Fongrave brings together a former Fontevrist priory on the Lot, church art and waterside activities. This gives you two different focuses to choose from when planning your trip: architectural and local history, or excursions by boat, canoe or bicycle.
The Priory and Local History
Fongrave was founded in the Middle Ages around a Fontevrist priory, probably in the 12th century. The former priory itself was built on the banks of the Lot in the 12th or 13th century. The complex retains a rib-vaulted cloister gallery, an arcade gallery opening onto Place de la Mairie, and part of the residential building. The protected structures also include the façades and roofs of the former convent building and dovecote, two covered galleries, the footprints of demolished buildings, and the surrounding wall. These surviving architectural elements offer a tangible connection to the history of the place.
Saint-LĂ©ger Church and Altarpiece
Saint-LĂ©ger Church is connected to the adjoining former priory and served as its priory church. After the priory church was destroyed by Protestants in 1586, the nuns used part of the parish church. Saint-LĂ©ger, including its bell tower built in the 19th century, has been listed as a historic monument since 19 April 1996.
The altarpiece is in the church in Fongrave, at 7 Place de la Mairie. It is a protected movable cultural asset; it was classified on 6 June 1985. Its creation spanned several years: from 1645 to 1650, the wood sculptor Simon de Sainte Livrade, the wood sculptors Turingeau and Jacques, and the carpenter Guillou worked on it on behalf of Prioress Françoise de Campet. The statues were made by the Bordeaux sculptor Frontin between 1657 and 1659. If the altarpiece is a key reason for your trip, check visiting arrangements in advance. You can reach it by boat on the Lot or by car via the road network; visiting arrangements may change.
Chapel and Local Tradition
Another testament to the town's history is the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Tout-Pouvoir, a small rectangular brick building restored in 1992. According to local tradition, a vow was made in 1742 to bring an animal epidemic to an end; the chapel was then built in 1749. The tradition and the building's history give this place a different historical connection from the priory and Saint-LĂ©ger Church.
Excursions on the Lot and Regional Produce
At Fun-Grave on Quai du Lot, visitors can go on excursions by canoe, electric boat or bicycle along the VĂ©loroute. Activities also include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, e-mountain biking and fishing, as well as equipment rental. Options range from trips on the water to activities on a bicycle. As availability varies by season, check in advance which offers are available during your travel dates.
La Ferme des Tuileries is another local stop: its farm shop bears the “Bienvenue à la ferme” (Welcome to the Farm) label and sells seasonal fruit and vegetables directly from the producer. The farm shop's availability may vary by season, so check before planning a visit.
Accommodation and Visit Planning
This helps you organise your interests for your stay without committing to a fixed itinerary. If the altarpiece is central to your plans, take into account its location in the church and check visiting arrangements. For excursions with Fun-Grave, it's worth checking seasonal availability for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Agen, Allemans-du-Dropt, La Sauvetat-Sur-Lède, Pinel-Hauterive, Hautefage-la-Tour, Monteton, Buzet-Sur-Baïse, Fumel.
For the broader travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.
