Date and Time (Original) – 2024:10:03 12:24:00
In 2024, during a journey through France’s most beautiful villages, the last village I visited was the one I’ll introduce today: Penne-d’Agenais. This charming medieval village is located in the Lot-et-Garonne department of southwestern France, perched on a hill overlooking the Lot River. Interestingly, during the summer of 2023, I had visited several previously unvisited villages in the Lot-et-Garonne region. However, I accidentally overlooked the fact that this village had been selected as one of France’s most beautiful villages and ended up missing it. This time, my ultimate travel destination was Bordeaux, and prior to that, I was in the Languedoc region. On my way to Bordeaux, I decided to make a stop at this village I had previously forgotten to visit.
I arrived in the early afternoon. It was already October and a weekday, so there were almost no tourists in the village. When I visited this area in 2023, even the smallest villages selected as “most beautiful” were often bustling with many tourists. This time, the contrast was striking. Nevertheless, I had a bit of trouble finding parking within the village. There was probably a designated tourist parking area further from the center, but I managed to find free street parking near the town hall. Conveniently, there was also a well-maintained public restroom right in front of the parking spot. It feels like having proper restroom facilities at tourist destinations has become more standard, something unthinkable during past European trips.
Like many other beautiful villages, this one is located atop a hill, rising above the surrounding flatlands, and is encircled by historic stone walls. The entire village, including these walls, features stunning stone architecture that is not only inherently beautiful but also meticulously maintained, as one would expect from a village designated as one of France’s most beautiful. As mentioned earlier, there were almost no tourists at this time, but I imagine it must be lively and crowded during the high season.
For a detailed description of the village, please refer to the information below.
Penne-d’Agenais
Penne-d’Agenais is a charming medieval village perched on a hill overlooking the Lot River in the Lot-et-Garonne department of southwestern France. Known for its picturesque streets, historical architecture, and breathtaking views, it is classified among “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). The village boasts a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages and offers visitors a blend of cultural heritage, art, and natural beauty.
Key Features
- Historical Heritage:
- Penne-d’Agenais has a medieval fortress originally built during the 12th century. Although much of it is in ruins, it showcases the village’s strategic importance in the past.
- Notre-Dame de Peyragude Basilica:
- A magnificent 19th-century basilica with a distinctive silver dome, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is a popular pilgrimage site and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Charming Streets and Houses:
- The village is characterized by narrow cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and flower-decked facades that exude medieval charm.
- Artistic Community:
- Penne-d’Agenais is home to several artists and craftsmen, with galleries and workshops scattered throughout the village.
- Lot River Views:
- Its elevated position provides spectacular views of the Lot Valley, making it a favorite spot for photography and nature enthusiasts.
- Markets and Gastronomy:
- Local markets and restaurants offer delicious regional specialties, including foie gras, prunes from Agen, and fine wines.
- Access to Nature:
- Surrounding hiking trails and opportunities for river activities make it an ideal destination for outdoor adventurers.
Penne-d’Agenais seamlessly combines history, art, and nature, making it a must-visit location for anyone exploring the Lot-et-Garonne region.
