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).

It is possible to drive to the top of the village but if you are feeling energetic it is more pleasant to park below and walk up the streets and steep steps that take you up to the top of the village. You get nice views of Tournon as you climb and the walk is less difficult than it looks from below!

Exploring Tournon d'Agenais

When you reach the village a short medieval street quickly takes you to the Place des Corniers, the historic centre of Tournon d'Agenais. This charming central square is surrounded by houses above arched stone arcades.

One side of the square is overlooked by the town hall, and on the opposite corner a 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 and now there is a small public garden with the war memorial. This is especially interesting because it has very extensive views across the countryside to the south of Tournon d'Agenais.

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 and is now the village hall: take a look at the lovely stonework on the outside of the building.

France This Way comment: a good day to visit Tournon d'Agenais is during its Foire aux Plantes which takes place at the beginning of 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.