Discover Fongrave

The medieval Fontevristine priory shaped Fongrave’s history. Its buildings and church art tell the story of the town’s religious past; seasonal leisure activities on the Lot complement its cultural focus with outdoor pursuits.

The Priory and the Church of Saint-Léger

Fongrave was founded in the Middle Ages, probably in the 12th century, around a Fontevristine priory. The former priory itself was built on the banks of the Lot in the 12th or 13th century. Parts of the complex have survived, including a cross-vaulted cloister gallery, an arcaded gallery opening onto Place de la Mairie, and part of the residential building.

The partially preserved and protected priory also includes the façades and roofs of the former convent building and dovecote, two covered galleries, the footprints of demolished buildings, and the surrounding wall. The complex therefore encompasses both surviving architecture and traces of buildings that no longer exist.

The Church of Saint-Léger is connected to the adjoining Fontevristine priory and served as its priory church. After Protestants destroyed the priory church in 1586, the nuns used part of the parish church. Saint-Léger, including its bell tower, built in the 19th century, has been listed as a historic monument since 19 April 1996.

Chapel and altarpiece

According to tradition, a vow was made in 1742 to end an epidemic among livestock; the Notre-Dame-de-Tout-Pouvoir Chapel was subsequently built in 1749. The small, rectangular brick building was restored in 1992. Its simple form and building material give the chapel a different architectural character from the galleries of the former priory.

The Fongrave altarpiece brings together several phases of work from the 17th century. Simon de Sainte Livrade, wood sculptors Turingeau and Jacques, and carpenter Guillou created it from 1645 to 1650 on behalf of Prioress Françoise de Campet. The statues were made later, between 1657 and 1659, by the Bordeaux-born sculptor Frontin. The altarpiece is classified as protected movable cultural property; it was classified on 6 June 1985.

The altarpiece is located in the church in Fongrave, at 7 Place de la Mairie. You can reach it by boat on the Lot or by car via the road network. As visiting arrangements may change, check them before your visit.

Excursions on the Lot and seasonal produce

At Fun-Grave on Quai du Lot, you can take excursions by canoe, electric boat, or bicycle along the Véloroute. Other activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, electric mountain biking, fishing, and equipment rental. Seasonal availability may vary, so check in advance which activities are available during your visit.

La Ferme des Tuileries operates a farm shop bearing the “Bienvenue à la ferme” label. It sells seasonal fruit and vegetables directly from the producer. As the farm shop’s availability may also vary by season, it is worth checking before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Étienne-De-Villeréal, Moulinet, Seyches, Castelculier, Varès, Saint-Vite, Castelmoron-Sur-Lot, Bias

For the main travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.