Date and Time (Original) – 2023:07:31 17:11:20
On this day, the fourth village we visited was “Tournon-d’Agenais,” located in the Lot-et-Garonne department. It has been recognized as a beautiful village since 2017. We arrived a little past 5 PM, and it was beginning to cool down, making for a pleasant evening. Nonetheless, it was still rather warm. Since I was driving, I couldn’t take proper photos, but given that the village is perched on a small hill, glancing up from a bit away revealed its truly beautiful sight.
Parking was limited, but fortunately, there was an available spot right in front of the town hall at the central square, allowing us to park there. Among the villages we visited that day, this one seemed less popular. There weren’t many tourists, but a fair number of people were leisurely relaxing in the square.
While this village was unmistakably a typical French “bastide,” compared to the other villages we visited that day, its charm might have been a bit understated. However, to my eyes, having been to numerous beautiful villages before, this very ordinariness seemed ironically representative of a picturesque French village.
Our accommodation for the night was about 40 minutes away from this village. Since we had dinner reservations, we didn’t stay too long and wrapped up our sightseeing in roughly 30 minutes.
For a detailed description of the village, please refer to the information below.
Tournon-d’Agenais is a commune located in the Lot-et-Garonne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. Here are some key points about it:
- Historical Significance: Tournon-d’Agenais has a rich history that dates back to medieval times. Its heritage can be observed in its architecture and historic landmarks.
- Bastide Town: It’s one of the so-called ‘bastide’ towns. Bastides are medieval towns built in a specific manner and they were mostly established in the 13th and 14th centuries during the times of conflict between England and France.
- King’s Tower (Tour de l’Horloge): One of the primary attractions in the town is the King’s Tower, which is a circular clock tower with a unique blue roof.
- Scenic Location: The town is perched on a hill and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Agriculture: Like much of the region, agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, with many vineyards, fruit orchards, and other agricultural endeavors present in the area.
- Lot-et-Garonne: The department itself is named after the Lot and Garonne rivers. It’s part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic towns, and gastronomic delights.
- Tourism: Being a historic town in a picturesque location, Tournon-d’Agenais attracts tourists who are interested in experiencing a slice of traditional French life, exploring medieval architecture, and enjoying the local cuisine.
It’s a relatively small town, but like many places in France, it offers a deep sense of history and charm. If you ever get a chance to visit, it would be an opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil French countryside while enjoying the cultural and historical aspects of the area.
