Villeneuve-sur-Lot combines a riverside bastide with archaeological remains, museums with varied collections, and a cycling and walking route. You can shape your stay around architectural history, art and history, or outdoor activities. If you are looking for a hotel, first consider which of these priorities matter for your trip.
Bastide and Architectural History
The fortifications of the riverside bastide include stone and brick walls, town gates and towers dating from after 1313. For groups of more than ten people, the tourist office offers guided tours of the bastide. These introduce visitors to churches and chapels, towers and half-timbered houses. The Chapelle des PĂ©nitents blancs adds a specific example of heritage history to the tour: it was listed as a historic monument in 1994 and classified, together with its furnishings, in 2014. After interior restoration work was completed at the end of February 2020, it reopened to the public.
Museums and Archaeological Remains
The Musée de Gajac has been located on the banks of the Lot, on the site of a former mill, since 2001. Its collections include prehistoric, Gallo-Roman and medieval holdings, as well as modern and contemporary art. Religious art, ceramics, prints and sculpture are also part of the collection, along with local and regional history. A distinctive feature is the exceptional series of prints of Rome by Jean Baptiste Piranèse, on permanent display.
At the archaeological site of Excisum, the remains of a sanctuary are visible. It is described as one of the ten largest sanctuaries in Gaul. One section of the surrounding wall reaches a height of up to ten metres. The Excisum archaeological museum is open year-round by appointment for school classes and groups for visits and/or workshops. It is open to the general public during all school holidays except the December holidays, as well as throughout the summer season until the end of September. As visiting times are set, it is best to check the dates before your visit.
Walks, Routes and Time by the Lot
The almost nine-kilometre-long Voie Verte en Villeneuvois connects Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Bias, Le Lédat and Casseneuil. It is an option for covering the route on foot or by bike; its length gives you a clear idea of the distance to plan for. For a historical walk through the bastide, the Balade sonore offers a different perspective: this audio guide, lasting almost an hour, shares stories about local places in the voices of local residents. The Archistoire mobile app also takes you along the cultural route “Villeneuve-sur-Lot: une bastide de rivière”.
On the banks of the Lot, the Site de Rogé is a popular recreation spot and is accessible year-round. A seasonal option is offered by the Canoë-kayak club de Villeneuve-sur-Lot: in July and August, you can explore the Lot by canoe or kayak from the Cale de la Marine. If you want to include this activity in your plans, check that the available period matches your travel dates.
Creative Activities and Mobility
The Atelier galerie d'artiste Corinne Vilcaz offers watercolour and oil painting courses, as well as painting workshops, throughout the year. Alongside the history of the bastide and museum visits, this gives you the chance to add your own creative focus.
For questions about local transport, the Maison de la Mobilité provides information about the Elios transport network, which is entirely free of charge. Train tickets are also sold there, along with bus tickets to Agen, Marmande and Fumel. Check the relevant departure times in advance for your trip. This makes it easier to fit visits, journeys and your chosen cultural activities into the time available.
Discover more destinations: Gontaud-De-Nogaret, Caubon-Saint-Sauveur, Bourran, Sainte-Colombe-de-Duras, Espiens, MĂ©zin, Leyritz-Moncassin, Barbaste.
For the broader travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.
