Discover Frégouville: Motte, church and cycling route

Frégouville brings together Gallo-Roman and medieval local history with a cycling route through the Gers hills. The motte, the history of the fortress and the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste offer different historical perspectives; the 29-kilometre Au fil de la Save route adds a practical perspective on the route itself. This gives you different points of interest to consider when planning your trip to the area.

Historical traces in Frégouville

One early landmark is the Motte de Frégouville. It was a Gallo-Roman earth mound that helped travellers find their way as they journeyed through the region. At the beginning of the 19th century, the motte was about 20 metres high and had a circumference of 400 metres. It was surrounded by a ditch 9 to 12 metres wide. These measurements describe its condition at the time. Weapons and Roman pottery were discovered during the motte’s final removal in 1953. Its height, circumference and ditch give an impression of the former structure; the finds add archaeological evidence to this architectural perspective.

The history of the Château fort de Frégouville takes us into another era. Around 1200 to 1230, Bertrand de Marestaing, Seigneur de Marestaing, made it possible to build a fortress in Frégouville on the site of a small Romanesque church. The Gallo-Roman motte at the centre of the Château fort served as a bell tower. The local history thus brings together an older earth mound and a medieval fortress, while keeping their different dates distinct.

The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a 14th-century Gothic church with a bell-gable tower. Its windows are also precisely located: two Gothic windows are on the north side, two on the south and three on the east. The associated stained-glass windows depict Saint Justin, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Augustine, Saint John the Evangelist, John the Baptist, the Virgin Mary and Saint Germaine. The window arrangement and the figures depicted are two distinct aspects of the church.

There is also a trace of the area’s fortification history in the village’s surroundings: as recently as the mid-20th century, the fortifications could be identified by the ponds around Frégouville. This account broadens the view beyond individual buildings to encompass the village’s historical layout.

The Au fil de la Save cycling route

The 29-kilometre Au fil de la Save cycling route passes through Frégouville between Monferran-Savès and Castillon-Savès. It starts with a shady section along the Save, then climbs into the Gers hills. Along the way, the route offers changing panoramic views. Its distance, riverside section and hilly landscape are the specific features you can consider when including this cycling route in your trip plans. Check the local signage before setting off.

Cultural history or cycling route?

There are two distinct options to consider when planning your trip: Frégouville’s history can be explored through its earth mound, fortress, church and archaeological finds; the cycling route covers 29 kilometres and alternates between the banks of the Save and the hills. If you are looking for hotels for a stay in Frégouville, these themes can help guide your choice of destination. For a cultural and historical focus, the buildings and local history are key; for a cycling trip, consider the Au fil de la Save route and its changing landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Bretagne-d'Armagnac, Castillon-Massas, Ayzieu, Gimont, Couloumé-Mondebat, Gaujan, Gensac, Seysses-Savès.

For the main travel overview: Gers.