pleasant living environment. The town's history dates back to the Gallo-Roman era, but it truly flourished during the Middle Ages and the industrial era. Tobacco cultivation was one of the main economic activities, influencing its development and architecture.
We particularly love strolling along the riverbanks, developed into green spaces, and enjoying the cultural events organized throughout the year, such as the Garonne Festival, local markets, and sports events.
Damazan is a welcoming small bastide located near the Garonne Canal. Founded in the 13th century, this town is known for its medieval charm and peaceful ambiance. Damazan was founded in 1259 by Alphonse de Poitiers and, like many bastides in the region, it was designed with a characteristic grid plan. The town has preserved its medieval architecture and its covered market, bearing witness to its rich historical past.
Due to its location and proximity to the Garonne Canal, Damazan is an excellent starting point for outdoor activities, cycling, and hiking. The Damazan Lake is also a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and family picnics!
Tournon d’Agenais is a perched bastide, set on a hill between the Pays de Serres and Quercy Blanc, in the heart of the Lot Valley. Even from afar, it is impossible to mistake it: the town is recognized by its remarkable bell tower and water tower! Founded in the 13th century by Alphonse de Poitiers, Tournon d’Agenais is a blend of medieval and modernity: the bastide is built on an octagonal plan with straight streets that divide the town into rectangular blocks!
Don't miss the Belfry, an emblematic building of the town with its lunar clock, the Church of Saint Barthélemy whose bell tower also serves as a water tower, and the town tower which offers an exceptional panorama over the Boudouyssou Valley!
In conclusion, Lot-et-Garonne is a land of discoveries where each town and village tells a unique story, woven with traditions, heritage, and conviviality. Whether it's the historical charm of Nérac or the perched beauty of Pujols, each town in our selection reveals a precious facet of this exceptional department.
Choosing to visit or live in one of these towns means embracing a rare quality of life where nature and culture harmoniously meet. It's also an opportunity to savor local gastronomic delights, participate in lively festivities, and immerse yourself in a warm and welcoming community!
For those considering a new start or an investment in a second home, Lot-et-Garonne offers not only enchanting landscapes but also a rich human and cultural wealth that makes every day memorable. Come discover and succumb to the charms of Lot-et-Garonne, and let yourself be carried away by the gentle way of life that reigns in its most beautiful towns.
