Castles to visit in Lot-et-Garonne

Lot-et-Garonne offers visitors who love old stones the opportunity to visit beautiful castles . A great way to learn more about the history of the territory where you spend your holidays, but also a good plan to stay cool , in hot weather or sheltered from the rain if the weather is gloomy. We suggest you discovering some castles not to be missed during your cultural holidays in Lot-et-Garonne.

Openning : Gavaudun Castle Guide du Lot et Garonne

Lauzun Castle

Located in the Pays de Lauzun , home of the First Duke of Lauzun, it is a Renaissance-style complex whose vestiges found during excavations, however date from the 12th century. Overhauled throughout history, it was restored in the early 1990s and opened to visitors. You can get there in the summer season. You will appreciate these 2 monumental fireplaces as well as a very beautiful 16th century paving in the guard room. Consult the information sheet of Château de Lauzun to organize your visit.

Gavaudun Castle

Not far from the border with the Dordogne, it is placed on a rocky spur of 40 meters, its keep observes with tranquility the Valley of the Haute Lède , classified natural reserve. It belongs to the municipality and can be visited in summer, on educational and fun, lively guided tours , with a treasure hunt ! Remember to bring a picnic and in summer, set aside more time to participate in the workshops , supervised by associations. Consult the contact card of the Gavaudun castle

 

Bonaguil Castle

It is a real medieval fortress ! A fortified castle as we imagine in our childhood dreams. Located not far from Fumel , it is a military castle which is a perfect example of all the ingenuity of the Middle Ages to defend and attack intruders from this hilly countryside. Drawbridge , keep , tower ... It must have been impressive when it was built in 1483, it is still just as breathtaking! The impregnable castle as we like to call it, has never been attacked! Chance or deterrent armada for enemies? If you know its silhouette it is that you saw it in the film The Old Rifle ... The Internet site of the Castle to organize your visit

The Castle of the Dukes of Duras

An essential site in Lot-et-Garonne! As the name suggests, it is located in Duras. Open from mid-May to the end of December, it can be visited with an audio guide or during guided tours, which lead the visitor through 30 restored rooms , which retrace the history and architecture of the site , from the Middle Ages to the Revolution . Today it is a pleasure home , although it was once a castrum and a fortress. Perfectly preserved and in perpetual renovation to offer an unforgettable visit experience , it is a living place, punctuated by exhibitions and animations. Also visit the balcony, the courtyards and climb the steps of the tower to admire a 360-degree view and observe from the heights, the flowered terraces which are staged as far as the Dropt. Count a good half-day of time travel! The Château de Duras website

The Château de Nérac, the Henris IV Castle Museum

Nérac, this pretty historic town is the host of this castle and the main residence of the King of France Henris IV , from 1577 to 1582. Built in the 15th century, we visit the North wing and its pretty interior courtyard. Stroll through the vaulted rooms , admire paintings and tapestries , as well as an exhibition "The Château de Nérac: from the Albret saga to the origins of Henri IV" devoted to the King and the family of Albret, powerful during the Renaissance.
Read our article dedicated to the visit of the Château de Nérac

 

Fumel Castle

It is a castle of medieval origin , reworked many times and decorated with terraces and gardens. Formerly flanked by 5 towers, it now takes on the appearance of an Italian villa . Venture on the terraces and towards the green theater to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Lot-et-Garonnaise countryside and the Lot river below. The Castle cannot be visited, because it belongs to the Town Hall which has installed its administrative services there, but the beauty of the gardens is worth the detour. This is an opportunity to walk around Fumel!

The Château du Frechou

Get off the beaten track and visit this castle a stone's throw from Nérac , the tour will be done by the owner himself. Open to visitors in summer, and exceptionally on certain days of the year, it is a medieval castle. Fréchou is a small village, pleasant for walking, and you can visit the gardens alone, or the interior of the castle on a guided tour. Intimate, personalized and rich with 800 years of history in this atypical place. Fun fact: the castle is hosting the world championship of melon seed spitters in August… Château du Fréchou website

The Feudal Castle of Madaillan

With a rustic golf course and a medieval garden , this feudal castle was built in the 12th century. It has been restored with tenacity and passion by the current owners since 1990, Mr and Mrs Aurin, who are busy making you live a lively visit. Supported by their research, photographs of the restoration, anecdotes of the life of the castle , this is a unique moment to immerse yourself in history. It is located not far from Agen, an original getaway for an afternoon.

Malvirade Castle

In Grezet-Cavagnan, tours are organized from the beginning of May to the end of September, by reservation. Come and discover this pretty castle, built around a single surveillance tower to protect the borders with the Count of Toulouse, built at the request of Aliénor d'Aquitaine. From the 15th century, the tower was transformed into a castle. We now appreciate a French garden, all around the site and candlelit visits are organized in summer!

The other castles to discover in Lot-et-Garonne

The Château de Monteton is a 17th century complex, listed as a historic monument. https://www.guide-du-lot-et-garonne.com/fr/tourisme/decoulez/sites-touristiques/chateaux/monteton-343/chateau-de-monteton-1240.html

The Château de Montluc , in Estillac, which can be visited by appointment. Fortified complex overlooking the Garonne valley, it dates from the 13th century. The visit is tinged with the presence of Maréchal de Montluc.

Come stroll at Frespech castle , a pretty fortified village far from the main tourist routes and admire the remains of its castle on a rocky outcrop. Informative panels punctuate the visit and explain the historical context to you.

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