Ask the Tonneinquais if you should pronounce the “S” in Tonneins on a day Brive market, is to engage you in a debate that is as tasty as it is lively. Nowhere in Lot et Garonne will you find residents who are more proud of their town, their history, their River and their legendary rugby union team!
From the old royal tobacco factory at the esplanade Saint-Pierre, promenade of the quays Asked rocks of Reulé, the Tonneinquais suits you for a trip along the water and time. Until that time not so long ago when there were two cities here: “Tonneins-Dessus” and “Tonneins-Dessous”. This is why the name of this city, both plural and unique, can or cannot be said with an “S”.
Barrels and tobacco, a story like no other…
Long marked by the history of tobacco with its manufacturing (affectionately called “La Manu” by the old Toninquais) which reached its peak in the 80s before stopping at the turn of the year 2000. The city today proudly looks towards its future without forgetting its past. A tobacco circuit has been set up with 6 panels installed in the city to understand the link between the city and this agricultural production which has made the city rich. Each panel is provided with a QR code which leads to the relevant page of the site Tonneins Museum. You will find in front of the town hall, the starting point of the circuit which also provides information on the key dates of the city, its heritage, its personalities…
- Panel 1: Start of the circuit at the Manufacture des Tabacs, in the city center.
- Panel 2: Place Armand Chabrier (in front of the CCAS), where in June 1956 a tobacco store caught fire.
- Panel 3: Quai de la Barre, in front of the Royal Tabac Manufacture.
- Panel 4: 'l'Esquillot' relaxation area: towing bench and Laperche Farm.
- Panel 5: Crossing path towards Les Roches and road towards Saint Germain beach: tobacco dryer.
- Panel 6: Site of Roches de Reculé, silent witness for centuries to the transport of numerous products (among others, tobacco) on the Garonne.
The rocks of Reulé
From the right bank of the river, upstream of the town, the Roches de Reulé block the river with their dark mass. Here the water rushes in cascades, bursts into foam or swirls madly over the gaps and roughness. In short, a true paradise for adrenaline lovers in kayaks and canoes. If the wisest will take the old bypass channel, it is from the bank that the less daring will enjoy this unique spectacle of this Garonne thwarted in its course towards the ocean.
See Tonneins in painting and not only…
Tonneins, a colorful city where Graff is king. Every two years, Summer Day takes over the city for Street Art frescoes, created by the best graffiti artists in the country. To discover the city's graffiti trail where if you are simply wondering what Graff is, we will spot the most beautiful specimens for you to discover on foot in less than 1h30.
To celebrate the rebirth of the factory, closed for 23 years, of which the town of Tonneins is now the owner, the portraits of toninquais and residents of Val de Garonne have been displayed on its walls since June 25, 2023. These are the faces of those and those who love MANU who have worked inside it, lived alongside it... The opportunity to stroll around a building steeped in history with a different perspective while waiting for its next transformation and to discover another form of Street Art.
Tonneins, activities for everyone!
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