Highlights of Lot-et-Garonne - South West France

Join us as as Richard cycles from our home in Temple-sur-Lot to Villeneuve-sur-Lot on the Hitway BK9s — taking in bastide towns, riverside views, cobbled lanes, and a bit of history along the way. We visit Sainte-Livrade, Casseneuil, and Villeneuve, with a few surprises in between — all while putting this beast of a bike through its paces. 🏰 History, 🧺 markets, 🚲 e-bike comfort, and the unmistakable charm of the Lot Valley. 🎥 Filmed on location in Lot-et-Garonne, southwest France. ⸻ 📍 FEATURED LOCATIONS: • Temple-sur-Lot: Founded by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, this riverside village still echoes with medieval history. It’s home to Latour-Marliac — the water lily nursery where Monet bought his famous lily's. • Sainte-Livrade-sur-Lot: A 13th-century bastide town with an elegant arcaded square, a grand church, and a layout designed for commerce and control. Its prosperity is still visible in the architecture and street plan. • Casseneuil: A peaceful riverside town with timbered houses and winding medieval lanes. The open-air Théâtre de Verdure, built in 1915, once hosted music and performances beneath the trees — a reminder of the region’s cultural heart. • Villeneuve-sur-Lot: Founded in 1253 by Alphonse of Poitiers, this bastide played a key role in the Hundred Years’ War. Repeatedly contested, it grew into a wealthy trading town — its bridges, arcades, and fortified layout still standing today. 🛍️ BONUS – Fongrave Night Market: A warm and lively celebration of rural life. Across the river is Fongrave with it's Food stalls, live music, dancing, and fireworks. making this weekly night market one of the valley’s summer highlights! ⸻ 🛠️ ABOUT THE BIKE: The BK9s from Hitway is a 250W electric fat tyre bike with a 48V 16Ah battery, dual suspension, and Shimano 7-speed gears. Built for rural terrain, cobbled lanes, and gentle tracks, it offers a smooth and stable ride — ideal for exploring the French countryside without too much effort. It includes front and rear lights, a compact toolkit, a built-in padlock, and a removable battery for easy charging. 💬 Want to know more? Drop us a question in the comments or visit: EU Store: https://hitway.eu/products/bk9-electr... UK Store: https://uk.hitway.eu/products/bk9-ele... Use code MR30 at checkout for £/€30 off. ⸻ 🏞️ ABOUT THIS JOURNEY: We set off early from Temple-sur-Lot, cycling through orchards, shaded lanes, and old river routes. Each town reveals a different layer of the region’s story — from religious commanderies to wartime memorials and open-air theatres. The route reflects the slower rhythm of life here — one shaped by seasons, markets, and the spaces between. ⸻ 🌿 CYCLING IN THE LOT VALLEY: This is cycling at its best: no racing, no pressure — just empty roads, rich views, and time to stop wherever curiosity takes you. The BK9s made even rough paths feel effortless, and the ride reminded us that in France, beauty often lies just off the main road. ⸻ 🧭 REFLECTIONS ON THE ROUTE: Each village we passed through holds its own rhythm — not just in architecture, but in daily life. The clink of coffee cups in shaded squares, the scent of warm bread drifting from open doors, the sound of bells or birdsong as we pedalled slowly by. This wasn’t just a ride — it was a window into how history, community, and nature blend in this part of France. The slower pace allows the details to rise: old shutters worn smooth, lichen-softened walls, a smile from a stranger, or the echo of footsteps behind a chapel. We came home with tired legs, a sun-dusted memory card, and that calm you only get from a day outdoors in good company. ⸻ 🌤️ WHY WE KEEP FILMING: This project isn’t just about where we go — it’s about what we notice. We film the ordinary, because in places like this, the ordinary is often extraordinary. If you’ve ever dreamed of a quieter life, of reconnecting with what matters, we hope these small journeys feel like a gentle invitation. There’s no script to this move — we’re learning as we go. But between the pedalling and the pastries, we’re building something that feels real, and worth sharing. ⸻ 🎵 Music: Licensed via Epidemic Sound 🎬 Subscribe: @Maria_and_Rich_Newlifeinfrance 🌍 Come stay with us: https://villa-la-rive.com/ and join in the fun! 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more slow travel, real stories, and our new life in France.