Montagnac-Sur-Auvignon is a former fortified hilltop village overlooking the plains of the Auvignon and Petit Auvignon. Both rivers border the town. The town’s history is reflected in several historic buildings; a circular route gives estimated times for three modes of travel. At Domaine de Versailles, winegrowing takes centre stage. You can weigh up culture, a route, or a pre-arranged visit with tasting as different ways to focus your stay.
Hilltop Village and Historic Buildings
The Church of Notre-Dame de Montagnac-sur-Auvignon is listed as a historic monument. The parish church of Saint-Loup was built in the 12th century on the site of an ancient villa; according to G. Tholin, an oratory preceded it. At Notre-Dame, the focus is on its protected status; at Saint-Loup, it is on the building’s history, including its earlier site and its reputed predecessor.
The grounds of Château Saint-Loup include a park, a chapel, a dovecote, a fountain and an orangery. The former church on the Saint-Loup estate was demolished. For the Baron de Saint-Loup, stonemason Vidal built a chapel to plans by the departmental architect Teulère; Monseigneur Fonteneau, Bishop of Agen, consecrated it in 1877. The 1877 consecration provides a chronological reference point alongside the construction of the parish church of Saint-Loup in the 12th century.
If it is possible to climb up, the square tower offers a 360-degree panorama; confirm access locally before travelling. Check before your visit whether access is possible.
Circular Route with Three Time Estimates
The “Montagnac, petite montagne d’Albret – Circuit n°297” circular route starts at Place de Frères Tolot. The estimated times are 2 hours 30 minutes on foot, 1 hour 15 minutes on horseback and 55 minutes by mountain bike. The walking option is therefore the longest time given, and the mountain-bike option the shortest; the horseback estimate falls between them. There is a difference of 1 hour 35 minutes between the walking and mountain-bike times, and 20 minutes between the horseback and mountain-bike times. This comparison can help you estimate how much time to allow for your chosen mode of travel. Check the signs before setting off.
Winegrowing and Visits by Appointment
Domaine de Versailles is an independent winegrowing estate with a cellar door selling Buzet wine. Its vineyard covers 7 hectares of gravelly slopes. Guided tours are available by appointment only and include a tasting of five products. The cellar door and the guided tour are separate reasons to visit: the tour requires an appointment. If you plan to take the tour, confirm the visit details before travelling.
The facts offer different points of interest to help you choose a focus: the churches and Château Saint-Loup are connected with the history of the village and its buildings, the circular route offers a time estimate based on your mode of travel, and the estate offers winegrowing and a tasting by appointment. You can decide which topic you would like to give more time to while planning your stay.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Georges, Birac-Sur-Trec, Villeneuve-Sur-Lot, Sauveterre-La-LĂ©mance, Cazideroque, Moncrabeau, Buzet-Sur-BaĂŻse, Castelculier.
For the broader travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.
