The best cycling routes around Dondas

Squirrel crossing 🐿️

Perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Séoune Valley, Puymirol is a fortified town founded in 1246, making it the oldest in Lot-et-Garonne. Its narrow streets lined with white stone houses and its central square surrounded by arcades reflect its rich medieval past.

Saint-Maurin is located in the hollow of a green valley where the Escorneboeuf flows. To see: its half-timbered houses, its market hall, the remains of the Benedictine abbey from the 11th and 12th centuries and its abbey castle built in 1500.

The construction of Saint-Maurin Abbey dates from the end of the 11th century, following its affiliation with Moissac Abbey and the Benedictine order. This large monastic ensemble spread out to numerous surrounding churches and priories, as many possessions which showed its influence and importance within a radius of 20 kilometers. Ruined then restored several times during the Hundred Years' War and during the Wars of Religion, it was during the Revolution that the buildings were sold in batches. Today, you can still admire the choir of the old abbey church as well as two chapels, the cloister, the convent buildings, the abbey castle and its gardens.

Overlooking the valley from its promontory, the town of Beauville seems to be one with the rock. To see: the corner square, surrounded by stone and half-timbered houses, the Saint-Jacques church, dating from the 14th century (with its Renaissance door and the bell tower-porch). It is said that during the Hundred Years' War, Beauville, formerly called Boville (city of the Ox), triumphantly resisted the attacks of the English.

Old fortified castle, located on a rocky promontory, defending the village of Beauville. It is made up of thick surrounding walls, a protective half-moon. The foundations and bases date from the end of the 13th century. About half of the building dates from the 16th century (mullioned windows). The Renaissance architecture is present in the front door and the fireplaces. Finally, a wing of the building was rebuilt in the 19th century. From 1831 to 1976, the building served as a gendarmerie barracks. Private castle. Can only be seen from the outside. By the way, don't forget to enjoy the beautiful views outside from this high vantage point.

Combebonnet would have originally been the center of a rural exploitation. To defend it, its owner would have built a small fortress. The original castle had the shape of a right triangle whose east and west angles were topped with cantilevered watchtowers. Two of the sides were naturally fortified. At the end of the 13th or beginning of the 14th century, a square tower armed with cross pattée loopholes was added to the north corner. The castle was remodeled and enlarged at the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century. It was perhaps at this time that buildings, now demolished, were attached to the east, and a chapel was built as well as the enclosure which defended some houses. In the 17th century, the castle was extended on the north side. The two semi-circular portals decorated with columns, giving access to the courtyard, date from this period. To the west stands a chapel with a flat apse.

Small bridge from the canal over the small river.