Mayrinhac-Lentour: Bonnefont Marsh and Architectural History

Mayrinhac-Lentour is an ideal destination for a trip that gives equal weight to nature and architectural history. Bonnefont Marsh represents the protected wetland; the Moulin de Vergnoulet, the Château de Lentour and the Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens each offer a glimpse into different chapters of the town’s history.

Bonnefont Marsh: lowland bog and reed bed

The Bonnefont Marsh Regional Nature Reserve is located in Mayrinhac-Lentour and covers 42 hectares. It is a protected and regulated natural area, as well as a rare alkaline lowland bog with a peaty character in the Lot department. It is also home to the largest reed bed in the Lot department. The two regional comparisons refer to different features: the bog type is rare, while the superlative applies to the reed bed.

From the A20 motorway, you can reach the marsh via exit 56 at Labastide-Murat. The route then goes via Gramat, the D807 and the D60 to Mayrinhac-Lentour; from there, the area is signposted. As road layouts may change, check the route before setting off.

Moulin de Vergnoulet and the tradition of milling

The water-powered Moulin de Vergnoulet in Mayrinhac-Lentour has been producing flour since at least the 18th century. It is the last mill still operating on the Alzou. Its equipment includes two pairs of millstones powered by water, as well as a third pair that is occasionally driven by an electric motor. In addition to its long tradition of milling, the mill has another interesting feature: water-powered millstones and a pair that is occasionally driven by electricity stand side by side.

Château and church: different building phases

The surviving residential building of the Château de Lentour dates from the reconstruction after the Hundred Years’ War. It cannot be dated to a single year: the date ranges from the second half of the 15th century to the beginning of the 16th century. The fortifications are flanked on the east by two round towers with loopholes. The château is privately owned; take this status into account when planning your visit.

Different building phases can also be seen at the Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens. Only the choir survives from the 15th-century building. The nave and the two large side chapels were built during the reconstruction of 1855–1856. This means medieval origins and a 19th-century rebuilding stand side by side. A medieval sarcophagus discovered during construction work is displayed against the wall of the nave.

Everyday life at the Conservatoire

The Conservatoire d'outils anciens is divided into five sections, each dedicated to one of five themes from everyday life in the past. This thematic arrangement offers a way to explore the local collection through different aspects of daily life. Visits are available for groups of at least eight people by prior appointment. If you would like to include a visit in your stay, bear in mind both the group size and the need to book in advance.

Discover more destinations: Vaylats, Baladou, Valroufié, Fontanes-du-Causse, Larnagol, Labastide-Murat, Saint-Martin-Labouval, Martel

For the broader travel overview: Lot.