Tournon d'Agenais

Visit Tournon d'Agenais, Aquitaine

Tournon d'Agenais is a lovely village stretched out along a hill top in Lot-et-Garonne about 25 kilometres east of Villeneuve-sur-Lot. Like many historic towns in the region it was originally founded as a bastide town (in 1270).

Exploring Tournon d'Agenais

It is possible to drive to the top of the village but if you are feeling energetic it is more pleasnt to park below and walk up the streets and steep steps that take you up to the top of the village, where the Place des Corniers is the centre of the historic village. This charming central square is surrounded by houses above arched stone arcades.

The 17th century bell tower on the edge of the square has an attractive lunar clock below the bell, in copper with a deep blue background, that was added in the 19th century.

Follow the Rue Rhilippe from the corner of the square to reach the ramparts and an original 13th century gateway into the town.

From here you can follow the Rue de la Citadelle and the Rue du Couvent to see some medieval houses, then head along Rue saint francois to the Place de l'Eglise to see the church and the Convent of the Recollets. Originally a castle stood in this location.

The other side of the main square there are more streets to explore, with the 13th century bishop's house called 'Abescat' (on Rue de l'Ecole) being the highlight. The building was used as a church from the 17th to the 19th century.

A particularly good time to visit Tournon d'Agenais is during its Foire aux Plantes which takes place in May. During this time the centre of the village becomes a blaze of colour as specialist plant growers from miles around all come to display and sell their plants.

Tourtiere

The town is also known as being home to the 'tourtiere', a delicious dessert made from apples, thin sheets of flaky pastry, and some sort of alcohol based sauce (sorry, I live near here and have eaten it several times but have never made it so can't give you a recipe...trust me, it is worth sampling when you visit!) A tourtiere festival is held in Tournon d'Agenais each year in August, which would be a perfect time to visit.

Attractions nearby

Two more villages of particular interest to the west of Tournon d'Agenais are Penne d'Agenais and Pujols (Pujols is a listed 'most beautiful village in France') while to the north you can visit two very impressive castles - the Chateau de Bonaguil and the castle at Gavaudun.

See Aquitaine and Lot-et-Garonne (the region and department for Tournon d'Agenais) for more travel ideas...

Photos of Tournon d'Agenais

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Suggested places to visit near Tournon d'Agenais, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Bourg de Visa 16km; Puy-l'Eveque 16km; Beauville 16km; Frespech 17km; Lauzerte 20km; Chateau de Gavaudun 20km; Brassac 21km; Laroque-Timbaut 23km; Villeneuve-sur-Lot 23km; Monflanquin 23km; Montjoi 23km;

Tournon d'Agenais tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Notre-Dame (Lacour) - religious monument (13km) : Eglise Notre Dame (Frespech) - religious monument (17km) : Jardin du Pèlerin - remarkable garden (20km) : Abbaye de Saint Maurin (Saint-Maurin) - religious monument (23km) : Eglise de Sainte Livrade (Sainte-Livrade-sur-Lot) - religious monument (32km) : Eglise et cloitres de Saint Pierre (Moissac) - religious monument (34km) : Cathédrale de Saint-Étienne (Cahors) - religious monument (36km) : Jardins secrets de Cahors - remarkable garden (36km) :

See more places and a map at places near Tournon d'Agenais