2 days in the Lot Valley: a weekend getaway!

Whether you want cultural, family or sporting outings ... Whether you are a lover of old stones, an athlete cyclist or hiker, rather greedy, or simply a curious visitor ... The Lot valley will charm you and you will surely find your happiness there.

The Lot valley conceals many tourist treasures. Its hilly landscapes are easily traversed on foot or by bicycle to admire its magnificent natural sites . Its lakes and rivers offer an ideal playground for all kinds of water sports and its waterways allow beautiful cruises. Its tumultuous history has left many vestiges and a rich heritage to be discovered. Its local products are delicious and its local dishes generous. Its culture is open to the world and its inhabitants are known to be welcoming and warm. We take you for a weekend, to discover this seductive valley, as a couple or as a family.

Opening : Penne d'Agenais Guide du Lot-et-Garonne

Lot Valley from Laparade @ Guide du Lot-et-Garonne

Villeneuve-sur-Lot, a royal starting point

Villeneuve-sur-Lot is a former royal bastide and today a regional capital. Located in the heart of the valley, it is a good starting point which allows you to make a first route westward, to Aiguillon, at the junction of the Lot and the Garonne. For the second day, we go east to Bonaguil, on the borders of Lot-et-Garonne.

The town plan is typical of the bastide, with its straight and aligned streets. Its half-timbered houses, set on its traditional covered alleys from the Middle Ages, still house shops. There are many vestiges of this era: part of its towers and doors, its old bridge , its cathedral and its church.

Villeneuve-sur-Lot and its classic checkered pattern © Evan Frank / Adobe Stock

^1st day: downstream of the Lot

After having visited Villeneuve-sur-Lot, we go downstream of the Lot, which we follow in the direction of the current, in the direction of Aiguillon. We offer you a first stop in Casseneuil . This charming medieval village, between the right bank of the Lot and the banks of the Lède, promises you a lovely stroll along the water's edge or along its medieval streets. Its church, classified as a " Historic Monument ", its market hall, old houses provide the opportunity for many stops.

Then go to the commandery and the village of Le Temple sur Lot . The river is particularly wide and its nautical base is famous. If the weather permits, you can enjoy water activities at Fun Grave , Fongrave or Nautilus BKS , in Castelmoron-sur-Lot. We tested for you: here is our report on the leisure center. If the weather is less favorable, the omnisport center welcomes you all year round for outdoor or indoor activities. Right next door, in Latour-Marliac, is the water lily garden. It is an exceptional collection of more than 250 species of water lilies, with a museum and different spaces: exotic greenhouses, ponds and fountains, bamboo grove, pond and small Japanese bridge.

The Temple sur Lot and its commandery

We arrive in Granges-sur-Lot , the real place of production of the famous “ pruneau d'Agen ”. At the Ferme et Musée du Pruneau, you can visit the museum, discover the specialties in the shop and test the Dédal'Prune, its corn maze , with themed games and quizzes . Nearby, in Lacepède, other delicacies await you at the Maison de la Noisette : its hazelnut market, the " Rouxy survey " for children, pony rides ... In Laparade , this beautiful country house offers you a panorama exceptional, with an orientation table to find your way around the valley.

Barns on Lot @ Guide du Lot-et-Garonne

Laparade orientation table @ Guide du Lot-et-Garonne

Then we go back down to the water's edge, see Clairac and its half-timbered houses , before reaching Nicole, between Aiguillon and Saint-Léger. It is a natural curiosity not to be missed: the confluence of the Lot and the Garonne.

Finally, we return to Villeneuve-sur-Lot. Last stop that we suggest you, the medieval village of Pujols . It is one of the “ most beautiful villages in France ”. You will be able to see its market, its churches, a beautiful panorama on the valley and the surrounding villages. There is also a Toy House, with old games and figurines. If your heart tells you, on the way back to Sainte-Colombe-de-Villeneuve, you enter the bowels of the earth , at the cave of Lastournelle . For an overview of the visit, see our article on the Lastournelle cave and for practical information: here is their website.

The confluence of the Lot and the Garonne © Didier San Martin / Adobe Stock

The village of Pujols and the view from the village. © Guide du Lot-et-Garonne

2nd day: upstream of the Lot

We leave in the direction of Penne d'Agenais . This medieval town, with its narrow streets and squares, houses the ^16th century, well worth a stroll. Located on the “ Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle ”, it has a beautiful architectural heritage : its Notre Dame sanctuary and its basilica.

Penne d'Agenais @ guide du lot-et-garonne

We advise you to have lunch, in Saint-Sylvestre-sur-Lot, at Stelsia , a magical and enchanting universe that will delight young and old alike . On site, you can stroll in the marvelous gardens of the castle or play mini-golf.

The Stelsia

We go upstream towards Fumel . There is an unusual visit to be made in this pretty town… Watt's machine is truly astonishing. It is a huge wind tunnel invented by James Watt, a Scottish engineer. The Fumel plant is fortunate to have one of the last two machines still in working order. Currently, we can no longer visit it but do not hesitate to consult the reference page on the town hall website to find out more . You cannot leave the river without offering you a cruise: the Gabarres fuméloises take you aboard this traditional boat, for a ride on the water. For an unusual stay, a cruise, or to fish, get on board the Boat- solar hotel . Other rental agencies are also at your disposal, notably the Croisières du Lot.

Fumel

On the border of the department, two castles are essential to understand the fortifications of the region: the castle of Bonaguil and the castle of Gavaudun.

Bonaguil Castle @ guide du lot-et-garonne

Return to Villeneuve-sur-Lot, via Tournon d'Agenais . A walk on the ramparts of this bastide is essential. From this rocky promontory you have a magnificent view.

On the road, if you want to bring home an original gift or simply treat yourself, stop at Thézac. The Tsar's wine comes from a historical anecdote. It is an atypical wine-growing estate that has charmed the greatest of this world … Needless to say, they will tell you this story with more fervor! Visit their site to learn more about the Tsar's Wine .

Tournon d'Agenais Guide du Lot-et-Garonne

Top tip : For sports enthusiasts, cycling a portion of the Lot valley is real cycle tourism ! Over 86 km, from Aiguillon to Villeneuve sur Lot: here is the route .

This is our escapade which is already ending. We hope to have inspired you for your next stay in this beautiful valley. This was just an overview of the many activities available to this department and it's up to you to draw ideas, depending on your mood or your availability.

• We made you want and you have more time? Why not spend 4 days in Lot-et-Garonne: here is our useful and detailed guide !
• Do you want to know more: its geography, its history…? Thanks to our page on Lot-et-Garonne, you will know everything about the region .
• To organize your stay more easily, discover our “ Around me ” option: Our geolocation service helps you find nearby tours and activities, a restaurant, or your accommodation .

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Guide du Lot et Garonne.