Montastruc combines a dramatic setting on the Lot with several churches whose architectural history spans the Middle Ages to the 19th century. This gives you two distinct perspectives to consider when planning your trip: the commune’s landscape and its buildings. Visitors interested in both landscapes and architectural history will find two clearly defined themes for their trip in Montastruc.
Slopes, riverbanks and valleys
The commune lies on the steeply undulating molasse slopes on the right bank of the Lot. The small valleys of the Tolzac and the Tolzac de Verteuil bound the commune to the east and west. Riverbanks, slopes and valleys give the choice of location a landscape-focused appeal, offering a second dimension alongside the churches.
Churches with different architectural histories
Saint-Pierre de la Croix was built around the middle of the 12th century and extensively restored in the 16th century. The church preserves significant remnants of Romanesque masonry and a late medieval roof structure. It is visible along the Tombebœuf / Montastruc route, linking a specific building with the hiking theme.
Saint-Pierre de Cabannes offers a different architectural focus. The church dates from the 12th century; its features include a semicircular apse and a rectangular nave. A masonry bell tower was added in the 14th or 15th century. The roof structure preserves decorated wooden elements that have rarely survived. The church and adjoining cemetery were protected as historic monuments by decree on 11 September 1997.
The present-day parish church of Notre-Dame was rebuilt between 1840 and 1848 on the site of the former castle. The earlier chapel had been destroyed after its bell tower collapsed in 1838. The story of this church therefore centres on its 19th-century rebuilding and its earlier castle site.
Rural architecture and other local features
A house with superimposed beams is also among the commune’s historic buildings. It was built between the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1991, it was added to the supplementary list of historic monuments because of the ethnological interest in the rarity and great age of this type of rural building. This brings rural architecture into focus alongside the churches. Montastruc’s other attractions include the remains of a fortified castle and local producers.
Plan the Tombebœuf / Montastruc route
The yellow-marked Tombebœuf / Montastruc route is classified as difficult, is 18.9 kilometres long and has a cumulative elevation gain of 480 metres. Allow about five hours on foot; on horseback, the route takes three hours and 15 minutes, and by mountain bike, two hours and 20 minutes. This means the walking option takes around one hour and 45 minutes longer than the horseback option and about two hours and 40 minutes longer than the mountain bike option. This comparison helps you gauge the time required for each mode of travel.
The route starts at the town hall car park. Check parking options and your schedule before setting off. As trail markings and conditions may change, it is also worth checking the current route before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Castelmoron-Sur-Lot, Puymiclan, Hautefage-la-Tour, Trémons, Penne-D'agenais, Tayrac, Monflanquin, Agen
Return to the main travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.
