Val de Garonne

At the bend in a path, it is not rare to see one of the elements of the rich heritage of the Garonne Valley.

There are many :
 wash houses: wash house of Onzac and 5 Canelles in Marmande, wash houses of the Mas, of Calonges, of Birac sur Trec, of Tonneins and Cocumont...
 wells: winch and pump wells of Gontaud de Nogaret, covered wells of Birac sur Trec and Mauvezin sur Gupie, wells of Lescure in Tonneins...
 fountains: Fountain of Neuffons at Sainte Bazeille, Fountain of the Cloister in Gontaud de Nogaret, Nine Fountains in Marmande, Fountain of Breil in Saint Pardoux du Breuil...
 Markets: of the Mas d’Agenais, of Gontaud de Nogaret and Villefranche du Queyran.

Meilhan sur Garonne : The Panorama of the Mound which extends from the Réole up to beyond Marmande and Tonneins. Tersac chapel, the grave of the Admiral Lacrosse, the fountain of Font d’Uzas,... The Mas of the Agenais : Saint-Vincent collegiate church, dated the XIIIth century, listed (formerly seat of a collegiate chapter) and its Rembrandt painting (1631), " Christ on the cross ", known throughout the world. The corn market, the ramparts and the last door of the castle, Galiane’s fountain.The Alleys of the Mas (terrasse of Garonne) with a point of view over the Garonne valley. Marmande, the beautiful : The cloister, Our Lady of Marmande, Saint Benoît chapel, Labat street and the former suburb of Marmande (XIIIth century) with half-timbered houses and corbelled construction. The city walls dated the XIIIth century and an historical mosaic recalling the 6 outstanding episodes of the city. A free discovery route of the heritage of Marmande is available at the Info Point of Marmande. Tonneins : The frontage of the quays of Tonneins, former tobacco royal factory, the boatman’s house, Saint-Pierre’s house and Reculay’s rocks. The town sits on splendid city walls, made of sheer rocks proudly dominating the river.

Reculay’s Rocks On the course of the Garonne, there used to be 360 rocky obstacles. Reculay’s rocks in Tonneins is the most important. In the XVIIIth century, the most flourishing sea traffic period, there were many accidents and wrecks. In the XIXth century, a traffic Channel, on the left bank, was created in order to make ships’ route easier. This channel, 800 metres long, presents a difference in height of one metre.

Gontaud de Nogaret
Windmill of Gibra Access at 3 km, south-east from the village, go in direction of Tonneins, just before the stadium, turn on the left hand-side -Tel. 05 53 83 42 46 (Town-hall) Located on a hill, Bourdeille’s mill, called Gibra’s mill, offers a splendid panorama over the Garonne Valley, from the Pech de Berre to the town of Marmande. Its privileged location catches the wind very badly, in particular prevailing winds coming from the west. Dating back to the beginning of the XIXth century, it is a perfect example of local heritage protection. Its restoration was achieved in 1982. Today, in perfect condition, it produces flour as in the old days. Guided tours, by appointments made at the town hall (Tel. 05 53 83 42 46).

Grateloup Saint Gayrand
Mill of Gory Built in 1808 the Gory Mill is accessible via a little path. Still operational in the nineteen thirties, the mill was the victim of a fire in 1932. It was recently restored to its original condition and is now used to make flour.

There are many other buildings that have been classified as historic monuments in the Val de Garonne: the Château de Birac (private), Château de Calonges (private), the churches in Cocumont and Goux, the Château and church in Gontaud de Nogaret, the old church in Saint Gayrand and the Château de Lagarde in Grateloup St Gayrand (private), the remains of the Saint Sabin Church in Villefranche du Queyran and Château de Virazeil. To visit these sites (excepting the private sites): please contact the relevant town halls.