Discover Seyches

Seyches offers several points of interest to help you plan your trip: the architectural and artistic history of the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a former market hall with a regular market, and a walking trail through the Bois des Rivailles. Consider which aspect matters most for your stay—the historic buildings in the village or the countryside and its lakes in the Marmandais region.

Church and surviving town gate

The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste was listed as a historic monument in 1998. It was rebuilt at the end of the 17th century with three naves and a flat-ended choir. The three naves divide the church interior into longitudinal sections; the choir ends flat rather than in a curve. These surviving architectural features provide a clear starting point for exploring the church’s architecture.

The artwork inside the church is also clearly identified: a 1936 painting in the choir depicts the beheading of John the Baptist. It was painted by Carlo Masutti, an Italian-born artist. Drapery and faux-marble decorations complete the interior. The subject of the painting and the decorative elements offer two different ways to explore the church’s history—through the scene depicted and through the treatment of its surfaces.

The only surviving fortified town gate in Seyches stands directly beside the church. This gate is the sole survivor of the village’s four former entrances; in the 17th century, it was converted into a bell tower. The church and gate therefore stand side by side, yet connect different aspects of the village’s history: religious architecture and former fortifications. Anyone interested in the village’s historical development will find a shared point of reference here, without conflating the two buildings.

Market hall and Friday market

The restored market hall was formerly a calf market hall. A traditional market is held beneath it on Friday mornings throughout the year. If you would like to include a market visit in your stay, you can plan for Friday morning; check the schedule again before your trip. The hall and the recurring market are connected, but are distinct aspects: one reflects the building’s former use, while the other is a regular feature of village life today.

Walking trail in the Bois des Rivailles

Away from the village’s history, a walking trail through the Bois des Rivailles leads to numerous lakes in the Marmandais region. The woodland is also home to many palombières. This trail therefore brings together a clearly identified landscape destination and a distinctive feature of woodland use.

Access to the countryside may vary seasonally. Check the conditions for the walking trail before your visit. When choosing a hotel in Seyches, you can use these two themes as a guide: the church, town gate and market are suited to a focus on local and cultural history; the trail is for travellers who also want to explore the countryside of the Marmandais region.

Discover more destinations: Labretonie, Tayrac, Beauville, Salles, Clairac, Saint-Caprais-de-Lerm, Montaut, Masquières

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