Maxou brings together churches, routes and winemaking, offering different ways to shape your stay. When looking for a holiday rental, start by deciding which theme you would most like to focus on: architectural history, walks through the landscape or wine tastings. The planning details also vary: for one circular route, the distance, elevation gain and approximate duration are given; for other routes, destinations and landscape features provide the guidance.
Churches and Building Phases
The nave of Notre Dame de l’Assomption dates from the late 11th or early 12th century. Six blind arcades divide the wall of the apse; alongside them are three narrow, high-set openings. These are associated with the church’s medieval defensive function. The north chapel was added in the early 16th century, and the masonry bell tower was built in the 19th century. The nave, chapel and tower therefore represent different building phases.
In the hamlet of Brouelles, which belongs to Maxou, Saint-Pierre is a small Romanesque building. Its features include a short nave, a section with a bell tower and a semicircular apse with a calotte vault. The oldest parts are thought to date from the early 12th century, based on the portal’s shape and the archaic decoration. A two-bay south chapel was added in the late 15th or early 16th century; the chancel paintings can be dated to the late 18th or very early 19th century. Brouelles also has a washhouse. The churches invite comparison of different details: in Maxou, the apse and its openings; in Brouelles, the floor plan, later additions and paintings.
Routes with Different Highlights
The Circuit de Maxou is an easy 7.5-kilometre circular route with 182 metres of elevation gain and a duration of about two hours. A hiking route to Maxou follows the Ruisseau de Maxou valley to the village. Another hiking route to Maxou starts in Saint-Pierre-Lafeuille and leads to Notre Dame de l’Assomption, which dates from the 11th and 12th centuries. The De Maxou à Brouelles route passes through two small, shady valleys and across limestone slopes. The routes can thus be distinguished by the details provided: the circular route specifies its distance and approximate duration, while other routes name a destination or describe the landscape along the way.
Winemaking at Mas Levigné
Mas Levigné is a three-hectare vineyard in the commune of Maxou, on clay-limestone soil. The vineyard is farmed organically; the estate has been certified accordingly since 2017 and has also followed biodynamic practices since 2018. Tours and wine tastings are offered there free of charge year-round. For wine enthusiasts, this combines a specific reason to visit with insight into the soil and farming methods; the dates distinguish the organic certification from the later adoption of biodynamic practices.
Discover more destinations: Gourdon, Thédirac, Saint-Jean-Lespinasse, Saint-Pierre-Lafeuille, Sauliac-Sur-Célé, Cuzac, Marcilhac-Sur-Cele, Vaillac.
For the broader travel overview: Lot.
