Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Pastour - Top 12

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 first ashlar stone nave was built around the 13th century. The church then directly depended on the prestigious local Knights Templar commandery (called Le Temple-du-Breuil), later transferred to the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem. (1572) In the midst of religious conflicts, the church suffered Huguenot vandalism. It was set on fire and partially destroyed by Protestant troops. (17th century) After remaining roofless for a long time, the church underwent significant restoration work during the 17th century. A large part of the walls was rebuilt and the brick bell tower was also rebuilt. The building was definitively deconsecrated and abandoned during the Revolution.

This beautiful Voie Verte created in 2008, 2009 and 2010, connects Villeneuve-sur-Lot to Casseneuil. It uses the land of two former railway lines on the outskirts of Villeneuve-sur-Lot and at the entrance to Casseneuil. Between these two sections, a pretty path has been created along the "La Masse" stream.

The architecture of Villeneuve-sur-Lot tells its story as a 13th-century river bastide, built for trade and defense. Its geometric checkerboard plan is organized around a central hub and opens onto the river. The checkerboard plan: Straight streets, typical of medieval bastides. Place Lafayette: Central square bordered by covered arcades (the cornières). The watchtowers: Fortified gates of Paris and Pujols in brick and stone. The Romanesque-Byzantine style: Used for the Sainte-Catherine church with its 55-meter high bell tower. The half-timbered facades: Medieval houses with timber framing and overhangs. The Pont des Cieutat: 13th-century structure with asymmetrical stone arches.

Passage through the cycle lane possible with a two-seater child trailer (Thule Cross)

One of three bridges to/from Villeneuve. Nice photo opportunity.

Be careful, there is a footbridge that serves as a cycle path, but its width is limited and does not allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross. It is unthinkable to use it with an electric bike with 70 cm handlebars... It is better to ride on the bridge, especially since there is a road sign authorizing cyclists at the entrance to the bridge... It seems that not all motorists know this sign.

The community, often referred to as the "Order of the Templars" for short, whose full name is "Poor Knights of Christ and of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem", takes us back to the 13th century. Founded in the Holy Land, it spread surprisingly quickly with numerous branches in many countries in Central Europe. The order gained notoriety through the fact that it was dissolved in 1312 by the French king and the pope and its members were accused of being heretics. The main reason for the dissolution, however, was not the human and religious misconduct (heresy) of the members, which was merely a pretext, but the legendary wealth of this order. King Philip IV of France (1268 to 1314) wanted to use this measure primarily to improve his coffers and secure its treasures.