Sérignac-sur-Garonne: Bastide, Church and Canal Routes

The Bastide and Church as Historical Landmarks

Sérignac-sur-Garonne can be explored through two themes: the history of the bastide and the routes between the Canal de Garonne and the Garonne River. The bastide was founded in September 1273 without fortifications. The 11th-century church occupies a central position in the town’s layout; its distinctive design is described as “à enveloppement.” The founding of the bastide and the central church belong to different historical periods, offering two perspectives on the town’s history.

Notre-Dame is a Romanesque building, constructed as a single-nave church at the beginning of the 11th century. In 1062, the church was transferred to the Cluniac priory of Layrac. Its construction, the transfer and the founding of the bastide mark different milestones: the year 1062 belongs to its ecclesiastical history, while 1273 marks the founding of the bastide. If you are interested in the town’s history, these dates can be placed in a clear chronological order.

Architecture and Heritage

The Manoir de Menjoulan offers another architectural feature: its rectangular main building is arranged at an angle, and a dovecote is incorporated into the residence. This description highlights both the building’s shape and a distinctive feature of its design. Together with the church, it offers a glimpse of different architectural forms without treating the two buildings as equivalent.

The choir of Notre-Dame houses a statue of Saint Saturninus. This carved, polychrome-painted wooden work dates from the 17th century and has been protected as a movable cultural asset since 11 July 1990. The date and the protection status refer to different aspects: the century places the work in its historical context, while the date in 1990 indicates its protected status.

Another heritage feature is the helical bell tower, considered unique in Aquitaine and rare in Europe. Visits are possible in summer and by request. Check locally in advance if you would like to include the tower in your plans.

Walking and Cycling by the Canal

The walking route between the Canal de Garonne and the Garonne River crosses a plain where orchards and poplar groves sit side by side. Along the canal, the route follows the newly developed Voie Verte. This section of the route therefore focuses on the landscape and the connection between canal and river—a different emphasis from the town’s historic buildings.

Sérignac-sur-Garonne is also part of a cycling route called La Cyclo'Nature: it runs from Saint-Romain-le-Noble through Sérignac and on to the Albret. Along the route, there are bicycle racks, manual repair and inflation stations, and charging stations for electric bicycles. These facilities are near places to eat or rest. The main difference between the two routes is their focus: the walking route between the canal and the Garonne on the one hand, and the cycling route connecting Saint-Romain-le-Noble, Sérignac and the Albret on the other.

By the Water and on the Trail

The Sérignac-sur-Garonne Nautical Station offers moorings for eight boats. Water and electricity are freely available there. During the season, a harbour office with a large shower is also available at the entrance to the town. If you plan to use this seasonal facility, check the latest details in advance.

The municipal stopover accommodation on the Canal de Garonne welcomes travellers by bicycle, on foot or on a pilgrimage; it is close to the Voie Verte V80. If this type of accommodation suits your trip, check availability in advance. This lets you choose your destination based on your plans: historic buildings, a walking or cycling tour, or a stopover by the canal.

Discover more destinations: Lagarrigue, Tonneins, Dausse, Salles, Agen, Clairac, Tournon-D'agenais, Varès

For the broader travel guide: Lot Et Garonne.