The Gems of the lot valley

Perched on its rocky spur, this 13th, 15th, 16th and 18th century fortified castle overlooks a valley of chestnut and oak trees. Listed as a Historic Monument, Bonaguil Castle takes visitors on a journey back in time, to meet the personalities who shaped its remarkable architecture: Philippe III le Hardi (King of France), Bérenger de Roquefeuil (aristocrat of Querçy and Rouergue) and Marguerite de Fumel. Its magnificent architecture, gigantic proportions and remarkable state of preservation make Château de Bonaguil a real jewel in the Lot Valley! Throughout the year, tours, workshops, festivals and other events are organised to give you a unique experience at the heart of medieval history.

Founded in 1264 by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of Saint Louis, Villeneuve-sur-Lot is the most beautiful river bastide in the south-west of France, from which it derives its originality, straddling the river Lot. Like all bastide towns, it was created on the basis of an orthogonal plan organised around a central square, Place Lafayette. The bastide was fortified with stone and brick town gates and towers after 1313. Villeneuve-sur-Lot will charm you with its streets and alleyways, where the medieval era can still be seen in the facades of the timber-framed houses.the Cieutat bridge, which has witnessed the vagaries of the indomitable River Lot over the centuries. And let’s not forget the remarkable Sainte-Catherine church, founded in the 19th century, and its steeple rising to a height of over 55 metres.

The Lot Valley in Lot-et-Garonne is home to a number of picturesque villages with timeless charm and a rich heritage. The villages of Pujols, Penne-d’Agenais and Tournon-d’Agenais, which are classified as among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, are testimony to this exceptional character. These villages epitomise the charm of the South-West. With their medieval bastides, picturesque lanes, breathtaking panoramas and living traditions, they invite you to take a trip back in time to the heart of an area rich in history and culture.

The Jardin des Nénuphars Latour-Marliac in Le Temple-sur-Lot is the oldest water lily nursery in the world, having been created in 1875 by Joseph Bory Latour-Marliac. The nursery was a favourite haunt of Claude Monet, who came here to collect his water lilies at the end of the 19th century. Labelled a Remarkable Garden, this “temple of water lilies” boasts 250 hardy and tropical species spread over around 3 hectares, where you can discover the exotic greenhouse housing the giant Victoria water lily, the bamboo grove, the Japanese bridge and even buy plants.