Formerly part of the province of Gascony, the Pays d’Albret is now a natural region in the south-west of Lot-et-Garonne in New Aquitaine.
The oceanic climate of this region makes it a dream destination for lovers of outdoor activities. Moreover, for those who enjoy cycling, we are going to highlight 3 itineraries to do with family or friends in order to discover the most beautiful corners of the beautiful Albret country.
Discover the country of Albret by following the 2 Seas Canal
This 800 km route, which links Royan to Sète, crosses the Lot-et-Garonne on a 87 km section.
From Damazan to Agen, you will go along the Garonne river and make beautiful discoveries. The heritage vestiges, the natural areas and the regional gastronomy will make you spend an excellent weekend with your family or friends.
Passing by the Buzet-sur-Baïse bridge, you officially enter Albret. But don’t leave this pretty town too quickly. Indeed, it is home to one of the most visited places in Lot-et-Garonne: a cooperative cellar. If you choose to visit it, you will discover all the manufacturing processes involved in making the famous Buzet wine.
To be read : Buzet wine producers to discover
Then set off again in the direction of Feugarolles. There, go back in time with a visit to the Château de Trenquelléon. Since you are interested in the history of the region, you can continue on your way and discover the Castrum de Bruch. This reveals aspects of life in the past.
Of course, history is important, but greed is even more so. For this reason, finish your journey and enjoy a break in Montesquieu. On site, you can then discover the 1800 varieties of fruit species of the Conservatoire Végétal Régional d’Aquitaine.
The Baïse cycle route: follow the river
Departing from Barbaste, this cycle route goes up the river Baïse. This river has its source in the Pyrenees before joining the Garonne.
Throughout the route you can retrace the history of Henri of Navarre before he became Henri IV. Moreover, in Nérac, his castle, now a museum, and his bridges mark the life of the former King of France. You can also cross the Parc de la Garenne and retrace the history of his wife, Queen Margot.
Moncrabeau, which overlooks the whole valley, is the last town on the route before leaving l’Albret. But before that, you can enjoy the lovely surprises that this authentic town has in store for you. Don’t miss the “Trône des Menteurs” – the throne of Liars, a famous place where people used to gather to tell stories. Literally and figuratively speaking.
If, after this stage, you decide to continue your journey in the Gers, be aware that this itinerary does not go beyond the town of Condom.
The Scandibérique from Vianne to Mézin
The Scandibérique track is a 5,000 km bike route that links Norway to Spain via Lot-et-Garonne. It crosses the Albret and then takes part of the Canal des 2 Mers route.
From Feugarolles, the path takes the direction of the Landes forest through the regional bocage.
You can start your walk from the town of Vianne. However, don’t leave the premises before you have had a chance to enjoy the fortified Bastide founded in 1284. There you will discover almost intact ramparts, gates and watchtowers. These vestiges bear witness to the town’s medieval past.
Then take the road to Mézin. From this small town at the foot of the Landes forest, you can observe the whole of the Armagnac valley. In the past, the inhabitants of Mézin lived on cork. Indeed, the economy developed around the production of the famous cork stoppers. Moreover, the buildings in the centre of the town still bear traces of the passage of the English during the Hundred Years’ War.
Saddle up to reach the end of the route in the village of Sos. However, before finishing your ride, make a final stop in Poudenas. If you don’t have time to visit the town’s castle, take at least a moment to admire the magnificent panorama from the town’s old Romanesque bridge.
You are at the border of the Albret country when you arrive in the village of Sos. Nevertheless, this town, which overlooks the Gélise and Gueyze valleys, deserves to linger a little while. In his novel La guerre des Gaules, Julius Caesar refers to this Gallic village for its resistance during the Roman invasion.