For a trip to Auradou, you can plan cultural heritage and a longer hike as two distinct highlights. In the village stands Saint-Martin, with its bricked-up, badly damaged south portal; the Penne-d’Agenais–Auradou route covers 23 kilometres through steep hills and long stretches of plateau. There are also historic estates and opportunities to visit, each with different conditions. You can decide whether to focus your days on architectural history, a challenging route, or a visit to Côtes des Oliviers.
Saint-Martin and its architectural history
The parish church of Saint-Martin is in the village of Auradou. The Romanesque church, probably dating from the 12th century, survives today only in the form of its bricked-up and badly damaged south portal. It was ravaged during the Wars of Religion; in 1595 it was described as “almost completely ruined.” These details link its probable Romanesque origins with the church’s historical decline and the single surviving architectural feature. The year 1595 refers to a historical description, not its present condition.
Manor house and outbuildings
The manor house at La Calcinie is in Auradou and is privately owned; the surviving remains are in poor condition. The estate includes an agricultural shed, a plum-drying oven, and a dovecote. These distinct features show that the complex comprises more than just a manor house. The shed, oven, and dovecote add other estate buildings to the description of the main house.
Two historic sites in Grézac
The Grézac burial avenues consist of two monuments on a rocky outcrop above the Chapel of Grézac; they are also known as “the Englishmen’s tombs.” These are distinct from the ruins of the probably Romanesque Church of Saint-Clair de Grézac on the plateau. The church fell into disrepair in the 18th and 19th centuries and became a ruin in the 20th century. Two different forms of historical heritage stand side by side here: a group of two funerary monuments and the architectural remains of a church with a history of decline spanning several centuries.
The Penne-d’Agenais–Auradou route
The 23-kilometre route passes through steep hills and narrow valleys, as well as over long stretches of plateau. It is considered one of the most challenging routes in the département. When planning, therefore, consider more than just the total distance: the hills and extensive plateaus shape the route in different ways. If you include the route in your day’s plans, take both its length and the terrain into account. Also check the local trail markers before setting out.
Products and visits
Côtes des Oliviers offers red and rosé wines, dry and sweet white wines, and a sparkling wine made using the traditional method. The range also includes walnuts and plums grown in clay- and limestone-rich soil. The selection may change. Cellar tours are available on request; orchard and plum-drying oven visits are offered during the season. Request a cellar tour in advance and check whether the seasonal visits are available during your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Lauzun, Laussou, Tourliac, Parranquet, Agen, Castelnau-sur-Gupie, Grézet-Cavagnan, Tombeboeuf
For the broader travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.
