Barbaste is a commune in the Lot-et-Garonne department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, 32 km west of Agen.
Its 38 km² territory is "watered" by the course of the Gélise, a sub-tributary of the Garonne which forms its boundary to the east, and the Béas stream.
The locality is located at the crossroads of the Pays d'Albret, a natural and historical region, and the Landes forest. Today, his landscapes still reflect this vocation. It is covered with forests (69% of its area) and various agricultural areas (19%).
Already frequented during Prehistory and then in Antiquity because located on the Ténarèze road which leads from the Pyrenees to the Garonne via Gascony, Barbaste developed in the Middle Ages as a commercial crossroads. The activity there has long been linked to its geography (forests and river), and over the centuries there have been many millers, cork makers, woodcutters...
Barbaste has also remained famous for its heritage, including a Romanesque bridge from the 12th century and especially the astonishing fortified mill on the Gélise, once owned by the future Henri IV and which served as a toll station for bargemen.
Nowadays, the town of 1600 inhabitants is labeled "green station" and seduces visitors and holidaymakers for its extensive leisure offer.
The historic heart of the village is located on the edge of the Gélise, in the northeast of the territory. You can start a discovery tour of the rich local heritage.
The first stage is the Romanesque bridge from the 12th and 13th centuries which leads to Nérac, on the other side of the Gélise. It has ten semicircular arches and on each pier, forepeaks have been fitted out serving as "stations" and allowing the apron to be avoided. Originally, it ended with a drawbridge.
The bridge, listed in the Inventory, leads to the fortified mill of Barbaste (also called "des Tours" or "Henri IV"). Although located on the bank opposite the village, it is considered to be established in the two communes of Barbaste and Nérac. This astonishing building was erected from the beginning of the 14th century, and had a double vocation. Wheat was produced there but its fortifications also made it a point of defence. Property of the Maison d'Albret and therefore for a time of the future Henri IV, it became a toll castle in the 16th and 17th centuries. Square in plan, with square towers with crenellations at the corners, it was bought in the 19th century: enlarged by a warehouse, a residence is attached to it and the site then regains its milling vocation, the flour being exported to the West Indies. Production ceased in 1905 but the monument, listed in the Inventory, restored after the Second World War, has retained all of its cachet. Property of the two municipalities, it is open to the public from Easter to All Saints' Day. Information on +33 5 53 65 27 75.
To see next, the parish church of Notre-Dame, erected in the 19th century and the Château Faulong (built in the 16th century for the Intendant of the hunts of Henry III who became commander of the Tours du Mill, and partly divided in 1841).
In the hamlet of the same name, to the north-west, the church of Saint-Jean Baptiste de Lausseignan (15th century then remodeled) and to the south-east the church of Sainte-Quitterie (12th and 13th centuries), in the hamlet of Béas, both protected, have preserved remarkable decorations or elements of medieval architecture.
In another register, this overview of heritage can finally include the dovecote of Lacazeneuve, and, to the east of the territory, the funeral alley of Passage-de-Serbat, a prehistoric monument unearthed in the 19th century, of which five megalithic slabs and an ancient tumulus remain. Elements of funerary furniture are still kept in the Nérac museum.
In terms of culture, activities are offered regularly at the library (information on +33 5 53 65 48 79). In addition, the town has a real theater whose programming (concerts, plays, galas and associative shows) proves to be of quality throughout the year: contact +33 5 53 65 51 38.
Finally, craftsmen (pottery, porcelain, etc.) have their workshop in the village and contribute to its character and vitality.
As far as "nature" and sports leisure is concerned, tennis courts are to be reserved (join the club on +33 5 53 97 31 48), and fishing is authorized on the Gélise river and the Béas stream (inquire on +33 6 67 74 73 79).
For all audiences, the Cap Cauderque center is located in the south-east of the town, which notably offers tree-climbing courses, a paintball area, but also canoeing and archery: open on weekends and during school holidays. Information on +33 5 53 65 52 74.
To the north of the town, the Albret golf course is based, which has an 18-hole course of 5810 m (par 72) designed by the architect Jean-Louis Péga. Between valleys and forest, it is appreciated by beginners as well as experienced players. Training and catering facilities are available. Price: from 58 euros. Information on +33 5 53 97 26 22.
Finally, it remains to take advantage of the many marked hiking trails that cross the town, some along the rivers, others being dotted with plots of vineyards dedicated to the production of wines from Buzet and others, of course, allowing you to discover the richness of the Landes forest... Circuits are also dedicated to mountain biking or include routes to Nérac and Agenais. Maps and information on +33 5 53 65 27 75.
These landscapes can also be the subject of pleasant horseback riding: contact the Lou Chibaou equestrian center on +33 6 37 47 67 33.
