Caudecoste is a pleasant 13th century bastide town in the Lot-et-Garonne department, on the border with Tarn-et-Garonne and very close to the Gers department.
Explore Caudecoste
With roots in Gallo-Roman times, Caudecoste was originally much smaller, with notables living in the village and peasant farmers living on the plains surrounding the village.
Always a little prone to flooding; the area suffered a terrible flood in 1270 when the Garonne flooded its banks in what is thought to be its worst ever flood.
The village itself is situated higher than the surrounding plains and escaped the flooding but it was not big enough for all the farmers who no longer wanted to live on the flood-prone plains.
A decision was made to increase the size of the village and the village that you see today was built, as a bastide with the grid-like pattern of construction bastides all share.
Much of the village today dates from these times though some parts date from the 17th century, having been built following the siege of Caudecoste during which most of the population were massacred and some houses burnt in fires.
The houses in Caudecoste are a mix of stone houses and half-timber houses and around the main square, the Place des Cornieres, many of the buildings have attractive arcades.
Around the outskirts of the village some vestiges of the original remparts remain and can be seen.
Places to visit nearby
The neighbouring village of Dunes is not far from here and very attractive. Dunes and Caudecoste share a sad history of the war as 12 men were hung by the Nazis in the centre of Dunes, one of whom was a Caudecoste villager.
Moissac with its famous cloisters is to the east of Caudecoste as is the "most beautiful village" of Auvillar with its unusual circular market hall.
Whilst driving round the local countryside we suggest you also stop to admire the pretty villages of Bardigues, Le-Pin and Saint-Antoine.
You can find more travel ideas in the Lot-et-Garonne guide and the Aquitaine guide.
Photos of Caudecoste
Click any picture to start the gallery
Arrange a visit to Caudecoste
Reserve excursions
Book hotels, car hire and flights
Hotels in Caudecoste
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Caudecoste and places nearby
Visit near Caudecoste with France This Way reviews
Dunes
Not well known as a tourist destination, we found Dunes to be very characterful and well worth a visit
Dunes guide
Donzac
The red-brick architecture and unusual church tower add to the charm of the little village of Donzac
Donzac guide
Puymirol
Not far from Agen, the small town of Puymirol has a good number of interesting medieval houses in its old town
Puymirol guide
Saint-Antoine
The most unique charateristic in the pretty village of Saint-Antoine are the painted walls inside the church, a very unusual site nowadays although common 500 years ago
Saint-Antoine guide
Valence-d'Agen
Valence d'Agen has no important monuments but is an enjoyable unspoiled small town to explore
Valence-d'Agen guide
Agen
The principal town in Lot-et-Garonne, Agen is pleasant to explore if not a 'tourist town'
Agen guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Lot-et-Garonne
Address: Caudecoste, Astaffort, Agen, Aquitaine, 47220, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.1178, longitude 0.7375
Plan your visit to Caudecoste, Lot-et-Garonne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Eglise de Saint Martin (Layrac): religious monument (6 km)
- Prieuré de Sainte Marie (Moirax): religious monument (11 km)
- Agen cathédrale St Caprais (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (14 km)
- Auvillar: most beautiful village (14 km)
- Eglise de Sainte Marie (Aubiac): religious monument (14 km)
- Walibi Aquitaine: theme park (15 km)
- Abbaye de Saint Maurin (Saint-Maurin): religious monument (16 km)
- Gramont Chateau: national monument (20 km)
- Grottes de Fontirou: site of natural beauty (22 km)
- Lectoure: recommended detour (22 km)
- Eglise Notre Dame (Frespech): religious monument (23 km)
- Jardin et arboretum de Coursiana: remarkable garden (24 km)
The French version of this page is at Caudecoste (Francais)