Our tours emblematic

Built in the 14th century, the Tour de Paris was originally called the Porte de Monflanquin.

It symbolised the power of the town, since only 6 consuls, each holding a key, could open the town’s archive safe, which was sealed in a wall on the 1st floor. On the 3rd floor was the prison and on the 4th floor was the watchtower for the surveillance and defence of the town.

The Tour de Paris reminds us that Villeneuve-sur-Lot was once an important stronghold surrounded by a wall with 6 towers and 7 gateways.

The Tour d’Hautefage, also known as the Château épiscopal, is a rare example of Renaissance architecture in the Villeneuve – Lot Valley region.

It was built as the residence of the bishops of Agen, under the episcopacy of Leonardo della Rovere (1487-1519) and his nephew Antonio della Rovere (1519-1538).

This imposing tower is isolated from all other buildings and appears to have been built solely for residential purposes.

Hexagonal in plan, the tower overlooks the Church of Our Lady. Its terrace reaches a height of 39 m and the spire of the roof, built in the 20th century, rises to 55 m.

The Dolmayrac tower, built in the late 13th to early 14th centuries, dominates the surrounding valleys.

On the ground floor, the ceiling of the vaulted room is pierced in three places: these could have been stunners used as a first line of defence in the event of an attack.

Upstairs, a cross-vaulted room features 14th-century features for everyday life: latrines, a fireplace, wall cupboards and a cushion in a window embrasure.

The third level, which was used as a guard room, now houses a terrace offering a 360° view of the Serres region.

The Tour du Roy, renowned for its medieval brick architecture, was built at the end of the 13th or beginning of the 14th century on the town’s ramparts.

Despite its name Tour du Roy, it was a seigneurial stronghold that protected the town at the time. It was communalised during the French Revolution and used as a prison.