Located in Lot-et-Garonne to the east of Agen and near the border with Tarn et Garonne, Beauville is indeed a beau ville (although it actually takes its name from a historical word for cow, related to bovine)! It wasn't always so calm here - until the 16th century Beauville was the seat of one of the most powerful barons of the Agenais area.
Note: this article describes Beauville in Lot-et-Garonne, not the commune of the same name to the east in Tarn-et-Garonne.
Explore Beauville
Perched on a hill top overlooking the lovely Agenais countryside, the main square in Beauville, the Place Archambault-de-Vençay, has the town hall on one side and lovely arcaded stone buildings on the other three sides.
The 16th century Church of Saint-Jacques here in the centre incorporates an earlier, 13th century, defensive tower as well as an impressive renaissance style entrance that includes a traditional shell carving, a reminder that Beauville was once an important pilgrimage town.
Beauville is perched on a rocky outcrop and at the narrowest point is a 16th century chateau (although part of the castle dates back to the 13th century). In appearance the castle is more like a 'large house' than a castle and it is a bit run down. It does however occupy a great position with the valley falling away from the castle walls on three sides.
Note you can also enjoy the views from the café on the square which has a terrace at the rear where you can sit looking out on the valley below.
After you have explored the centre and the surrounding streets, that follow the grid system typical of bastide towns and include various attractive houses, you can also follow the path around the outside of the historic town, called the Chemin des Remparts, with its views across the countryside and also parts of the historic 13th century defensive walls to be seen.
Attractions near Beauville
The region around Beauville is peaceful, and away from the more important tourist destinations in south-west France - so it is a place to relax and enjoy France as it was before tourism arrived...
The village is part of the 'Pays de l'Agenais' region of gentle countryside, and the pleasure of a visit comes from exploring the small market towns and picturesque villages such as Laroque-Timbaut and Frespech, enjoying a picnic overlooking a field of sunflowers, or watching buzzards circling quietly overhead.
You can find more travel ideas in the Lot-et-Garonne guide and the Aquitaine guide.
Photos of Beauville
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Map of Beauville and places nearby
Visit near Beauville with France This Way reviews
Frespech
Frespech is another in the cluster of picturesque villages typical of this region
Frespech guide
Bourg-de-Visa
Bourg-de-Visa is one of several small villages in this region with no particular monuments but charming to visit
Bourg-de-Visa guide
Roquecor
Roquecor is a perched village in Tarn-et-Garonne with an attractive historic centre and impressive views across the countryside
Roquecor guide
Montjoi
Monjoi is a very unspoiled small village that preserves a great deal of interesting houses
Montjoi guide
Laroque-Timbaut
Laroque-Timbaut is one of our favourite tiny villags in the heart of the Lot-et-Garonne
Laroque-Timbaut guide
Brassac
Although it is very small, Brassac is a charming village to explore in the heart of the Tarn-et-Garonne countryside
Brassac guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Lot-et-Garonne
Address: Beauville, Agen, Aquitaine, 47470, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.2775, longitude 0.883056
Plan your visit to Beauville, Lot-et-Garonne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Eglise de Notre-Dame (Lacour): religious monument (5 km)
- Eglise Notre Dame (Frespech): religious monument (6 km)
- Abbaye de Saint Maurin (Saint-Maurin): religious monument (8 km)
- Grottes de Fontirou: site of natural beauty (16 km)
- Pujols: most beautiful village (20 km)
- Jardin du Pèlerin: remarkable garden (20 km)
- Lauzerte: most beautiful village (20 km)
- Agen cathédrale St Caprais (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (22 km)
- Auvillar: most beautiful village (23 km)
- Eglise de Saint Martin (Layrac): religious monument (24 km)
- Moissac abbatiale St Pierre (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (25 km)
- Prieuré de Sainte Marie (Moirax): religious monument (27 km)
The French version of this page is at Beauville (Francais)