Taxi Bordeaux → Villeneuve-sur-Lot

Villeneuve-sur-Lot is the largest royal bastide in south-western France, founded in 1264 by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of Saint Louis. This medieval 'new town', planned on a geometric grid around a central arcaded square (Place Lafayette), is a remarkable example of medieval town planning. The town extends on both sides of the Lot river, linked by the Pont des Cieutat (13th century, listed monument), one of France's oldest bridges still in use, with its three pointed arches and two tower-gates that once served as prison and toll point. The two monumental towers — the Porte de Pujols and the Porte de Paris — mark the bastide's former entrances and dominate the town with their medieval silhouette. The Sainte-Catherine church (14th century, red brick and white stone, southern Gothic style) is notable for its contemporary stained glass. The old quarter preserves half-timbered houses, townhouses and charming medieval lanes. Villeneuve is also the heart of prune country (the Agen prune appellation covers the entire Lot-et-Garonne) and excellence in fruit growing: ente plums, hazelnuts, strawberries. The hilltop village of Pujols, listed among France's Most Beautiful Villages, is just 3 km away and offers an exceptional panorama over the Lot valley and plum orchard-covered hillsides.