Bon-Encontre has been a destination for Marian pilgrimages for five centuries. They were interrupted during the Revolution and take place mainly in May. This tradition makes religious history a central theme of the town. Churches from different periods, a monumental statue of the Virgin Mary and historic sites broaden the picture; there is also a car-free route section and a seasonal festive pastry.
Marian Pilgrimage and Sacred Buildings
The Marian figure associated with Bon-Encontre is displayed in a reliquary behind the main altar of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon-Encontre. The monumental statue of the Virgin Mary was erected in 1861, restored in 1880 and raised to a height of 16.5 metres; it guides pilgrims to the shrine. Together with May as the main month for pilgrimages, these details provide a tangible context for the town’s religious history.
The Church of Sainte-Radegonde dates partly from the 12th century and was Bon-Encontre’s first and only parish church. It was built on the site of Gallo-Roman settlements. A Gallo-Roman mosaic, created in the 1st century and discovered during excavations in 1997, is on display on one of the church’s walls. At Sainte-Radegonde, you can therefore view the Gallo-Roman site and the medieval church together; the mosaic adds a find that can still be seen in the church today.
The walking route described here takes in the Romanesque churches of Sainte-Radegonde and Saint-Ferréol; the monumental statue of the Virgin Mary is also among the sights along the route. Check access conditions and the state of the trail before setting out. The Church of Saint-Étienne in Cassou adds a Gothic example from the 13th century to the comparison of architectural styles.
Castles, Priory and Architectural History
The Château de Castelnoubel was built as a fortified castle in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 14th and 16th centuries. It was listed as a historic monument on 8 August 1966. The Château de Plèneselve has an enclosing wall, towers, a keep, moats and a drawbridge; these features identify it as a fortified castle.
Paradou is a former priory, of which only the main building remains. The monks’ summer promenade is another of its surviving features. The examples differ in emphasis: Castelnoubel is notable for its construction and rebuilding, Plèneselve for its fortifications, and Paradou for the surviving parts of a former priory.
On Foot, by Bike or for Golf
The Garonne lateral canal crosses Bon-Encontre for about 2 kilometres. Another way to get outdoors is the local section of the Canal des 2 mers à vélo route: it runs entirely on car-free paths and can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. The canal and the route answer different planning questions: the canal gives an indication of the length of its section in the town, while the route offers a specific option for a walk or bike ride.
As of August 2026, the Golf Agen Bon-Encontre club course, founded in 1983, offers a 12-hole course and views of the Pyrenees. Check the course layout again before your trip.
Local Tradition and Choosing Your Trip
Tortillon is a dry, hard, ring-shaped pastry from Bon-Encontre, closely associated with religious festivals. It is available seasonally, so take this into account when planning if you specifically want to try it. Alongside the pilgrimage tradition, the pastry offers another connection to the town’s religious festivals.
Bon-Encontre’s main focus is Marian pilgrimage and architectural history, complemented by a route for walking or cycling, a golf course and a seasonal local speciality. You can decide how much each of these themes should shape your stay when choosing your destination.
Discover more destinations: Laussou, Moirax, Tourliac, Villeneuve-De-Duras, Madaillan, Auradou, Saint-Colomb-De-Lauzun, La Sauvetat-De-Blanquefort
For the broader travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.
