Things to see and do Aquitaine

To mark the Tour de France's passage through Agen on Friday July 12, 2024, the town is celebrating cycling in style. The Tourist Office is taking advantage of the occasion to offer a discovery bike tour. You'll ride along the green lane in the shade of the plane trees, through the prefecture district and along the boulevards Carnot and de la République. You'll have the chance to admire the Ermitage hillside, the monumental canal bridge and the architecture of the streets and buildings. There are two options: bring your own bike or rent an electric one from Café Vélo or the Tourist Office.

Of the 7 access gates that once encircled Villeneuve-sur-Lot, only 2 remain today: the Porte de Paris and the Porte de Pujols, built in the ^14th century. The others were destroyed in the ^17th century, under Mazarin during the Fronde. The height of these square towers and the presence of machicolations testify to their defensive role. Although their shapes are very similar, you can have fun looking for the small differences between the two listed buildings.

Built over the River Dropt and a strip of flood-prone land, the "Pont des Pélerins" links La Sauvetat-du-Dropt to the neighboring commune of Agnac. It owes its name to the fact that it lies on the route to Santiago de Compostela (marked by a stone cross in the middle of the bridge). It consists of 2 parts. The oldest, in Romanesque style, comprises 11 arches. It replaced an ancient Gallo-Roman ford. This section was extended in the Middle Ages by a second 12-arch bridge, this time in Gothic style. The bridge was listed as a historic monument in 1992.

When you reach the lake below the village, you can clearly see the church of Saint-Etienne on your left, facing the château. It's the best view you'll have of Lauzun. The Gothic-style edifice has replaced a primitive Romanesque church, the remains of which can still be seen in the portal. Step inside to admire the magnificent 17th-century carved wooden altarpiece, high altar and pulpit, listed as historic monuments since 1910 and restored in early 2010. These furnishings are a true marvel.

Miramont-de-Guyenne has 2 churches. Sainte-Marie occupies one of the corners of the bastide's central square. It was built relatively recently (19th century), but underwent extensive restoration in the 1960s due to the risk of collapse. Its stained-glass windows, designed using the technique of glass slabs set in concrete, are a must-see.

Saint-Etienne de Beffery is located in an outlying hamlet. This 13th-century church features a beautifully painted vault depicting heaven with cherubs and a dove above them.