7 Wonder of the Region - Jan/Feb 2020

There is something special about a cold, crisp sunny day and a walk around a wonderful village or town. Here we continue our guide to the Seven Wonders of the region. Happy days!

Surrounded by hiking trails and with a beautiful hillside view, AJAT in Dordogne is home to the 12th-century St Martin’s Church. Once occupied by the Templars, it has an imposing 25m bell tower and, inside, the paving covers many tombs, including that of Francis de Hautefort. A beautiful 1527 dwelling, once a relay on the route to Santiago, can be found nearby along with the Church of St Bartholomew of Bauzens which was built around the year 1000 and is one of the oldest in the department.

Ajat, Dordogne

Old houses, narrow streets, a castle and ramparts sum up the village of BAZIAN in Gers. Overlooking the Mouliaque tributary, the village is approached by a square porch tower on four-levels, typical of the Castelnau-Gascon style.

The church dates back to at least the 11th-century

and the village boasts buildings transformed in the 16th and 17th-centuries with overhanging turrets and ancient openings. Keep your eyes open for relics as the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa were recently discovered some 300m from the village.

Bazian, Gers

Pinnacles and needles flank the bell tower of L’Eglise Saint-Martin-de-Serres in the small village of LAMOTHE-LANDERRON in Gironde.

Built on a Roman-Gallo site

and originating from around the 12th-century, this stunning church was rebuilt some 400 years later, following the Wars of Religion. Now an historic monument, it is certainly worth a visit, especially if you are a lover of architecture. Situated in la Vallée de Garonne, it's an ideal place to relax and take a break during a bike ride or walk in beautiful countryside.

Lamothe-Landerron, Gironde

Make sure you stay late or stay over when visiting CARLUCET in Lot. In the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy, it's the perfect place to take in the stars during winter.

Known as the black triangle of Quercy,

the nature reserve has the darkest of nights with no light pollution from towns, villages and roads. A village of true character, it features pretty houses, and a quaint lavoir amongst its historical streets. Why not pick up a copy of “Histoire de Carlucet Depuis Sa Renaissance” from the Mairie while you are there?

Carlucet, Lot

It may be a small town but TAYRAC in Lot et Garonne has had a big past. Don’t miss the Cross of the Devil, a menhir (standing stone) which, at 2.60 high and 1.75m wide, is the largest in the department. Built in the 12th-century and now an historical monument, L’Eglise de St. Amans contains two 16th-century vaulted chapels dedicated to St Anthony and St Catherine. The north chapel also bears the arms of the Sorbier, lords of Tayrac.

Tayrac, Lot et Garonne

Sat on raised ground with panoramic views, the tiny village of BRASSAC in Tarn et Garonne has not one but two listed historic monuments. Built in the 12th-century as a fortified house with defensive walls and a moat, the Château de Brassac became more and more like a fortress over the 13th and 16th-centuries.

Practically destroyed in the Hundred Years’ War,

L’Eglise du Saint-Severin now features a carved entranceway and a pointed bell tower, thanks to improvements made during the 16th and 19th-centuries.

Brassac, Tarn et Garonne

The healing waters of the Saint-Sernin and Laurier fountains

await you at LABEGE in N. Haute Garonne. Stop off at Maison Salvan and take in the contemporary art exhibits from national and international artists. In addition, enjoy the fountain sculpture and imposing maison de maître, complete with its 1906 solar lantern, in St Bartholomew’s Square. Listed as an historical monument in 1977, the Bouysset pigeonnier dates back to the 1700’s, whilst L’Eglise Saint-Barthélemy was rebuilt in the 19th-century.

Labege, N. Haute Garonne

The Local Buzz is the only A4 glossy magazine and comprehensive website covering these departments. Lifestyle focused, the magazine is informative, fun and highlights what’s on in the region. Looking for a local business, more listings of what’s on, articles, blogs and local information? Then visit our website at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

By the way, if you can’t pick up a copy, every issue can be read on the website at www. thelocalbuzzmag.com/ read-online, and postal subscriptions are available.