Port-Sainte-Marie: Churches, History and the Garonne

Port-Sainte-Marie lies between a river and a hillside. The Garonne shapes the landscape, the town’s history and various activities on the water. Churches and medieval lanes, views across the plain, guided tours and walking routes offer different ways to enjoy your stay.

Churches and historic traces

The historic townscape includes three churches and medieval lanes lined with numerous fountains. The Église Notre-Dame de Port-Sainte-Marie was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It contains monumental Neo-Gothic frescoes and a processional boat associated with the town’s boatmen and Sainte-Catherine. The church’s construction history, frescoes and processional boat reveal different aspects of the local heritage.

The Couvent des Jacobins and the history of the Knights Templar are also among the town’s historic themes. The Couvent des Jacobins was founded as a monastery in the 14th century and occupied by Dominican friars. As early as the 13th century, Templars from the Commanderie d’Argentens near Nérac settled in Port-Sainte-Marie. After receiving a donation from a local resident, they built a house and a church there. The Templar settlement and the later-founded Dominican monastery therefore represent two distinct periods.

The Église de Saint-Julien is a medieval church; it was altered and raised in the 19th century. Its esplanade offers views across the Garonne plain. The Église Saint-Vincent-du-Temple is open year-round by appointment. If you would like to visit this church, arrange your appointment in advance and check access information before travelling.

Guided tours and routes

Dalila Benachir offers guided tours of Port-Sainte-Marie covering Gallo-Roman remains, medieval heritage and lanes full of anecdotes. Depending on the subject, tours last one to two hours. Individual visitors can join in groups of four or more; groups are also welcome. Confirm booking and group conditions before you arrive. The range of topics lets you choose a tour that suits your interest in the town’s history.

Walking routes in Port-Sainte-Marie offer panoramic views across the Garonne plains and of the neighbouring towns of Clermont-Dessous and Bazens. The circular route “Port-Sainte-Marie, carrefour historique” passes architectural landmarks, follows the banks of the Garonne and takes in the chemin de ronde. Check the conditions for the route before travelling.

The Tèrra-Aventura route “Jeux de marins, jeux de vilains!” offers a different focus: it is themed around maritime heritage, is 2.5 km long and takes two hours. The two routes therefore have different themes: the circular route passes architectural landmarks and follows the Garonne, while the Tèrra-Aventura route is dedicated to maritime heritage. Check the route status and app availability before travelling.

The Garonne as landscape and transport route

Water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are available on the Garonne in Port-Sainte-Marie. The river is also part of the area’s historic transport geography: a Roman road ran through Port-Sainte-Marie and Clermont-Dessous and crossed the Garonne at the Thouars ford. These are two distinct connections: water sports on the river and the historic river crossing at a ford. Together with the views across the Garonne plain, they give your visit a cultural as well as a scenic focus.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Colomb-De-Lauzun, Tourliac, Le Passage, Sos, Saint-Salvy, Castelnaud-De-Gratecambe, Ferrensac, Dévillac.

For the overview of the wider area: Lot et Garonne.