Hautefage-la-Tour: History and Hiking Trails

Hautefage-la-Tour combines historic buildings with waymarked trails in the Pays de Serres countryside, where plateaus cut through by deep valleys shape the landscape. The Tour d’Hautefage stands atop a hill between the valleys of the Tancanne, Lestaque and Lajasse. This combination of architectural history and landscape offers two clear perspectives for planning your trip: you can focus on the architecture or plan your stay around specific walking routes.

Historic Buildings and Local History

The Tour d’Hautefage was built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries as a residence for the bishops of Agen, Leonardo della Rovere (1487–1519) and Antonio della Rovere (1519–1538). The tower has a hexagonal floor plan and stands above the Notre-Dame church. The church was built on a spring towards the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century; the spring had been considered miraculous since the Middle Ages. Église Saint-Just is a Romanesque church that was extended in the 15th century. During the Wars of Religion, its bell tower was converted into a defensive tower; the church has been listed as a Monument historique since 27 September 1996. Église Saint-Thomas is also Romanesque, but was altered in the 17th and 18th centuries. Both churches stand on green slopes and overlook the Tancanne and Lestaque valleys as well as the Agen–Périgueux railway line.

From the Middle Ages until the 19th century, Hautefage-la-Tour was a popular pilgrimage site, with solemn processions held every year.

Comparing Hiking Trails

Distance and elevation gain make it easy to compare the routes. The “Hautefage-la-Tour, la balade de la Malausie” hiking route starts in Hautefage-la-Tour, is waymarked with coloured markers, is 4.9 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 235 metres. The Tour d’Hautefage is visible from almost every point on this route. The “Bonneval, le circuit des trois églises” circular route also starts in Hautefage-la-Tour, is waymarked with coloured markers, is 10.9 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 295 metres. The circular route is therefore six kilometres longer than the Malausie route and has 60 metres more elevation gain. Trail conditions on the Malausie route may change due to maintenance; check the current conditions before setting out.

A Puzzle Trail with a Set Duration

Another kind of option is “Héros de plume et d’épée”: the five-kilometre Terra Aventura route in Hautefage-la-Tour has a stated duration of two to three hours. This free geocaching format leads participants on a treasure hunt using clues and riddles. Along the route, the literature-themed Poï’z Zétoulu accompanies participants through Hautefage-la-Tour. Unlike the hiking trails, this option also has a specific time frame that you can take into account when planning your day.

A Local Place to Visit

In the village centre, Pizzeria de la Tour offers a wide selection of takeaway pizzas made with fresh produce from local suppliers. The menu and availability may change; if you’re interested, check the current offerings in advance.

Discover more destinations: Puch-D'agenais, Anthé, Poussignac, Madaillan, Le Temple-Sur-Lot, Escassefort, Penne-D'agenais, Thézac

For the broader travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.