Lamothe-Montravel lies on the banks of the Dordogne; its clearly dated historical references include the former Château des Archevêques de Bordeaux, the Priory of Saint-Paixent and the Church of Saint-Paixent. The château’s construction phases, the founding of the priory and the story of a named bell each tell a different part of the history. Activities include a route starting in the town and self-guided canoe trips, each with a different starting point.

Riverside Setting on the Dordogne and Lidoire

Lamothe-Montravel lies on the banks of the Dordogne. The Lidoire forms the western boundary of the town and also separates the Dordogne department from the Gironde department. These are different scales of geographical context: the Dordogne describes the riverside setting, while the Lidoire marks the town boundary and the boundary between two departments. Lamothe-Montravel can therefore be understood both in terms of its connection to the river and its location on a departmental border.

The Château, Priory and Church History

The former Château des Archevêques de Bordeaux has been listed as a Monument historique since 27 September 1948. Its major construction phases date from the 15th and 16th centuries. These details answer two different questions: the centuries refer to the construction phases, while 1948 is the date of the listing. The protected status should therefore be distinguished chronologically from the construction work; both are part of the château’s historical context.

The Priory of Saint-Paixent offers a different historical and cultural perspective. Benedictine monks from the Abbey of Saint Florent de Saumur founded it between 1060 and 1186. The founding information identifies not only a period, but also the order and the monks’ abbey of origin. Unlike the château, the focus here is on the religious founders and their connection to their abbey, rather than on the construction phases of a single building.

At the Church of Saint-Paixent, the bell Marie-Françoise brings one precise, individually dated detail into focus: on 3 October 1735, the Countess of Civrac donated and consecrated the bell. Its name, date and donor make this a specific episode in the church’s history.

Plan Routes and Canoe Trips

For practical planning, the Boucle de Lamothe Montravel is a clear starting point: it begins in Lamothe-Montravel and is close to a TER railway station. The route’s starting point and a nearby station are two specific reference points for planning. Check the route details and TER timetable before travelling, as train service information can change.

Canoë Castillonnais offers self-guided canoe trips departing from Pessac sur Dordogne, Eynesse or Port Ste Foy. In contrast to the Boucle, which starts in Lamothe-Montravel, these trips have different departure points. If you are planning a self-guided canoe trip, check availability and departure arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: La Chapelle-Saint-Jean, Saint-Médard-De-Mussidan, Meyrals, Saint-Martin-De-Gurson, Notre-Dame-De-Sanilhac, Nailhac, Saint-Avit-De-Vialard, Florimont-Gaumier.

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.