Le Mas-D'agenais: Historic Buildings and Boating Experiences

Le Mas-D'agenais sits on a limestone terrace overlooking the Garonne. Historic buildings, a cycling route and activities on the water offer different ways to plan your trip. Depending on whether you are mainly interested in culture, a cycling route or a boat trip, you can shape your stay accordingly.

Location and Canal

The view over the Garonne is part of the village's setting on the limestone terrace. On the Canal de Garonne near Le Mas-D'agenais, there is a lock and a nautical mooring for boaters. This brings together two distinct features: the view over the river and the canal facilities relevant to boaters.

Market Hall, Church and Historic Details

The Vieille halle au blé stands in the heart of Le Mas-D'agenais. It is thought to have been built in 1616, apparently using old beams from the former castle; since 6 April 2022, it has been listed as a historic monument. The two dates refer to different events: the presumed construction of the market hall and its listing as a monument.

The Collégiale Saint-Vincent is also classified as a historic monument and dates largely from the 12th century. Its east end comprises an apse and two subsidiary apses with numerous sculpted modillions. The church also houses Rembrandt's painting “Le Christ sur la Croix”. The “Rembrandt – Les Secrets d'un tableau” exhibit explains how the painting came to Le Mas-D'agenais. The collegiate church is open for free visits; guided tours are available by appointment only.

The Chapelle Saint-Benoît is a remnant of the former convent of the Dames de Saint-Benoît, founded in 1645. Its richly decorated Baroque interior offers a different architectural note. Check in advance whether it is open to visitors. The five-sided Fontaine-lavoir Galiane washhouse is another of the village's notable buildings: it is fed by a spring known since antiquity.

Cycling Route and Paths

The Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo route passes through Le Mas-D'agenais and follows a safe, mostly flat stretch. You can also visit the Vieille halle au blé, located in the village centre, along this route. The shortened section from Marmande to Damazan is just under 30 kilometres long and includes Le Mas-D'agenais. This distance gives you a concrete basis for planning the section.

Another named route is “Le Mas d’Agenais, de la forêt aux coteaux”. It starts near the Maison forestière. Its starting point distinguishes it from the canal route, which passes through Le Mas-D'agenais.

Boat Trips and Planning Your Time

The seasonal “La Massaise” boat trip departs from the Cale du club de Canoë in Le Mas-D'agenais and lasts one hour, including boarding and disembarking. The Péniche Wakaï, moored in Le Mas-D'agenais, offers lunch cruises and multi-day cruises. This means options on the water range from a one-hour trip to longer cruise formats. Check the dates for the seasonal trip in advance.

The options mentioned also differ in the time they require. If visits are important to your plans, take into account the free visits and appointment-only guided tours at the Collégiale, as well as the need to check in advance whether the Chapelle Saint-Benoît is open to visitors.

Discover more destinations: Lannes, Laplume, Villeréal, Tourliac, Saint-Hilaire-De-Lusignan, La Sauvetat-De-Blanquefort, Dolmayrac, Sainte Livrade Sur Lot.

For the broader travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.