The hilltop location, beautifully restored houses, Neo-Byzantine Notre-Dame-de-Beyragude Basilica (built between 1897 & 1948, it may remind you of the Sacré-Coeur in Paris) and artists’ workshops make this one of the most attractive villages in the Agen area. Climb via a labyrinth of staircase alleys past medieval houses up to the Peyragude spur (‘sharp rock’ in Occitan). On the way up, take in the views: over the Boudouyssou Valley (an affluent of the Lot), rooftop Villeneuve-sur-Lot, the Quercy hills and Ferrassou Castle. Penne’s hilltop location may offer spectacular views but it didn’t protect the locals much. Simon de Montfort and his men attacked in 1212, during the Hundred Years War. There was another onslaught in 1562 during the Wars of Religion.

Notre-Dame-de-Beyragude Basilica was built on the site of earlier chapels, commemorating a miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary. Join the pilgrims to this sacred spot on the 15th of August each year.