Why this tourist circuit? The Lot et Garonne is often ignored by foreign and even French tourists who focus more on the Dordogne, Ardèche, the Pyrénées Orientales, the Basque coast and of course the Côte d’Azur. However, this department is full of beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages and incredible local gastronomy. I will share with you my tourist circuit to discover this unique region and its hidden treasures.The Bastides of Lot et GaronneHave you ever heard of the bastides of southwest France?A bastide is a medieval village built in the 13th and 14th century. What characterizes bastides is their carefully planned layout and architectural design. In fact, each bastide was built with a central square, surrounded by streets which formed a grid. This geometric layout not only gave the villages a sense of order and organization, but also gives them incredible charm and picturesqueness. Another characteristic of bastides is their defensive structure. Although they were established primarily for economic purposes, they also had to be prepared for possible attacks. This is why most bastides have fortified walls or doors that could be closed in case of danger. Lot-et-Garonne offers visitors who love old stones the opportunity to visit beautiful castles. An excellent way to learn more about the history of the area where you are spending your vacation, but also a good plan to stay cool in hot weather or sheltered from the rain if the weather is gloomy. We offer you the discovery of some castles not to be missed during your cultural holidays in Lot-et-Garonne.Enjoy the exceptional views of the Lot valley and the hillsides that surround it.To discover the Lot et Garonne, I selected in my tourist circuit visits to the most beautiful villages of the Lot et Garonne, unmissable castles and natural sites not to be missed.Indeed, this department is a land rich in history with the rivalries of the kings of France and the kings of England for the sharing of territory.You will see, by following my tourist circuit, that the Lot et Garonne is a magnificent and authentic region which really deserves to be discovered!Road trip in Lot et GaronneThis road trip which allows you to visit the most beautiful places in Lot et Garonne and Haut Agenais that I am offering you can be done in 1 week depending on your pace of visits.Itinerary of the tourist circuit in Lot et GaronnePenne d’AgenaisTournon d’AgenaisFumelBonaguil CastleGavaudun ValleyBiron CastleMonpazierVillerealMonflanquinVilleneuve-sur-LotPujolsLe Temple on LotCastelmoron sur LotLaparade                                                                                                                                         AgenNow explore the main stages of my tourist circuit on the Bastides du Lot et Garonne route: