Tournon-d'Agenais


Tournon-d'Agenais is a commune in the Lot-et-Garonne department in south-western France.

History

Tournon-d'Agenais was found in 1271 by the Philip III, King of France from 1270 to 1280 and son of the King Louis IX, commonly known as Saint Louis.
At the heart of the urban planning in this Bastide is the typical central square with stone houses above arched stone arcades. This reflects the planners’ intent to create a vital place for social and commercial exchanges among the new residents. In addition, the halle, the town house and the maison of Bayle are located in this central square, showing a centralization of municipal institutions. In the center of the square there is also the town wall, which was a symbol of a major struggle during Middle Ages for ample supply of water. The castle of Tournon d'Agenais destroyed in 1212, was noted by the English in 1283 and played an important role during the Hundred Year War. In the other side of the main square, a few streets away, there is the bishop's house called 'Abescat'. This was built during the 13th century and was the parish Church of Tournon until this church was destroyed during the French Wars of Religion.