Parks and gardens of Lot-et-Garonne

Do you need a refreshing or relaxing break? There's nothing better than a park or garden to recharge your batteries in the heart of the city and discover the countryside in a new light.

Lot-et-Garonne is bathed by the waters of the Garonne and Lot rivers. The climate is mild and nature is bountiful. Numerous green spaces allow you to admire the different species of trees, both local and exotic, that grow there. Gardeners showcase their talents and create stunning landscapes. To appreciate a new facet of this department, we're taking you on a botanical journey through its landscapes. Today, we'll lose ourselves in the parks, gardens, and green spaces of Lot-et-Garonne …

Cover photo: The gardens of the Cloister of Marmande.

The gardens of beautiful Marmande and the Garonne Valley

The " beautiful Marmande ", founded by Richard the Lionheart on the banks of the Garonne, has an inimitable charm. You will enjoy bucolic and poetic walks along the river.

• The Cloister Gardens of Notre-Dame-de-Garonne are formal French gardens, laid out in the pure classical style of the 17^th century. You will see beautiful examples of topiary. Full of flowers and shade, you will enjoy a stroll through them as much as admiring their religious architecture.
• On the banks of the Garonne River, the Parc de la Filhole is a family-friendly and well-equipped park. This wooded park features a playground, a picnic area, and restrooms. To please the whole family, you'll also find a fitness trail, a mini-golf course, and numerous walking paths. Around a bend in the path, couples might stumble upon the charming Jardin des Sources (Garden of Springs ). You can extend your stroll to the Garonne beach.
• The Beauchamp Gardens encompass a variety of spaces that will take you on a journey around the world: a Japanese garden, a palm grove, and more. These spaces are beautifully landscaped and architecturally designed. You'll wander from a traditional cottage garden to a woodland, from a patio to a labyrinth, all enhanced by ponds, pools, and fountains. These are private gardens, so there is an entrance fee. They are classified as " Remarkable Gardens." We recommend visiting in the spring, during the flowering season. It's a truly enchanting experience.
• In Casteljaloux, south of the Garonne Valley, the Albret Municipal Park takes you back in time. At the heart of this green space lie the remains of a Renaissance castle, and not just any castle… It was home to Henry of Navarre, before he became our famous King Henry IV. This park perfectly reflects this glorious medieval past and the historic heart of Casteljaloux: grand ancient trees, flower-lined paths, old stones… You'll undoubtedly fall under its spell!

• In Bouglon, the Montfleuri Gardens truly live up to their name. These English-style gardens boast a multitude of flowers, creating a small paradise for butterflies and strollers alike. A sensory awakening awaits you. Scents, colors, and birdsong accompany you on this gentle walk.

The green spaces of Agen and the banks of the Garonne

Agen is crossed by both the Garonne River and the Garonne Canal. The city offers several green spaces to enjoy the cool air or play sports.

• The banks of the Garonne are accessible and offer lovely walks. You'll find a fitness trail, a playground, and marked footpaths. A section is home to the Shad Spawning Ground Nature Reserve. It is therefore a protected environment that should be respected.
• The Garonne canal is bordered by a greenway where you can walk or cycle. It's shaded and runs along the water's edge. It's a refreshing place.
• The Esplanade du Gravier is located on the banks of the Garonne. This garden retains a somewhat old-fashioned charm, with its bandstand, fountain, flower-bordered lawns and beautiful shaded walkway.
• The Square du Pin has been restored, respecting its original character. This typical 19^th century garden winds around its statue of the Marseillaise. It features a lovely children's playground, and its beautiful pathways allow everyone to stroll peacefully.
• Jayan, Chabaud, Labesque and Pompeyrie parks form green oases in the heart of the city. There you will find spaces to relax with your family, with playgrounds for children.

The parks of the castles in the Lot Valley

• In the Lot Valley, in Saint-Sylvestre-sur-Lot, Le Stelsia is a truly magical place! Stepping into this beautiful landscaped park is like entering a fairytale world. Its living sculptures will delight visitors of all ages. On-site, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and games, as well as mini-golf.

• The gardens of Château de Fumel are formal French gardens, classified as " Remarkable Gardens." From the château's terrace, you'll enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Lot River. On the other side, you can admire the château's façade and glimpses of the town of Fumel. In the foreground, elegant lawns, bordered by boxwood hedges, surround a fountain. The wooded parkland extends beyond the terrace.
• The water lily garden at Latour-Marliac transports you to a colorful, aquatic world. The path leads you along the Aze stream, past ponds, pools, and waterfalls, and is enhanced by charming little bridges, a grotto, and shaded walkways. It's a peaceful place, perfect for relaxing and admiring the magnificent water lilies. The museum is also very informative about the garden's history and the species it shelters.

Visit the Dropt Valley through its gardens

• The Boissonna gardens are located in Baleyssagues, not far from Duras, in the Valley of Dropt. These are very poetic, English-style gardens. The overall atmosphere is very gentle, with pastel tones. They could be described as a rose garden, but you'll also appreciate its delicate grasses. Its ancient trees are also worth a visit in these " Remarkable Gardens." While you're there, be sure to enjoy some treats in its tea room.
• Mireille's Garden is located in Auriac-sur-Dropt. It's the perfect place for rose lovers, especially those who appreciate old varieties and roses of all origins and colors. They are showcased in flowerbeds, complemented by perennials and a variety of other trees and shrubs. Stroll through the grassy areas to admire these beauties; come during the blooming season ! Mireille's Garden opens in April, and admission is very affordable. Please call ahead.

Strolling through the vineyards of the Albret wine estates

Albret is renowned for its wine-growing region. In Albret, you can enjoy romantic strolls through what is known as " Little Tuscany," either through the vineyards or along the Canal du Midi greenway. A walk through the heart of the vines is a must!

• In Buzet-sur-Baïse, the Buzet Winegrowers offer wine tourism with all sorts of original activities: electric bike rides, yoga in the vineyards, geocaching trails for children …
• For a change of scenery, the Parc du Moulin des Tours is a wooded area on the banks of the Gélise river. It allows you to extend your visit to Barbaste, renowned for its Moulin des Tours (also known as Moulin Henri IV) and its Romanesque bridge.

This concludes our stroll through the green spaces of Lot-et-Garonne. We hope we've inspired you to enjoy a relaxing break during your next visit to the region.

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