Picnicking in Lot-et-Garonne: the best spots in the region

The warmer weather is approaching, bringing with it nature getaways and gourmet outings ! A picnic! What a wonderful idea! Especially since Lot-et-Garonne is full of peaceful spots where you can spread out your blanket. Whether in the heart of nature or by the water, what a pleasure it is to have lunch outdoors when the weather permits.

A well-stocked picnic basket

Picnics go hand in hand with delicious food, especially in this region rich in specialties that delight you with seasonal produce all year round! In its picnic basket, the Lot-et-Garonne Guide opts for summer products:

• Gariguette, Charlotte, Ciflorette or Mariguette strawberries, all Label Rouge;
• The Marmande tomato, juicy as can be;
• The delicious fruity melon from starter to dessert;
• The Agen prune, also known as the prune of Agen, can be enjoyed plain or in pastries.

Sandwiches, salads, quiches, or tarts —plenty of recipes are easy to prepare and simple to pack for a successful picnic in Lot-et-Garonne. And for dessert, don't forget the tourtière ! Delicious apples cooked in brandy, layered with pasta and pieces of crisp pastry.

A picnic in the heart of nature

Between its rivers, plains, and rolling hills, Lot-et-Garonne is a region prized by nature lovers and those who appreciate wide open spaces. The five distinct areas of Agenais, Albret, Pays du Dropt, Val de Garonne, and Vallée du Lot offer numerous spots for a gourmet break, such as:

• The Aire du Moulin in Montpezat, located near the mill, features large picnic tables and a playground. Easily accessible via a hiking trail (even with a stroller), it offers breathtaking views of the Lot Valley.
• The Coulon rest area, in the direction of Cancon and Monflanquin, is a 100% natural place where grassy areas border a body of water.
• A unique picnic In Monbalen, a gourmet getaway under a transparent dome in the heart of nature.

A picnic in a park or garden

There is no shortage of spots surrounded by greenery in Lot-et-Garonne, but if you are short of ideas or if you want to combine discovery with gourmet delights, here are some parks and gardens that will satisfy your need for calm and nature.

The Boissonna Garden in Baleyssagues

Awarded the "Remarkable Garden" label, this magnificent space nestled between vineyards and hazelnut orchards is a true haven of peace and tranquility. The splendid rose garden, boasting over 500 varieties, is breathtaking in its color and fragrance, while the pathways reveal Mediterranean plants, remarkable trees, and numerous birds roaming freely. A picnic area allows you to enjoy lunch in the heart of this wonderful garden, which also features a tea room where you can savor homemade pastries and brunch on Sunday mornings. (Open from mid-April to the end of August).

The Royal Park of La Garenne in Nérac

A true gem of the Albret region, it is open to the public year-round. This little jewel, bordered by the Baïse River, is magnificent with its colorful flowerbeds, charming groves, shaded path, and small bridges that add a bucolic touch to this peaceful place. Created in the 16th century by Jeanne d'Albret and Antoine de Bourbon, it was listed as a historical monument in 1909 and today offers families, walkers, and joggers a tranquil setting to enjoy nature in the heart of Nérac. Picnic areas and playgrounds perfectly complement this little corner of paradise, ideal for a relaxing day outdoors.

The Passeligne Natural Park, or Agen Garonne Natural Park

Located in the commune of Boé on the banks of the Garonne River, this park near Agen is a vast 60-hectare space comprised of 30 hectares of land and 30 hectares of water, including the Passeligne and Pélissier lakes. Nature walkers and cyclists alike will find 14 km of trails to enjoy, but be aware that flooding regularly blocks the path around Lake Passeligne. With football pitches, volleyball courts, and pétanque courts, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained, along with three children's playgrounds and an orienteering course. Enjoy your lunch at the picnic tables and make the most of a beautiful day outdoors.

A picnic by the water in Lot-et-Garonne

Shady or cool spots are most often sought after during the warmer months. That's why the Lot-et-Garonne Guide offers you a non-exhaustive list of places to picnic by the water:

• The Rogé Municipal Base in Villeneuve-sur-Lot is open all year round. Bordering the Lot river, it is ideal for relaxing and having a meal before renting a canoe in the summer.
• Lake Damazan on the site of Lake Moulineau allows you to swim (supervised swimming in summer) and fish, but also to have fun during a game of mini-golf, a match of tennis, cricket or volleyball.
• Lake Lougratte boasts a fine sandy beach, perfect for laying out your towel. Swimming is supervised in the summer, and numerous activities are available: water slides, pedal boats, canoes, fishing, beach volleyball, tennis, basketball… Pack your picnic basket or bring your own food for grilling; barbecues are available for your use.
• Marmande beach, open in summer from 2 pm to 7 pm, is ideal for swimming, with a beach area on the banks of the Garonne River, in the heart of the Plaine de la Filhole. Picnic areas and children's play areas make for a lovely day out in the fresh air.
• The Clarens Lake Leisure Centre (please note, there is an entrance fee from mid-June to the end of August) is magnificent with its fine sandy beaches surrounded by pine forests. More than just a picnic, it promises a fun-filled day with a multitude of activities: treetop adventure courses, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboarding, canoes, paintball, archery tag, flyboarding, Segway tours, a water park in the heart of nature, a fitness trail, orienteering courses, fishing, and a casino.

Of course, if you walk or cycle along the Garonne, you will have many opportunities to take a gourmet break in a privileged setting by the water, even if there are no tables to sit on.

Picnicking in Lot-et-Garonne, a pleasure to be repeated all summer long !

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