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| Rick reluctantly posing by the sunflowers |
Yesterday we drove to Lavaur, a small village just a few kilometres away. The name of the village comes from the Gallic word for ravine and this place is famous for the Fountain of the Three Bishops, a place where the borders of the old ‘counties’ of Perigord, Quercy and Agenais meet. In all the years we have lived in the Perigord we have never actually visited this place before.
The walk was enchanting, walking alongside the path with steep limestone cliffs on one side and sunflower fields on the other, then into the shady woodland of oak, chestnut and ferns. Sadly the stream was dry and we weren’t able to see the fountains flowing but they are clearly marked. Legend tells us that the bishops of Agen, Cahors and Sarlat would dine at the fountain, each seated in his own diocese. This custom was revived in 2006 and the bishops continue to meet every Easter Monday at the Three Bishops Fountain.
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| Paul and Rick sitting on the dry river bed |
We stopped at the old washhouse and then continued past the ruined watchtower of the Knights Templar. There were two more fountains, the Fountain of Marty and the Fountain of David, but alas no more than a trickle of water. We really must return after some heavy rainfall.
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| the old 'enchanted' wash-house |
Rick spotted a deer ahead and nearly pulled Paul off his feet as they charged after it. We climbed the path up towards the village, not very much there apart from a ruined chateau, the Mairie and a few houses, but magnificent views across the valley. Then back down the steep road to where we had parked the car. It was a delightful walk and I’m just surprised that we have never discovered this place before.
How lovely! As you say you must go back there in another season. It sounds like a magical place.
ReplyDeleteIt was a beautiful walk, and not too much climbing either so easy on the knees.
DeleteIs this Lavaur in Tarn or a different place? I thought I would look it up as it sounds interesting but the Lavaur I found was bigger than a village. Where ever it was you went looks like a nice find.
ReplyDeleteNo, this is another Lavaur. Probably listed as Lavaur Perigord or Dordogne. There is a story about the wash house too but I'm having trouble finding out about it - something about evil fairies or singing washer women at night.
DeleteVery often the best of sites to visit are off the beaten track and involve walking a fair distance.
ReplyDeleteYes you must return after a good down pour and take photo's of the Springs.
I think it will be spectacular when the stream is in full flow.
DeleteWe used to go there when Monty was with us, he loved the stream, wash house, etc. We always had the place to ourselves too, which was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIt's delightful there isn't it.
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