Savenès is a commune of Tarn-et-Garonne, in the Occitanie region, 25 km south-west of Montauban, on the edge of the Haute-Garonne.
The territory of the locality, with an area of 22.5 km², belongs to the natural region of Lomagne, north-east of the former province of Gascony.
Crossed by the small course of the Nadesse and its tributaries, the town is located on the left bank of the Garonne, from which it is distant only a few hectometres.
Savenès was also under the Ancien regime a stronghold dependent on the lords of his neighbor Verdun-sur-Garonne, before passing under the control of other families. The commune of Savenès was only created in 1901.
The history of this fief and its parish was marked by the Hundred Years War. A first village called Caujac was destroyed, and a second village was then rebuilt near the present castle of Savenès, from which it took its name. As for the new church, it was erected on the site of the previous one.
Savenès which now counts nearly 800 inhabitants still lives from agriculture and viticulture (wines of Saint-Sardos appellation). Its heritage (several castles) and its green environment are its prime assets near the major tourist sites of Occitanie.
Several buildings in the area deserve to mark a walk in the form of discovery of its historical heritage.
This is the case of the Church of the Assumption, built in the fifteenth century by the monks of the abbey of Mas Grenier and that of Grand Selves. Classified in 1934, it has a rectangular plan and there are external buttresses that support the building. Lateral chapels were subsequently arranged between each buttress. The access door is located in amazing a steeple wall. There remains only one copy of the carved capital columns which were located on each side of the portal. Although the church was partially burned during the Wars of Religion, carved and painted wooden panels of Baroque influence were preserved inside. There is also a high altar in eighteenth century marble and a wrought iron lectern of 1787. As for the vault, it is decorated with paintings of the nineteenth.
On the religious level, still to see also, the chapel Saint-Fort high in 1836. Although modest, it houses a reliquary shaped bust dedicated to this saint known to have been the first bishop of Bordeaux.
Regarding the historical heritage, the castle of Savenès also said Chateau de la Salle is the jewel of the town. Built in 1660 in the heart of a winery on the foundations of an old stronghold with a wall that served as a refuge for peasants, the castle, partly classified, still has a main building flanked by two wings, opening on a beautiful courtyard. The old moats have been drained but remain visible. A time property of a Toulouse prosecutor then the Du Barry family, the castle is now rented for receptions. Information on +33 5 63 64 33 71 or +33 6 04 43 75 31.
Another notable building that can be seen on Savenès is Arailh Castle (also known as Fourcaran), built in 1645, which has a central brick structure and a noble facade with two square towers with aliasing. Dovecotes and a mill of the nineteenth century are nearby (the old "common"). Beautifully restored, the site is unfortunately not open to the public.
Castle Trauquebise, which remains a farm, or many dovecotes or fountains are also included in this course.
In addition to these built heritage elements that highlight the red brick, the rural landscape (vineyards, wooded areas) can give rise to many hiking. Some routes include incursions to the banks of the Garonne. Documentation and information on +33 5 63 64 35 19.
Equestrian rides for the youngest are also possible. Contact the pony club of the village at +33 5 63 02 79 76.
Finally, a game of tennis is possible by reserving a court on +33 (0) 5 63 64 91 45 and the fishermen have every leisure to practice their hobby by informing on the +33 5 63 63 01 77.
