Visit of Miramont-de-Guyenne, stroll between town and nature at Saut du Loup lake

Miramont-de-Guyenne
Culture and Heritage

Come and discover the town of Miramont-de-Guyenne, located in the north of Lot-et-Garonne. In the heart of the gently undulating hills of this region, it is a 13th century bastide which offers beautiful vestiges to discover there, thanks to a short stroll in its old center. Miramont is also home to its pretty Monday morning market and its central square near the town hall where it is good to have a drink before going for a walk to the nearby Saut du Loup lake! On the way!

Photo of the report: Guide du Lot-et-Garonne

Visit the historic center of Miramont-de-Guyenne

To not miss anything of the city, follow the Circuit des Ruelles (fr). This well-marked route will guide you through the narrow streets of Miramont-de-Guyenne. You will discover charming squares, houses with traditional architecture and testimonies of the city's history. Allow about an hour to walk through the city center, which stretches for less than 2 kilometers. Information panels are available on site to help you better understand each site you will encounter.

Miramont-de-Guyenne is a former royal bastide, a new town founded by Edward I, then King of England. Its name, which means "looking into the distance", refers to the surrounding hills. Stroll through the picturesque alleys and admire the well-preserved medieval architecture: The half-timbered and half-timbered houses, the corbels (when the upper floor is wider to skew the payment of taxes by increasing the surface...). Poke your head between the andronnes, narrow passages between townhouses, which were used for rainwater and latrine drainage, as well as protection against fires. Stroll through the alley of the tanners, where you will find traces of the leather working activity in this area, thanks to the proximity of the Dourdenne stream. An interesting stop is the dovecote in the alley of the bakehouses, a symbol of prestige and nobility. This building shows that only the lords could own a dovecote, while the aviaries were accessible to more modest owners. Continue the walk following the signs that will tell you the history of the city. Do not miss to enter the Sainte-Marie Church to admire its magnificent stained glass windows.

In the South-West, there are more than 400 bastides, which were founded from the 13th to the 15th century. They are all governed by a customs charter (admire the reproduction of the charter inside the town hall). Miramont-de-Guyenne first had an English charter and (significantly) later obtained a French charter, after the Hundred Years' War, in 1494.

And after your walk? Only 8km away is the pretty steep village of Lauzun, it would be a shame to miss it. Top for a restaurant at the end of the evening!

Market of Miramont-de-Guyenne

Enjoy the warm atmosphere of Miramont-de-Guyenne by visiting its lively market, which takes place every Monday morning, place de la Mairie. Stroll among the colorful stalls, discover the local products of Lot-et-Garonne (prunes, hazelnuts, tomatoes, sun-kissed fruits depending on the season) and let yourself be tempted by the culinary delights for your picnic basket.

Do you like hazelnuts? Visit Cancon, it is the capital of hazelnuts and the Koki store will blow your mind with its delicious products!

Nature getaway at Saut du Loup lake

Want to get some fresh air? Meet at Saut du Loup lake a few kilometers away. It is a green space and a tourist and leisure complex which extends over 40 hectares (the lake is 9 ha). You will be able to enjoy a magnificent natural space, ideal for walks, fishing (2nd category in no-kill) and sports activities. The lake also offers lodging and camping accommodation, for those who wish to extend their stay and take full advantage of this oasis of tranquility.

The Saut-du-Loup walk (fr) is a 10km hike in the natural area around the lake. It is flat and accessible to the whole family.

Read our report on Allemans-du-Dropt, a superb village which is only a few minutes from Miramont!