Agen
This is the county town for the Lot-et-Garonne where you can indulge your requirements for; retail therapy; museum bagging; architectural appreciation or cultural fulfilment. There are any number of excellent restaurants, bars and coffee shops (as well as several hot chocolate shops) the indoor market has an excellent fish stand. The historic legacy from its turbulent times in the 100 days war and its thriving canal trade counter any modernism attributed to more materialistic leanings.
About half an hour away from Roujol you can tour the city of Agen on foot, catch a TGV to Paris or Toulouse and the south coast, or meander lazily along the canal on a barge. The bridge which allows the canal to cross the Garonne river is certainly worth visiting.
www.ot-agen.org
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Bourg de Visa
Our local village which has; a bank (Credit Agricole) with cashpoint, boulangerie, "corner" shop (milk, fresh fruit and vegetables), butcher (Thursday & Sunday mornings), pharmacy, doctors, garage, tourist office, market place and tennis court. There is a restaurant, pizza place & bar (does take-aways - try their top of the range Truffle & foie gras pizza!).
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Beauville
This fortified hill top Bastide town has a picturesque heart to it with many authentic buildings which have been renovated to their original splendour. There is a bar, restaurant, boulangerie, bank (Credit Agricole again) pharmacy, supermarket and recreational lake. www.ot-beauville.com
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Cahors
Cahors is the County town of the Lot; home to the dark red wine known as Cahors Noir. There is a very attractive old town nestled alongside the river with a newer portion along Rue de la Gambetta. The 14c Pont de Valentre is the most famous landmark, the carved river passage makes a quite unique backdrop. The thriving indoor and outdoor markets on Wednesday and Saturday add a bustle to the place. As you drive into Cahors from the South, you pass a vast "cave" or wine merchants representing many of the local wines produced. www.mairie-cahors.fr
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Lauzerte
This hill top Bastide village is a beautiful collection of old architecture and whimsical modern art - the corner of the central square turns up like a page in a book. In the centre of the old town are bars and restaurants and a retirement home - if you're looking, below these in the more modern village are supermarkets, banks, pharmacy, boulangerie, butchers hairdressers etc.
Sited on the route GR 65 Santiago de Compostela, the visitors here are many and varied.
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Roquecor
A small hilltop village with an excellent bar and restaurant which hosts a bustling Sunday morning market. There are some great views to be had of the surrounding countryside from this vantage point.
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Moissac
Moissac is in itself a busy town with water sports and leisure activities on the Tarn river. The weekend farmers' markets ensure that it lives for more than the very famous Abbey of St Peter and in the indoor permanent market is a superb fish counter. The cloisters are in wonderful condition and rain or shine they are a great place to shelter from the weather surrounded by culture and religious artefacts dating back to its founding by St Didier, the Bishop of Cahors, in the 7th century. There are a number of cafes and bars near the cloisters where relaxing and watching life drift by can take up plenty of your day. www.moissac.fr
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Montcuq
Montcuq is a very pretty market town with numerous bars and very good restaurants which also host a busy and varied Sunday market. Overlooked by the 12th century tower, the leisure lake is about 10 minutes drive from the centre. Achieved fame in 2007 by being voted top of the list of French Towns to replace existing ones on the Monopoly board. Its unlikely rise to fame is due to the pronunciation - it sounds very similar to 'mon cul' - something a French Royale might say (Jim that is, not Sergolene!). |