5 festivals not to be missed in Lot-et-Garonne

As soon as the good weather arrives, Lot-et-Garonne transforms into an open-air stage. Here, the festive spirit is second nature, inherited from the convivial traditions of the Southwest.

From the ramparts of medieval fortified towns to the shaded banks of the Lot River, culture is everywhere. Whether you're an electronic music enthusiast, a jazz lover, or a family eager to share moments together, the department is sure to have an event for you.

Between international programs and human-scale festivals, get ready to be thrilled! The Lot-et-Garonne Guide has selected the major events for you: follow the guide, we'll take you to the heart of the Lot-et-Garonne excitement.

1. The unmissable Garorock in Marmande

The major gatherings kick off from June 26th to 28th, 2026, on the Filhole plain in Marmande. A true institution in Southwest France, born 30 years ago, Garorock has evolved to become one of the biggest European festivals, while retaining its free-spirited DNA. Its greatest strength lies in its " total immersion " format: here, people don't just come for the concerts, but to experience the giant campsite, its funfair, and its electrifying atmosphere.

It is an event that aims to be intergenerational and hybrid, capable of bringing together rap fans, hardcore rockers and electro fans around monumental stages.

Between sets, the festival offers sports activities and relaxation areas, turning the plain into a veritable ephemeral city.

The lineup for this 2026 anniversary edition is particularly anticipated with the arrival of the iconic Gims, the global DJ group Major Lazer, as well as the unmissable Bigflo & Oli and the rapper PLK.

How to get to Garorock?

Marmande train station is your best ally: it's just a 15-minute walk from the entrance. For drivers, carpooling is recommended, and follow the signs to the designated parking areas on the outskirts of town.

Where to sleep?

For accommodation, the festival campsite is the heart of the event. Access is reserved for holders of 2-day, 3-day, or "Warm Up" passes. 1-day ticket holders have access to a dedicated area from 12 pm on the day of their concert until 11 am the following day.

Where to eat during the event?

On the food front, you can enjoy the on-site food trucks offering gourmet burgers, specialties, pizzas, and local produce.

What is there to do in the surrounding area?

If you need a break between concerts, Marmande and its surroundings offer superb escapes. Enjoy Marmande Plage in the heart of the Filhole district for a supervised swim in the Garonne River, or find refuge in the absolute tranquility of the Cloister of Notre-Dame and its gardens right in the city center. For a more adventurous getaway, rent a bike to cycle along the Canal de Garonne under the plane trees, or venture as far as Mas-d'Agenais to admire Rembrandt's famous painting. Finally, for breathtaking views, the Château de Duras is just 25 minutes away.

2. Experience theatre at the Festival in Villeréal

From July 1st to 5th, 2026, theatre will take over one of France's most beautiful fortified towns. A Festival in Villeréal is a unique artistic adventure where theatre companies establish residencies in the heart of the village. Performances don't take place in traditional venues, but rather in barns, private gardens, schoolyards, and medieval squares. It's an immersive and welcoming event, breaking down the barriers between artists and audiences.

The 2026 program offers contemporary creations, daring performances and reinvented classics, making every street corner a potential stage under the July sun.

Go to the Festival in Villeréal

To get there, a car is the most convenient option. Villeréal is about 30 minutes from Villeneuve-sur-Lot. From Villeneuve-sur-Lot, a regional bus line provides daily service between the two towns. Once there, everything is within walking distance of the bastide's narrow streets.

Where to stay?

For sleeping, numerous accommodations are available to welcome you and allow you to experience the festival more closely.

Where to eat?

In the Place de la Halle, there is no shortage of café and restaurant terraces. They surround the 14th-century medieval market hall. In the summer, you will also find night markets featuring local producers where you can sample regional products.

What to do near the festival?

Take advantage of the festival to explore the "Land of Bastides." Just 15 minutes away, discover Monflanquin, listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," with its incredible panoramic views over the valley. For a major historical excursion, the Château de Bonaguil, the last of the great fortified castles, is a must-see, only 30 minutes away. Finally, for a refreshing break, head to Lac de Lougratte for an open-air swim after a morning at the theater.

3. The festivals of Agen

The festivities will be in full swing on August 28th and 29th, 2026 in the streets of Agen. More than just a festival, the Fêtes d'Agen (formerly known as the Grand Pruneau Show ) is an urban celebration that transforms the entire city center into a vast performance space. Its key difference? An " à la carte " festival concept where concerts by national stars in the Place de la Mairie (Town Hall Square) are juxtaposed with completely free street performances and giant tastings.

It is an event that aims to be popular and unifying, bringing together all generations around the city's emblematic fruit.

The lineup for this 2026 edition is a big hit with a 100% hit lineup: the tireless showman M. Pokora, the talented Louane, the sunny Jérémy Frerot and DJ Yann Muller to keep the crowds dancing until the end of the night.

How to get to the demonstration?

Agen train station is the ideal gateway. Located just a 5-minute walk from the first stages, it allows you to arrive in the heart of the festival without any stress. By car, the A62 (exit 7) takes you to the city limits. As the city center is pedestrianized, use the park-and-ride facilities (Parc des Expositions or Gravier) and the free shuttle buses.

Where to stay?

For sleeping, you will find hotels for all budgets around the city centre.

Where to eat during the festival?

For food, the stalls at Plateau Gourmand offer local specialties at affordable prices. Don't miss the prunes in all their forms!

What to do in Agen and its surroundings?

The Prune Show is the perfect opportunity to explore Agen. Take the chance to visit the Museum of Fine Arts and its Goya collection, or admire the paintings in Saint-Caprais Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For an adrenaline rush, Walygator/Aqualand water park is just a 10-minute drive away. Finally, for a refreshing break, nothing beats a bike ride on the Canal Bridge, one of the longest in France, which spans the Garonne River.

4. Albret Jazz Festival in Nérac

The royal city of Nérac will be pulsating to the rhythm of swing from September 11th to 13th, 2026. Nestled in the enchanting setting of the Parc de la Garenne, along the banks of the Baïse River, the Albret Jazz Festival has become, in just a few years, the most elegant event of the late season. Its defining characteristic? A perfect balance between a top-tier international lineup and a relaxed garden-party atmosphere. It's an event that aims to be hedonistic and welcoming, where people come as much for the quality of the brass instruments as for the beauty of the listed site.

The 2026 program promises exceptional moments with artists exploring the boundaries of jazz, soul and blues, under the centuries-old trees that once sheltered Henry IV and Queen Margot.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Nérac is located approximately 30 minutes from Agen. During the festival, a large free parking area is specially set up. From Agen, you can also take a bus that will take you to the entrance of the Parc de la Garenne.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN NEARC?

For accommodation, you have a choice: rooms in private homes, hotels, youth hostels… The city has no shortage of accommodation to welcome festival-goers.

WHERE TO EAT?

At the heart of the festival, a dedicated space brings together winemakers from Albret and local producers (foie gras, duck breasts, cheeses) for 100% local food.

WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO SEE IN NÉRAC?

Nérac is a heritage gem. Don't miss a visit to Henri IV's castle or a narrated barge cruise on the Baïse River to discover the town from the water. For food lovers, the Moulin des Tours in Barbaste is a spectacular site just a 10-minute drive away. And to extend your relaxation, lose yourself in the paths of the Parc de la Garenne all the way to the royal fountains, a place steeped in legend and romance.

5. A touch of jazz in Marmande with Jazz et Garonne

The Jazz et Garonne festival will unfold its program from September 26 to October 11, 2026, for an edition dedicated to excellence. Far from the grandeur of stadiums, this festival focuses on intimacy and acoustics. It's a skillful blend of international headliners at the Théâtre Comoedia in Marmande and concerts held in the most beautiful villages in the surrounding area. This event, which aims to be demanding yet accessible, attracts both seasoned music lovers and those curious to discover jazz in all its forms (swing, gypsy jazz, vocal, or modern).

The 2026 program promises suspended moments with world-renowned artists and gems of the French scene, making Marmande the regional capital of jazz for a week.

How do I get there?

Marmande train station is ideal. The Comoedia Theatre, the festival's vibrant heart, is less than a 10-minute walk from the station. By car, access is direct via the A62 (Exit 5). Parking is easier than during Garorock: the post office car park or the train station car park are recommended.

Find accommodation in Marmande

Accommodation is simple. As the festival is in the heart of Marmande, all you have to do is check out the hotels, bed and breakfasts and youth hostels to find a place.

Where to eat?

For a delicious meal, there's nothing like meeting the locals and letting yourself be guided by the sweet aromas.

What to do in Marmande?

The Jazz et Garonne festival is the perfect excuse to discover the heritage of the Garonne Valley. Treat yourself to a cultural break in Mas-d'Agenais to admire the Rembrandt, or meet the winemakers of the Côtes du Marmandais AOC for a tasting (in moderation). For a bucolic stroll, the village of Meilhan-sur-Garonne offers a spectacular panorama of the valley from its hilltop. It's the perfect time to savor the gentle pace of life in the Lot-et-Garonne region during the off-season.

Festivals near Lot-et-Garonne: La Pagaille Festival and Jazz in Marciac

To continue this summer with music, two events outside the department are worth the trip.

• The Pagaille Festival in Bordeaux : this event is creating a buzz by welcoming the legendary band The Cure to the Quinconces esplanade on August 28, 2026. Located less than an hour by train from Marmande, it's a unique opportunity (and one that may never happen again!) to applaud Robert Smith and his band without having to travel across France.
• Jazz in Marciac : this iconic festival celebrates music from around the world for three weeks between the end of July and August. Swing music fills the air on every corner, and festival-goers are constantly on the dance floor. Many renowned international virtuosos love to attend. Whether you're driving from Agen or Nérac, you won't be disappointed by the trip to the heart of Gascony.

In 2026, Lot-et-Garonne and its surroundings will have you dancing non-stop. Each festival promises unforgettable memories under the Southwest sun.

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