Four days in the Lot-et-Garonne : The useful and detailed Guide!

Lot-et-Garonne is a beautiful region, marked by its history and its geography. Between the Lot, its main river and the Garonne, its river , it is a rich land that has attracted many desires and personalities. Whether it is Richard the Lionheart, Jeanne d'Albret or Henri IV, each has left traces of his passage and his love for these green valleys. Whether you are a lover of old stones, a gourmet visitor, or contemplative in front of these beautiful landscapes, we offer you three attractive four-day escapades, around three emblematic cities: Agen, Marmande and Castillonnès.

Opening :  @ thieury / Adobe Stock

From Agen

We start our first circuit to discover Agenais and the Lot Valley . Of course, we settle in Agen, prefecture of Lot-et-Garonne. Its tumultuous history promises us great surprises. Many delicacies await us there… The famous prunes of course, but not only. The vineyards, around the Lot, will offer you in particular beautiful tastings of the wines of Buzet.

Day 1: Agen

A visit to Agen is essential. You walk through its historic center, along its medieval streets, with its half-timbered houses. Beautiful monuments are open to visitors, including its Museum of Fine Arts , in a former mansion. Large Haussmann boulevards and its beautiful shops are also at your disposal to have fun. Are you looking for an original and typical gift idea? The Quercy des îles is an aperitif made from grapes: the famous Chasselas de Moissac. Are you tempted? Follow us for a walk in Agen .

If you want to know more about the famous prunes, you will have to make a detour through the Lot valley. In Granges-sur-Lot , is the Maison du Pruneau . Visiting the museum will teach you everything you need to know from operation to collection, to the manufacture of products. And to finish on a gourmet note, a tasting is offered. If you're with your family, don't leave without having tested the corn maze, with themed games and quizzes. A final good plan for the road: there is a reduction card on two other sites: La Maison de la Noisette and the Musée du foie gras .

  Agen Photo : AdobeStock JackF-Agen

Day 2: a journey through time

Between the Lot valley and the Agenais, we take you back in time. It dates back to the Gallo-Roman to Villascopia, a large spa area of the ^4th century. We made our first stop in the Middle Ages, in the impressive country house of Puymirol . Its elongated plan is not common and its magnificent panorama of the surrounding plains deserves to linger. Then take a break in Beauville to admire its medieval castle . Go to the fortified village of Frespech , to see its castle and its Romanesque church. We are back in our time, at the Musée du foie gras (ticket combined with the Maison du Pruneau and the Maison de la Noisette).

Day 3: a tour of the beautiful villages

We head south to discover beautiful villages. We make a first stop in Moirax , with its Romanesque church and its Cluniac priory. Then, we climb to the perched village of Laplume for a beautiful walk along its ramparts. Atypical fact, the village has three wash houses. We end up in Astaffort, the town of Cabrel. To not miss anything of its rich heritage, you can follow the signs of the historic route : Porte Corné, bell tower, chapel, church and fortified house ...

Le village de Moirax © AdobeStock Vouvraysan

Day 4: in the heart of Jeanne's country

And to finish this first circuit, we go to the Albret . The town of Nérac is reputed to be the “ pearl of Albret ”. You can easily spend the day there, browsing its medieval quarter with its half-timbered houses or strolling by the water. The Moulin des Tours de Barbaste is also a magnificent site. And why not treat yourself to a barge cruise … Prince Henry's Cruises offer you various options and meals on the water. To organize your boat trip, here is our report . It's hot ? The Ludoparc welcomes you in an antique decor to cool off and have fun in its ponds, lagoon areas or rivers ...

You can also end the day in Buzet-sur-Baïse. The green way runs along the canal for a bucolic walk. If you prefer to pedal, Aquitaine Navigation rents bikes and all the appropriate equipment . For a fun outing, Les Vignerons du Buzet do wine tourism with all kinds of original activities: electric bike ride, yoga in the vineyards, geocaching course, tasting ,… Here is our report: In the essence of the vines… You can also find them on Nous les Vignerons du Buzet . Are you a wine lover? Our article on the 5 vineyard tours in Lot-et-Garonne for wine lovers will give you good addresses.

Buzet

From Marmande

For this second circuit, we take you to the heart of the Val de Garonne et Gascogne . We could not choose any other starting point than the " beautiful Marmande ". Founded by Richard the Lionheart, on the banks of the Garonne, it owes its opulence to this river. Since Gallo-Roman times, this land has charmed more than one. You will surely find your happiness to browse it.

Day 1: Marmande

First stop: Marmande , the city of tomatoes ! This market garden capital can be enjoyed without moderation! Her mother land made her rich. It therefore has a beautiful architectural and cultural heritage. Here is an overview in our article on the city .

To immerse yourself in winegrowing culture in an original way, in Beaupuy, the Cave du Marmandais offers you an escape-game on the theme of wine . You will be offered a tasting, if you manage to escape, of course ...

Marmande Photo : AdobeStock Akela

Day 2: A heritage tour

Let's go for a loop: Le Mas d'Agenais, Tonneins, Gontaud de Nogaret. Le Mas d'Agenais began its history in Roman times, but you will also find some nice latest pieces, including a Rembrandt of the ^17th century! We continue towards the charming village of Gontaud de Nogaret : its market hall, its cloister, but above all its flower plain. Do not miss to visit this original farm of fresh and dried flowers. We complete our tour with Tonneins : the bridge over the Garonne, the ferryman's house, and its public garden, remarkable for its exceptional trees.

Whether at Mas d'Agenais, Tonneins or Lagruère, AMI Garonne offers you a river trip , just as pleasant as it is instructive. A natural curiosity not to be missed: In Nicole, between Aiguillon and Saint-Léger, is the confluence of the Lot and the Garonne.

In the area, you can also offer yourself a tasting to discover the different grape varieties at the wine-growing castle of Moncassin.

Day 3: Along the Garonne

We suggest you let yourself be carried away by the current. We make a first stopover in Couthures sur Garonne. A fishing village, then a toll castle on the Garonne, the life of the “people of the Garonne” is punctuated by the river. How to deal with the whims of nature, the floods and other anger of the river? This passion for the tumultuous Garonne through the centuries, is passed on to you by the “Fous de Garonne”. Come and visit this unique place that will be very popular with children!

Dated 12 ^th century, Meilhan sur Garonne is an old English castle. On a rocky promontory, this fortress, at the time is said to be impregnable. But today it offers you a beautiful panorama over the valley. For good products, take a little tour of the Rucher du Pigeonnier .

These villages are located on the banks of the Garonne. So why not discover them directly on the water! The side canal at the Garonne is bordered by the green way. Lined with trees and shaded, the promenade is dotted with locks. The navigation is particularly easy and pleasant. In Fourques-sur-Garonne, Émeraude Navigation offers boats without a license . Do you prefer dry land? They will also rent you bicycles to enjoy the cycle path .

For a tasting of the wines of this terroir, go to the Cave du Marmandais in Cocumont .

Canal latéral Garonne source : AdobeStock Nicolas-St-Germain

Day 4: Royal Bastide of Miramont de Guyenne

Symbol of the royal bastide, Miramont de Guyenne is a witness to the Hundred Years War . Alas, it was destroyed but retained its typical plan. Its bright streets are really lovely.

If you want to discover the region in a different way, let yourself be tempted by a ride in the Garonne valley. The Ranch de Bel Air welcomes you for internships, hikes, horse or pony rides.

Miramont de Guyenne

From Castillonnès

For this third and final journey, we set off to storm the bastides of the Pays du Dropt . In this period of peace, these “ most beautiful villages in France ” welcome you with open arms. Castillonnès is located at the northern limit of this territory and will allow you both to discover this generous terroir and to make a leap of faith towards the Périgord pourpre and the Bergeracois.

Day 1: Castillonnès

We start with a visit to Castillonnès . Abbey, central square, Museum of History and Heritage, the city is not lacking in finery. But if you want something else and if you are greedy ... we suggest a meeting with a cocoa enthusiast. He shares his secrets with you and you will delight your ears and taste buds at the Chocolate Museum of the Rody Chocolate Factory . Fun, interactive and creative, this museum will awaken all your senses. And you can even get your hands dirty… with cocoa of course, by creating your own chocolate bar.

Day 2: on the circuit of the bastides

Lauzun is an ancient ducal city that cannot be ignored on this circuit. The walk will naturally lead you to the castle and its magnificent facade . Cancon is the “ Capital of Hazelnut” . You will be able to make a visit there, a tasting and some very tempting purchases. But it is also a medieval village with its ramparts, its old houses and its market hall. For a quick visit, see our article .

After gluttony, a bit of sport, do you like it? Near Cancon, is the Lougratte lake . You will enjoy a moment of relaxation at the edge of the water with supervised swimming in summer and a sandy beach to make beautiful castles with the children, good fishing spots, a playground and sports fields : volleyball, pétanque, or sports course.

The city of Lauzun

Day 3: To know everything about the bastides

Monflanquin is one of the " Most beautiful villages in France ". You will be able to see the House of the Black Prince, the hall or even browse its medieval streets.

Are you wondering what the bastides were for? What was daily life like in these fortified towns in the Middle Ages? The Bastides Museum will answer all questions from young and old on the subject. The visit is fun with models, an interactive game and activities for children.

If you want to extend the route, you can go to Château de Bonaguil or Château de Gavaudun . Or at the Bernard Palissy Ceramics Museum.

Monflanquin

Day 4:  

For this last day of the last tour, we take you outside the limits of Lot-et-Garonne, for a foray into Périgord Pourpre. At the exit of the department, you can visit the Château de Biron and the Bastide de Monpazier .

A little further, to familiarize yourself with the Dordogne, go to Duras, to taste the wines of Bergerac .

On the way back, take a stroll in Villeréal to admire its fortified church , rather original with its two towers.

Villeréal,

Lot-et-Garonne is a region rich in tourist activities. There are so many other things to do there and we could tell you a lot more, but four days is short… We wanted to give you a quick overview of the region, that's it! We just have to wish you a good stay, 4, 8 or 12 days or many long weekends… It's up to you!

Do you want to know more: its geography, its history…? Thanks to our page on Lot-et-Garonne, you will know everything about the region .

To organize your stay more easily, discover our “Around me” option: Our geolocation service helps you find nearby tours and activities, a restaurant or your accommodation .

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Guide du Lot et Garonne.