Following in the footsteps of the most beautiful villages of Lot-et-Garonne, this is the challenge of Trois jours de Bastides

They were a small group of diligent hikers, recently retired, and sometimes newly arrived in Villeneuvois, who crossed paths frequently on the marked paths of the department. Having become walking comrades, wanting to share their passion with as many people as possible, they had the idea of ​​creating an event with an enlightening name:…

They were a small group of diligent hikers, recently retired, and sometimes newly arrived in Villeneuvois, who crossed paths frequently on the marked paths of the department. Having become walking comrades, wanting to share their passion with as many people as possible, they had the idea of ​​creating an event with an enlightening name: “Three days in the country house”. At the origin of the project, Jean-Damien Charrier, a keen walker, who had experienced an event that had existed for twenty-five years and brought together thousands of people in Vendée, called “Quatre jours en Chantonnay”: “We’re in for it is inspired to implement it in Lot-et-Garonne with the desire to discover our most beautiful bastides,” explains Patricia Gesrel-Manet, volunteer in charge of communications.

And to carry out the project, the Rando Découverte association was created in the fall of 2023, equipped with an office and around twenty members. This Saturday, May 18, the first edition of “Three days of bastide” will begin and will offer different circuits until Monday, May 20, with a departure and arrival under the Villeréal hall: “The municipality immediately followed us years ago. “adventure,” says the communications officer. To welcome people, we have the François-Mitterrand village hall and the racecourse car park. »

Beginners or serious athletes

Different routes are offered suitable for all levels of hikers, including beginners. Saturday and Sunday, 42, 21 or 10 kilometers were marked. On Monday, only the 21 and 10 kilometers will be organized: “For safety reasons, in particular,” explains Patricia Gesrel-Manet. All routes have been tested and will be marked by us, so that hikers can walk in complete safety, including along the road. »

Some routes make incursions into the neighboring department of Dordogne: “If the meeting is set in Villeréal, those registered will be transported by bus to the starting points of the circuits. We set up up to six bus rotations, at different times in the morning,” explains Patricia Gesrel-Manet. Castillonnès, Monpazier, Biron Castle, Cancon and Monflanquin are among the landscapes crossed by the different routes.

The Rando Découverte association wanted to add added value to the rather sporting event by adding a musical touch with groups scheduled every afternoon. Pop, rock and folk will therefore accompany the warriors’ rest, from 2:30 p.m., “a time when everyone should have finished their circuit,” adds Patricia Gesrel-Manet.