Attractions and Places To See around Lacépède - Top 20

The first ashlar stone nave was built around the 13th century. The church then directly depended on the prestigious local Knights Templar commandery (called Le Temple-du-Breuil), later transferred to the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem. (1572) In the midst of religious conflicts, the church suffered Huguenot vandalism. It was set on fire and partially destroyed by Protestant troops. (17th century) After remaining roofless for a long time, the church underwent significant restoration work during the 17th century. A large part of the walls was rebuilt and the brick bell tower was also rebuilt. The building was definitively deconsecrated and abandoned during the Revolution.

This beautiful Voie Verte (Greenway), created in 2008, 2009 and 2010, connects Villeneuve-sur-Lot to Casseneuil. It follows the footprint of two old railway lines on the outskirts of Villeneuve-sur-Lot and at the entrance to Casseneuil. Between these two sections, it is a pretty path that was created along the stream "La Masse".

The current building has its roots in the former commandery of the Order of the Temple (then the Hospitallers). The commandery's chapel became the parish church. Rectangular building of Romanesque origin (12th century) with a bell wall. The church was largely rebuilt in the 16th century, reusing some walls of the former commandery, then modified and restored in the 19th century (notably in 1857 and 1895).

Located in the heart of the Lot-et-Garonne hills, Preyssas is a charming village typical of the Albret region. Surrounded by orchards and rolling countryside, it reveals peaceful lanes, a beautiful stone church, and retains a true rural authenticity. The town hall square is an ideal spot for a relaxing break on a terrace.

[In Advent] "we hear in the Gospel the beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist. He appears in the desert and calls people to conversion so that they may prepare for the coming of the Lord. His call reminds us that Advent is not only a time of waiting, but also of interior preparation. "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths" (Luke 3:4). John's message challenges us to examine our lives. What "rough paths" and "crooked roads" are there in our hearts? Where have we perhaps distanced ourselves from God or lost sight of our fellow human beings? John invites us to remove these obstacles and reorient our lives. But his call has not only a personal dimension, but also a social one: the way of the Lord is a way of justice, peace and reconciliation. When we pave the way of the Lord, we bring light into the darkness of the world and hope into the hearts of people." (Text: Michael Inden, Diocesan President of the KAB in the Archdiocese of Cologne)

The community, often referred to as the "Order of the Templars" for short, whose full name is "Poor Knights of Christ and of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem", takes us back to the 13th century. Founded in the Holy Land, it spread surprisingly quickly with numerous branches in many countries in Central Europe. The order gained notoriety through the fact that it was dissolved in 1312 by the French king and the pope and its members were accused of being heretics. The main reason for the dissolution, however, was not the human and religious misconduct (heresy) of the members, which was merely a pretext, but the legendary wealth of this order. King Philip IV of France (1268 to 1314) wanted to use this measure primarily to improve his coffers and secure its treasures.

Saint John the Baptist (Saint Jean Baptiste), to whom this church in Clermont-Dessous is dedicated, is - like Saint Joseph - a man on the threshold of the Old and New Testaments. His parents are Zacharias and Elisabeth, and after the announcement of the Incarnation of God through them, the Mother of God visits her relative Elisabeth, who will give birth to a son in her old age, namely John the Baptist. He is half a year older than Jesus and is considered his forerunner/pioneer. He lives in the desert, preaches repentance from sins to the Jewish population and baptizes them in the Jordan, where Jesus also comes to be baptized, and is filled with the Holy Spirit who descends upon him from heaven. The feast day of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in the calendar of saints is June 24, exactly half a year before 'Christmas Eve'.

Saint John the Baptist, to whom this church in Clermont-Dessous is dedicated, is—like Saint Joseph—a man at the threshold between the Old and New Testaments. His parents were Zechariah and Elizabeth. After the Annunciation of the Incarnation, the Virgin Mary visited her relative Elizabeth, who, in her old age, would give birth to a son, John the Baptist. He was six months older than Jesus and is considered his forerunner. He lived in the desert, preached repentance to the Jewish population, and baptized them in the Jordan River. Jesus also came to the Jordan to be baptized, and was filled with the Holy Spirit, who descended from heaven. The feast day of Saint John the Baptist in the liturgical calendar is June 24, exactly six months before Christmas Eve.