Local specialties and products to try in Lot-et-Garonne

The gastronomy of a region reflects its terroir, its history, and its identity. We invite you to explore Lot-et-Garonne and discover its regional specialties. A gourmet and cultural journey to immerse yourself in its culinary culture, meet producers, and find delicious local products. During this gastronomic getaway, we will travel through the Lot Valley and the Agenais region, famous for its prunes; the Albret region for its Buzet wines and Armagnac; the Garonne Valley for its fruit; and finally, the Dropt region with its Duras wines, and many other surprises.

The famous prunes, from the Lot Valley to the Agenais region

We begin this grand tasting tour with the flagship product of Lot-et-Garonne : the Agen prune. It's actually called "Agen prune," yet it's not produced in the Agen region itself… This prune is cultivated and dried in the Lot Valley. But it was exported from Agen, and it's the name of this major trading city that has remained in history!

Its worldwide renown stems from its versatility: it can be enjoyed in countless ways—plain, sweet in tarts, cakes, or clafoutis, savory in regional dishes, or even in brandy. And it truly is highly prized. The Bretons have embraced it in their far (a type of Breton flan), it's celebrated in Saint-Aubin in September, and it even has its own museum. The Prune Farm and Museum offers a museum tour, a tasting, and its Dédal'Prune, a corn maze (open only in summer), nestled among the plum trees. To meet passionate growers, visit the Ferme du Lacaÿ, a family farm near Penne-d'Agenais.

Hazelnuts from the Lot Valley

The Lot Valley is rich and bountiful, boasting a wealth of delicacies. Among other things, you'll find delicious little walnuts. To learn more about them, near Lacepède, you'll find the Maison de la Noisette (Hazelnut House), with its hazelnut market, children's games, pony rides to explore the farm, tastings, and more. The hazel tree has always been present in the forests of Lot-et-Garonne. It was to complement the Ente plum (the one used to make Agen prunes) that hazelnut production flourished in Lot-et-Garonne. This is especially true in Cancon, the hazelnut capital, which also processes 95% of the hazelnuts produced in France. With similar agricultural equipment and alternative harvest and processing times, it's a partnership that makes perfect sense.

Porcini mushrooms from the forests of Gascony

Nestled between the Dordogne, Gers, Landes, and Gascony regions, Lot-et-Garonne lies at the heart of a golden triangle. From the Lot Valley to the Garonne Valley in Gascony, its forests offer more than just beautiful walks. You'll also find a particularly sought-after product: the cep mushroom !

In autumn, the king of mushrooms is the star of the markets, best enjoyed freshly picked. Searching for and gathering porcini mushrooms is a true pilgrimage in this region: people eagerly await the first blooms, discreetly returning to the spot they scouted last year, where the harvest can be bountiful. This mushroom thrives in damp undergrowth, favoring the tree species of this area, and also needs a bit of warmth to make its appearance. Outside of the season, it is dried or preserved to enhance sauces and other dishes.

Foie gras and other poultry

The foie gras from Lot-et-Garonne is renowned. The poultry (geese or ducks) are raised using traditional methods, fed on high-quality grain (often from the farm). This is a centuries-old tradition in this gourmet region. Lot-et-Garonne is one of the leading foie gras producers in France.

Many poultry farms are located in Lot-et-Garonne. In Frespech, the Ferme Souleilles will explain everything you need to know about this exceptional product in its Foie Gras Museum.

But there's more to the region than just fattened ducks. Lot-et-Garonne boasts numerous poultry farms : chickens, guinea fowl, ducklings… enough to prepare delicious and convivial meals. They are transformed from head to toe into specialties sold in canned or jarred shops: gizzards, pâtés, terrines, stuffed neck, crickets, chicken stew… Plenty to enjoy on the spot or to take home.

Wood pigeon salmis

For a change of pace, discover another bird that is wilder and has a strong flavour. Wood pigeon hunting is a traditional activity in Lot-et-Garonne. Hunters position themselves in blinds, either high up or camouflaged on the ground. You'll see these structures, like hunting stands, at the edge of the woods in Lot-et-Garonne. The birds are then caught with nets. They are enjoyed in salmis or other dishes. In a stew. The wood pigeon is cooked in red wine and accompanied by ceps, hazelnuts and blueberries… It's original and delicious!

Tonneins ham

Tonneins ham (made according to tradition in the town of the same name) is unique in that it is sold canned or served in bowls. It's an original recipe, based on pieces of shoulder and rind, protected by a brotherhood. The ham is sliced and then cooked slowly and slowly with a blend of spices. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, plain or with a mustard sauce, and paired with a Côtes du Marmandais wine. A true delight!

Marmande tomatoes

In the Garonne Valley and Gascony, let's discover another star: the Marmande tomato. Raw or cooked, it lives up to its reputation. It's a juicy and sweet variety, large with firm flesh. In salads, it's a queen that complements all your culinary desires. It holds up well to cooking, so why not stuff it? It's at the heart of many regional dishes. It even has its own festival: the "Tomato Fiesta"!

Strawberries from the Garonne Valley

Gariguette strawberries are cultivated in the Val de Garonne. This renowned variety is eagerly awaited in the spring. In May, Marmande celebrates this sweet little strawberry. A word to the wise: once you've tasted one, you won't be able to stop!

Chocolates

The Dropt region is a haven for food lovers… In Castillonnès, meet a passionate cocoa enthusiast. At the Rody Chocolate Factory Museum, you'll discover all the secrets of chocolate and you can even get your hands dirty… with cocoa, of course, by creating your own chocolate bar!

In Duras, Maison Guinguet also offers its sweet treats combining chocolate with other local products: prunes, hazelnuts…

Our selection of local farmers' markets

Markets are vibrant hubs for living, meeting, and sharing, bringing together numerous producers in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. To help you choose, we've prepared a small selection:

• Villeneuve-sur-Lot knows how to showcase its local producers through three weekly markets : Tuesday and Saturday mornings. The organic market takes place in the Place d'Aquitaine on Wednesdays.

• In Monsempron-Libos, you will find one of the largest markets in the southwest with its 200 exhibitors. It takes place on Thursdays.

• Agen offers several markets: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On Sundays, the "Marché fermier du Pin" (Pin Farmers' Market) is the most popular with locals for its quality products at the best prices.

• Monflanquin is a bastide town with a very old market. It dates back to 1256! It is therefore an institution not to be missed in the Pays du Dropt, every Thursday.

• Finally, Marmande is a must-see. In the heart of the Val de Garonne-Gascogne region, you'll find a wide variety of locally grown produce, including the famous tomato…

Meeting the winemakers of Lot-et-Garonne

We can't let you leave without offering you one last tour of Lot-et-Garonne, in moderation of course…

• Buzet wines are red wines that will subtly complement red meats, such as Aquitaine beef, or typical and tasty dishes like rabbit with prunes.

• Armagnac : its vineyards are located on the border of the department, in Albret. The reputation of this brandy is well established. This is a good opportunity to explore what is known as "Little Tuscany," and also to discover an original aperitif: Floc de Gascogne.

• Côtes du Marmandais : it is especially appreciated as a red wine for its dark fruit flavor. It is made from an old, local grape variety, which gives it its authentic character. Its pairing with river fish, particularly from the Garonne, is surprising!

• The wines of Duras : bordering the Pays du Dropt region, the wines of Duras have joined those of Bergerac in a common appellation, "Vins de Bergerac Duras ". With red, rosé, dry white, and sweet white wines, there's something to satisfy every palate…

• The wines of Thézac-Perricard : in the Lot Valley, a surprise awaits you. An atypical wine estate has charmed some of the world's elite… The sumptuous beverage is known as: the " Tsar's wine "!

• Quercy des Îles : we suggest ending this tour in the Agenais region to discover an unusual and exotic aperitif. Made from a blend of renowned grape juice, Chasselas de Moissac, and rum, Quercy des Îles will transport you…

Our favorite restaurants

From the market to the vineyard, you've stocked up on delicious local produce. Now you need a little inspiration. To combine these delicacies, to taste and appreciate each of these flavors, it's best to consult professionals. It's the perfect time to gather ideas before heading to the kitchen. And why not try a restaurant in Lot-et-Garonne ?

This concludes our tour of the culinary specialties of Lot-et-Garonne. We hope we have revealed a new facet of this beautiful region, inspired you for a future gourmet getaway, and made you want to continue your exploration there with a tasting!

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