Masquières: History and Trails in the Verdus Forest

Masquières brings together architectural history, archaeological sites and trails in the Verdus Forest. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay focused on culture and hiking, the church, château, megalithic site and routes offer different points of interest. This picture is complemented by the Grotte du Cordonnier and a cycling offer with several types of bicycles and tours. When planning your trip, it is worth first deciding whether to focus on historic buildings, prehistoric sites, forest landscapes or outdoor activities.

History and Archaeological Sites

The Church of Saint-Vincent in Masquières was built in 1240 and was formerly the chapel of a priory affiliated with Moissac Abbey. Its wooden roof structure adds a specific architectural feature to its history. At Château du Bosc, a square tower dating from the 16th century has been preserved; there is a private chapel at the end of the right wing. The church’s historical significance comes from its construction date and priory history, while the château’s comes from its tower and private chapel.

In the forest section of the route through the Verdus Forest near Masquières lie the remains of the covered megalithic passage grave known as “Tombeau des Géants” (Tomb of the Giants). The protected site comprises three rows of stones and two tumuli; it was protected by decree on April 17, 1952. The name refers to the passage, while the rows of stones and tumuli give a fuller picture of the site.

The Grotte du Cordonnier offers a different perspective on the past: the underground gallery, about 30 metres deep, was inhabited or used from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age. It lies above Lac de Lartel and opens on the south side of a small rocky escarpment above the Vergnotte stream. This long time span sets the cave apart from the dated buildings; the lake, escarpment and stream also provide specific reference points for its location.

Routes, Forest and Cycling

The “Masquières, a walk in the Verdus Forest” route starts in the commune of Masquières. Its paths are often lined with dry-stone walls and shaded by the Verdus oak forest. The route thus combines stone-lined paths with shady stretches through the forest.

A second route, “Masquières, through the Verdus Forest,” passes through a vineyard and along the lake before following winding, stony paths into the Verdus Forest. It is suitable for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. The stated times are 3 hours 30 minutes, 2 hours 20 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes for walking, horse riding and mountain biking, respectively. These times help you plan according to your mode of travel, while the route also links different landscape features.

The routes offer different landscapes: the “walk” route features shady paths often lined with dry-stone walls; the “through the forest” route links a vineyard, lake and stony paths and is designated for three modes of travel.

Toc Vélos rents mountain bikes, including conventional models and versions for children, as well as electric and hybrid bikes. The offer also includes cycling tours that start from the rental location and follow country lanes and hiking trails. This lets you distinguish the routes, with their stated activities and times, from the rental service’s bicycle types and tours. Check the latest offer details if you plan to include a rental or tour in your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Lalandusse, Castillonnès, Salles, Villeréal, Moncrabeau, Clairac, La Réunion, Le Passage

For the broader travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.