VILLAGE OF BANASSAC

The village of Banassac is located at the confluence of the Urugne and Saint-Saturnin rivers, which flow into the Lot here. You will notice the unique architecture of Banassac: the frequent use of ferruginous sandstone, which gives it its characteristic red color. Even in Gallo-Roman times, this vicus was famous for its production of sigillata pottery, which was distributed throughout the empire. Later, during the Early Middle Ages, in the 6th and 7th centuries, the town of Banassac became an important minting center for the Merovingian kings. It is said that 10% of European collections of Merovingian coins were minted in Banassac. However, the town's economic decline began around the 7th century, as the Saint-Martin de la Canourgue monastery developed, gradually giving rise to a new settlement. The small archaeological museum located in the town hall retraces this remarkable past.