Bias: Historical Sites and Culture

Bias can be explored for travel planning through its buildings, traces of craftsmanship, and connections to the Lot. If you are planning an overnight stay in the town, these themes offer guidance on which aspects of the destination may interest you: medieval architectural history, unusual façade design, religious art, traditional milling techniques, or a walk between the town centre and the Voie Verte.

Château de Favols and its history

Château de Favols is a fortified castle and is listed as a historic monument. Its oldest parts date from the 13th century; the castle overlooks the crossing over the Lot. At Favols, the focus is therefore on the architectural history of a fortification. During guided tours, visitors can see the hall with paintings by François Peltier and Louise Guittard, as well as the castle courtyard. Visits are by appointment only—take this condition into account when planning.

Ceramic façades at Domaine de Senelles

Domaine de Senelles offers a different perspective on the town’s history: it is a former small château dating from the 17th century. Large quantities of faience, as well as antique and modern porcelain, are embedded in its four exterior façades. In total, more than 700 ceramics of French, English, Belgian, Swedish, and Japanese origin shape the façades. The number, different materials, and countries of origin mentioned provide several specific aspects through which the design can be described.

The more recent architectural history is also part of the story: the Domaine underwent extensive restoration and reconstruction in 2024 and 2025. This places the origins of the former 17th-century château alongside a much later phase of restoration. Domaine de Senelles is available to visit as part of guided tours. Check the current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Church and art at Notre-Dame de Bias

Different design elements come together at Notre-Dame de Bias. The core of the church is Romanesque, while the western bell gable has three bells. There is also a contemporary Stations of the Cross with 14 stations, created by François Peltier. The architecture and artwork thus mark different periods: a contemporary work, whose individual stations form the Stations of the Cross, stands alongside the Romanesque core.

Mill and blacksmithing

The restored Moulin de Bias grinds flour using an old technique. A horizontal wheel and flintstone millstones power the grinding process. The mill also has a working forge and an exhibition of old, hand-forged tools. Milling technology and blacksmithing offer two different ways to explore traditional crafts: here, grinding with a horizontally driven mill mechanism; there, tools and metalworking.

Walk and cycle path with a connection to the Lot

The walk “Bias, la balade de Senelle” connects the town centre of Bias with the Voie Verte du Grand Villeneuvois. It starts from the car park in front of the town hall. Along the way, it passes the park of the house known as “Château aux Assiettes”. The town centre, the walk, and the Voie Verte are therefore the points explicitly named as part of this route. Check access information and trail conditions locally.

Another connection to the Lot can be found at Pont du Martinet: the bridge has a cycle path offering a beautiful view of the river. This cycle path is a separate point of reference from the walk “Bias, la balade de Senelle”; the two descriptions refer to different activities and routes.

Discover more destinations: Mauvezin-Sur-Gupie, Foulayronnes, Labretonie, Fumel, Saint-Sylvestre-Sur-Lot, Villeréal, Dolmayrac, Bourgougnague.

For the broader travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.