The best MTB trails around Casseneuil

A first church dedicated to Saint Catherine was built in the 13th century, during the founding of the bastide. Having become too small, dilapidated, and threatening to collapse, the municipality decided on its demolition at the end of the 19th century. This monumental project would never have seen the light of day without Georges Leygues, a major political figure of the time (deputy of Lot-et-Garonne and several times minister). Thanks to his immense influence and personal fortune, he financed and championed the project to endow his hometown with an exceptional monument.

The bridge owes its name to Nicolas de Cieutat (baron of Pujols) and his son Arnaud. In 1585, they successfully led the heroic defense of Villeneuve-sur-Lot against the troops of Marguerite de Valois (Queen Margot). It initially comprised five arches and three fortified square brick towers with portcullises and machicolations, intended for the defense of the town. At the beginning of the 17th century, violent floods swept away two arches and its central tower. In 1643, by order of Cardinal de Richelieu, the bridge was rebuilt with a single monumental arch spanning 36 meters, giving it its current asymmetrical silhouette.

The Château Solar is an unusual building of medieval origin. It has the unique characteristic in the region of featuring neo-Moorish style architecture and today serves as the Town Hall (Mairie) for the commune. A first fortified castle (castrum) belonged to the Castelmoron family from 1259. Dominating the Lot, it was dismantled in 1345 during the Hundred Years' War. In 1840, the estate was bought by Félix Solar (Aaron Euryale Solar), a wealthy journalist, businessman, and great collector from the village. In the 1850s, he decided to completely rebuild the residence in the Orientalist and neo-Moorish taste of the time. Its architecture was inspired by the splendors of the Alhambra in Granada and the mosque of Cordoba, embellished with wooden galleries, moucharabiehs, and balconies. In 1902, the municipality acquired the building to house the town hall services.

The church is distinguished by the unique superposition of two clearly visible architectural styles: The Romanesque period (12th century): The original apse is built of ashlar. It features a barrel-vaulted apse and a northern side chapel, adorned with significant sculpted decoration. The Neo-Gothic period (19th century): Partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion, the historic nave underwent a major reconstruction starting in 1864 under the direction of architect Gustave Alaux. The facade and the imposing western bell tower were then rebuilt in brick, creating a striking contrast with the medieval stone of the apse.

The Tour du Roy of Sainte-Livrade-sur-Lot, located in the Lot-et-Garonne department, is an old urban seigneurial fortified house built between the end of the 13th and the beginning of the 14th century. Listed as a Historical Monument since 1925, it represents the only surviving vestige of the town's medieval fortifications. Despite its name "Tour du Roy", it initially belonged to a local lord and not to the crown. Local legend sometimes erroneously attributes it to Richard the Lionheart.

Its vaulted choir in cul-de-four dates back to the 12th century. The building was enlarged and remodeled several times between the 13th and 19th centuries, with the addition of side chapels and a new bell tower. It retains an initial bell tower-wall with three bells, typical of the region, as well as high pillars and slender vaults. Breaking with traditional white walls, the interior has been repainted with three bright colors symbolizing the theological virtues: blue (Faith), green (Hope), and red (Charity).

Former medieval stronghold, the village is officially labeled among The Most Beautiful Villages of France. Stone, brick, and half-timbered facades surround the market hall and the central square. The village is home to the Collegiate Church of Saint-Nicolas, whose tower-belfry serves as a fortified entrance gate to the town, as well as the Church of Sainte-Foy, adorned with remarkable 16th-century frescoes. Sections of ramparts and the old gates bear witness to its military past as an Albigensian stronghold.

plum tree field that we love in the region we can do mountain biking without worries a greenway runs alongside the field