Visit Verdun sur Garonne

A video visit to the small village of Verdun sur Garonne in south west France.

Today it is a quiet village, but steeped in history, with beautiful walks and abundant wildlife – come and have a look around with us.

Verdun was once a fortified port, fom the 13th century up to the French Revolution it was one of the biggest ports on The Garonne river between Agen and Toulouse. The present clock tower, built in the 14th century is on the site of the old fortifications and the site of the portcullis is still visible inside the arch of the tower.

Most of the old buildings date from the 14th to the 19th cenury – the 13th century church of St Michel has a 17th century organ inside, both are classed as historic monuments, along with a lead baptism font from the 14th century.

Just nearby is the 17th century wooden market hall, which is used mainly for art exhibitions and musical concerts in summer – the market is now just in front of the clock tower on Fridays.

Verdun was an important port for wine from the Gascony region, which could be transported on the river, and later the canal du midi (only 3 kilometers away) to Toulouseand up to Bordeaux – although most Bordelais wouldn’t touch any wine that didn’t come from Bordeaux…