Francescas is one of those typical towns in the Albret region. Situated at the gateway to Gascony, on the edge of the Landes forest and the Garonne valley, this picturesque village has all the charm you need for your trip to Lot-et-Garonne. What are the must-see tourist attractions in Francescas?
Tourism Francescas : what to do ?
A rural town, Francescas is a town that you can discover in the space of a day. With its markets made up of stalls filled with local fruit and vegetables, its dazzling panorama and its unique museum, this commune of New Aquitaine has some great surprises in store for you.
Walking around in Francescas
A traditional bastide in Gascony, Francescas was founded by King Edward I of England in 1286.
Built around a church and the market square, which is still today the nerve centre of the town, Francescas is a town that must be visited on foot for an afternoon.
During your walk through the town, you will have plenty of time to admire the church of Our Lady of Francescas and to take a stroll around it. With a fabulous nave with several side chapels, the religious building has been renovated several times (16th and 17th century) and is now open to the public.
Situated 13 km from Nérac, the capital of the Albret region, Francescas has much to enchant you with its medieval streets and its museum.
The Tin Can Museum
For the more curious, Francescas has a museum for the least peculiar. It is the tin can museum.
Situated in a house that was renovated in the 20th century and whose 16th century facades have been preserved, this place houses a collection of tins that are unique in the world.
Formerly luxury objects, these boxes are now advertising media that originated all over the world.
At the same time, the Francescas Tin Box Museum hosts seasonal exhibitions that you will have the opportunity to discover during your stay in the bastide.
The museum is open all year round from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 12.30pm.
La maison de la Hire
A vestige of the Middle Ages, this house would have belonged to Étienne de Vignolles dit La Hire.
A French man of war, he would have fought alongside Joan of Arc and would have participated in many battles.
Although damaged at the end of the Middle Ages, this medieval house leaning against the ramparts of Francescas has preserved its volume and interesting features which are worth seeing! Among these elements are :
- A double bay
- A chimney with a conical hood dating from the Middle Ages
When to travel to Francescas?
Situated in the south-west (Lot-et-Garonne), a region appreciated for summer tourism, Francescas has, thanks to Agen and Nérac, a seasonal tourist activity.
However, on the busy side, this commune in the Albret region remains relatively quiet throughout the year and you can go there whenever you want.
On the other hand, if Francescas is one of the stops on your trip to discover Gascony, we advise you to visit the Garonne region around April-May-June. You will avoid the rush of summer while enjoying the mild spring.
Accommodation
There are very few places to stay in Francescas.
For those who wish, the guest house “Au bout du monde” welcomes you to make a stopover or spend a few days in complete tranquillity.
This village hotel-restaurant, located in the centre of Gascony, remains a choice address for its price.
With its 5 rooms, the bed and breakfast “Au bout du monde” can accommodate up to 10 people.
Otherwise, a large number of establishments offer their guest services in the surrounding area :
Where to eat in Francescas?
In addition to serving as a bed and breakfast, the “Au Bout du Monde” guest house offers a copious catering service.
In addition to offering excellent dishes, the restaurant’s table service is very welcoming and promises you a good time.
The ideal place to take a break during your sightseeing session in Francescas!
How to get to Francescas?
The bastide of Francescas is crossed by 3 departmental roads (D137, D112 and D232).
From Nérac, it takes a little more than 10 minutes to get to this typical Gascony village. To do so, you have to take the D232 which will take you directly to the centre of the village.
If you are leaving Agen, it will take you about half an hour to get to Francescas. You will need to take the D656, the D294 and then the D137.