Port-Sainte-Marie lies between a river and a hillside. Hiking trails offer panoramic views over the Garonne plains and the neighboring villages of Clermont-Dessous and Bazens. In the town, medieval lanes, numerous fountains and three churches shape the landscape. Water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are also possible on the Garonne. This means historic buildings, scenery and riverside activities all take center stage.
Churches and the Medieval Townscape
The Église Notre-Dame de Port-Sainte-Marie was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. The church contains monumental Neo-Gothic frescoes. It is also home to a processional boat associated with the town’s boatmen and Sainte-Catherine. The building period, frescoes and boat offer different insights into local church history.
The Église de Saint-Julien is a medieval church that was remodeled and raised in the 19th century. From the church esplanade, the view stretches across the Garonne plain. The Église Saint-Vincent-du-Temple is open year-round by prior appointment. Make an appointment and check access information before your visit.
Historical Traces
The Couvent des Jacobins is another historic landmark in the town: founded as a monastery in the 14th century, it was home to Dominican monks. The history of the Knights Templar in Port-Sainte-Marie dates back to the 13th century. Knights Templar from the Commanderie d'Argentens near NĂ©rac settled here. After receiving a donation from a resident, they built a house and a church.
A Roman road passed through Port-Sainte-Marie and Clermont-Dessous; it crossed the Garonne at the Thouars ford. This brings together several historical periods: the Roman road, the Knights Templar settlement in the 13th century and the founding of the monastery in the 14th century. These stories offer different points of interest for a visit to the town, from an ancient route to religious buildings.
Routes and Guided Tours
The Tèrra-Aventura route “Jeux de marins, jeux de vilains!” explores the maritime heritage. It is 2.5 kilometers long and takes two hours. Check the route status and app availability before your trip. The “Port-Sainte-Marie, carrefour historique” walking loop passes the town’s architectural attractions, follows the banks of the Garonne and takes in the chemin de ronde. The Tèrra-Aventura route has a specific duration and distance; the walking loop is distinguished by its buildings, riverside setting and chemin de ronde. Also check the walking loop conditions before setting out.
If you are interested in a guided tour, Dalila Benachir offers tours of Port-Sainte-Marie. Topics include Gallo-Roman remains, medieval heritage and the town’s anecdote-filled lanes. Depending on the topic, a tour lasts one to two hours. Individual visitors can join from a group size of four; groups are also welcome. Confirm booking and group conditions before your trip.
By the River and on the Trails
Hiking trails offer panoramic views over the Garonne plains, while canoeing and kayaking are possible on the Garonne. The scenery can therefore be enjoyed from two different perspectives: from the trails, with sweeping views across the plain, or as part of a water sports activity on the river. You can combine whichever option takes priority during your stay with historical discoveries in the town.
Discover more destinations: Caudecoste, Pinel-Hauterive, Saint-Étienne-De-Villeréal, Laplume, Puymirol, Anthé, Villeneuve-De-Duras, Castelnaud-De-Gratecambe.
Go to the main travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.
