Ancient Buildings in Lot et Garonne and Dordogne

Dolmen

There are various dolmen in the area. Interesting to see (but not often renovated into luxurious accommodation!) Along with prehistoric cave paintings they provide a fascinating glimpse of life in another time.

Pigeonnieres

There are many pigeonniers in the north of Lot et Garonne, some remarkably elaborate. The common feature is the 'legs' that support the building, constructed in such a way that rats and vermin can not enter. This one is very close to Villereal.

Maisons en empilage

Reputedly built during the hundred years war, maisons en empilage (literally 'piled up' since they are made of large wooden beams piled one on the other), there are several of these houses in the area. This one is near Villereal and has featured twice recently in magazines celebrating the patrimony of France.

Note that the tiled roof here is not original - there would have been a roof of thatch or straw.

Communal Bread Oven

This communal bread oven at Urval is still fired up once a year for the village fete.

Colombage

Colombage is a technique that was used for buildings in the region over many centuries, for grand townhouses, small farm buildings, and everything in between. The structure uses a wall in stone at ground level, to protect the wood from the water, and then a wooden frame with the upright struts filled with a mix of manure, straw and clay - called torchis. The wall was then covered with lime for protection.

Nowadays the wood is usually left visible for aesthetic reasons but this is not the original appearance of the building.

Issigeac