Stroll through one of the largest markets in the South West and visit to Monsempron Libos

On a beautiful day, we offer you a stroll in the pretty town of Monsempron Libos, but it is also our taste buds that guide us here, since the Libos market (which takes place on Thursday mornings all year round) is one of the largest traditional markets in the South-West! 200 exhibitors in a rural setting in a pretty little village. We will then continue with a walk in Monsempron-Libos, discovering its priory and its narrow streets with typical buildings of the Lot-et-Garonnaise countryside.

Photos from the report: Lot-et-Garonne Guide

The traditional market of Libos

200 exhibitors on average, it is a real open-air market, with traders for food and food products (fresh fish, butcher's meat, vegetables, fruits, spices and cooked dishes), non-food products and personal equipment. You will find everything to dress you, take care of yourself with products for the body, face, clothes, but also equipment for the kitchen, home decoration, furniture repair, furnishings... It's extraordinarily diverse ! Come early, have a little coffee in the central square opposite the first food stalls and the church. There is space for easy parking all around the village.

Visit to the village of Monsempron and its priory

The village of Monsempron Libos (the two villages form a commune) is located higher up, you have to take the car or go up on foot (a few minutes walk), to the town hall square. The upper town is home to the old town, with a sumptuous priory castle on the borders of a maze of streets. A perched village, it therefore offers pretty views of the countryside, above the Lémance valley and the Lot valley which flows into the “lower” town.

In the ^11th century, a community of Benedictine monks settled in the village, then a small town. A large priory was then founded, it depends on the Abbey of Saint-Géraud d'Aurillac. The imposing size of the whole, the richness of the sculptures, ornaments and interior arrangements, suggest that important pilgrimages took place there. The village is fortified to preserve the convent buildings and the inhabitants sheltered in the village. The village transformed into a small castelnau during the ^13th century. It was the Hundred Years' War that raged in the region, which led to the beginning of the decline of this priory. At the end of the 15th ^century it was remodeled to be more pleasant and become a comfortable residence. Opening of windows, large room to make it a stately home. Like many buildings from this period, during the Revolution, it was looted and served as a quarry... After many passing hands and changes of ownership, the town recovered everything in 1989 and began the restoration of the whole. Painting exhibitions sometimes take place within these walls and the garden is very well maintained. A visit is offered in season by the tourist office, you can discover the crypt and its relics.

To visit the village, make a loop from the Town Hall square to the priory, then go around it and go down a steep street towards a path hidden by bamboo, to arrive in front and enjoy a lovely view of all. Just continue straight on, going around the gardens side, to go up to the Place de la Mairie. Please note that a visit plan with explanations can be given to you at the Tourist Office. Monsempron Libos depends on Fumel on this subject. You can also follow the “ Balade du Prieuré ”.

Things to do around Monsempron Libos

• You are close to Fumel, a lovely walk exists, which runs along the Lot on a safe, tree-lined greenway. Allow one afternoon to complete the “ Balade du Lot ”.
• Visit the small town of Fumel and its balcony overlooking the Lot. It is the capital of the Canton.
• 8km away is Saint-Front-la-Lémance and the village, then the Château de Bonaguil. A very pleasant walk, with a pretty village which wraps around its medieval castle.

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