Places to Visit

	Villeneuve-sur-lot The largest provincial town in the Lot valley is a busy shopping town which retains much of its historic character. A Bastide town since the 13th century, a walk through the “Old Town” reveals, a number of old half-timbered buildings still remaining. Has all amenities and facilities at your disposal and is well known for its Organic market on Wednesdays.
	Pujols The view northwards from this ancient village is probably the most breathtaking view in the département, taking in the Lot plain and the town of Villeneuve, five hundred feet below. The whole village has been sympathetically restored to become known as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France”. There are a couple of cafés and some good restaurants in the centre of the village, where you can relax and soak up the surroundings. Well worth a visit and only a short drive from Valmar.
	Château de Bonaguil An imposing Castle, built largely between the XIIIth and XVIth centuries was originally fortified by Philip III the Bold King of France, to protect the people of the Agenais region. You can join in the regular organised tours, or wander around freely, discovering its many secrets for yourself. Much effort has been made recently to sympathetically restore this Historic Monument, said to be one of the finest fortresses in France. At 7km North East of Fumel (approx 45km from Valmar) it is also well worth a visit. www.bonaguil.org Those interested in History can visit the “Musée de préhistoire” (Museum of pre-history). Situated close to Bonaguil at Sauveterre-la-lemance, this small, but fascinating museum, tells the story of the archaeologist, Laurent Coulonges, who in the 1920’s discovered on the Martinet site, a new prehistoric culture, which prehistorians now call “Sauveterrian” (8,000-7000BC). Lots of artefacts on display from these Hunter-Gatherers of the Mesolithic period.
	Local Caves 30 million years of slowly dripping water have helped to carve out a number of local caves, where a host of limestone stalagmites and stalagtites can be seen, still slowly growing. visitors can discover much about their formation from the English speaking guided tours. The nearest caves, called "Grottes de Lastournelle" are only about a fifteen minute drive away on the D118 near Villeneuve and are an easy introduction to the underground world of these fascinating formations. Larger and perhaps more impressive are "Grotttes de Fontirou", found a further fifteen minutes drive away in the same direction. Here you will also find mini-carting and a playground for the children and mini-Golf for all. There is also a snack bar, picnic area and souvenir shop.
	For Nature Lovers The Lot-et-Garonne is a delight for garden-lovers. Stunning examples of French topiary can be found in the three cloister gardens of the church Notre-Dame-de-Marmande and for the masterpiece of classic “jardins à la française”, go to the listed Chateau de Fumel, where clipped yew trees, shady lines of planes and Chestnut trees frame a spectacular view of the Lot valley. In the rose gardens of Villeneuve-sur-lot you can enjoy the colours and fragrance of 300 varieties from May to September. Le Temple-sur-lot About 8km (a 10 minute drive) from Valmar, is the small village of Le Temple-sur-lot, which as it's name suggests, is by the river Lot and has connections with the Knights Templar. In more recent history 'Le Temple' is more famous for its association with Claude Monet. The “jardin des Nénuphars”, is said to be the oldest and the most prestigious nursery of water lilies in the world, where 200 varieties are classified in the National Collection. Founded in 1875 by Joseph Latour-Marliac who created the first hardy hybrid nymphaea in multiple colours. When these incredible hybrids were exhibited in Paris they caught the attention of the artist, Claude Monet, who purchased many specimens and created his own water garden at Giverny. Thus began the obsession that occupied the rest of the artist's life and from which sprang the inspiration for his creation "Les Nymphéas". A number of the original hand-written orders, signed by Monet, can be seen on display at the nursery. Set in beautiful grounds with a lake, fountain, secluded walks, a waterfall and numerous exotic flowers and plants in addition to the dozens of water-lily beds. Click here to see a sneak preview of the gardens www.latour-marliac.fr There are many other parks and gardens to enjoy in the region
	Monflanquin Perched on a hill above the river Lede, is the Bastide town of Monflanquin. Here, in the central marketplace, which is surrounded by stone buildings and timber framed properties, some of which date back to the 13th century, you will find several good restaurants, including "The House of the Black Prince”. There is a museum in the town, where you can discover all about Bastides and throughout the summer the town holds a fresh produce and local crafts market every Thursday morning. Feel the atmosphere of a truly french, open-air market, whilst enjoying a coffee or delicious pastry and relax, as you watch the world go by. You can also see the fascinating sight of the house martins returning to their nests, as dusk falls within the ancient vaulted ceilings of the town square. The town also has a very busy schedule of events throughout the year, including guided tours with the village jester (Fripouille) Back to Top

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