It's spring: Where to see the first buds?

The starting gun has been fired! It's springtime, and Lot-et-Garonne is bursting into a thousand colors. Even if the sun is still playing hide-and-seek, the trees and flowers are certainly not holding back, adorning themselves with buds and petals. Are you on holiday in Lot-et-Garonne? What a great idea!

Your favorite guide has prepared some great ideas for you to marvel at in this lovely region of the Southwest.

Strolling through beautiful gardens

Gardens are perfect places to enjoy the blossoming flowers of spring. In gardens, you can stroll, relax, let the children run free, and appreciate the tranquility of these spaces where nature is celebrated. Here are a few ideas for beautiful gardens to discover.

• The Water Lily Garden at Latour-Marliac is a remarkable garden in Temple-sur-Lot, offering a truly unique and magnificent stroll amidst 300 varieties of hardy water lilies and other aquatic plants. Wander through the 2.5 hectares of parkland. Currently, the irises are in bloom, followed in May by the water lilies. From June to October, you can admire the tropical and giant plants.

• The Parc du Moulin des Tours is open to the public year-round. Located in the town of Nérac, near the Moulin des Tours and a river, it's a peaceful spot offering a beautiful view of the Pont de la Barbaste. Those with a sweet tooth can bring a picnic and enjoy the wooden tables.

• Open all year round, with free entry, the Medieval Garden of the Running Boxwood (note the pun!) is located in the commune of Sainte-Colombe-en-Builhois. Maintained since 2005 by volunteers, all passionate about the garden, it's a pleasant place for a stroll.
• In Pont-du-Casse, the Darel Botanical Garden offers year-round visits to discover this green space located in the town's former tile factory. A visitor trail and educational panels await you.
• Mireille's Gardens in Auriac-sur-Dropt offer a magnificent collection of roses: old, rustic, colorful, fragrant... A marvel!

TO MARVEL AT THE ORCHARDS IN BLOOM

Lot-et-Garonne is the leading fruit producer in France, and this is evident from March onwards.

• The flowering of the Ente plum trees is the most eagerly awaited spectacle. For about ten days, millions of white blossoms cover the trees that will later produce the famous Agen prune. The hillsides between Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Sainte-Livrade are transformed into a sea of white. It's a short period, but one of striking beauty, ideal for a photographic hike.
• Hazelnut orchards: near Cancon, the hazelnut capital, the trees are coming back to life. The contrast between the tender green of the first leaves and the ochre earth of the bastide country is magnificent.

Exploring the medieval fortified towns of Lot-et-Garonne

The brick and stone architecture of Lot-et-Garonne is wonderfully revealed in the mild spring weather, far from the summer heatwave.

• Pujols and Monflanquin: these two villages, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, are must-see destinations. In Pujols, don't miss the Sunday market under the covered market hall. In Monflanquin, climb up to the " Cap del Pech " to take in the panoramic views of the Haut-Agenais Périgord landscape.
• Vianne, the fortified town: this bastide town has the distinction of having preserved its entire medieval wall. In spring, the banks of the Baïse river that border it are adorned with wildflowers, offering a bucolic setting for a walk along the ramparts.
• Nérac and its castle: The Albret town is truly regal. Stroll through the Parc de la Garenne, following in the footsteps of Henri IV and Queen Margot. The shaded paths along the river are enchanting at this time of year.

Take a deep breath of spring air

The gentle terrain of the department invites a return to physical activity in complete tranquility. The Canal de Garonne Green Way, stretching from Meilhan-sur-Garonne to Agen, is a prime route for those who enjoy slow travel. This safe cycle path is lined with century-old plane trees whose young leaves filter a soothing spring light. At this time of year, the air is particularly clean and river traffic is slowly resuming. It's the perfect opportunity to rent a bike in Buzet-sur-Baïse or Le Passage-d'Agen and enjoy a relaxing day on the water.

River navigation also offers a different perspective on the Lot-et-Garonne landscape. Why not rent a small electric boat (no license required) in Nérac or Casseneuil, nicknamed the "Little Venice of Lot-et-Garonne" ? Navigating the calm waters, amidst budding water lilies and verdant riverbanks, is a profoundly restorative experience. Whether on the Baïse or along the Lot, these nautical excursions allow you to appreciate the silence and the biodiversity awakening after winter.

LOCAL FLAVORS: SPRING ON A PLATE

For food lovers, spring is synonymous with renewal on market stalls.

• The Marmande strawberry (Label Rouge) is the first to arrive! The Gariguette, fragrant and sweet, is the queen of spring desserts. It is even celebrated every year in Marmande.
• Fargues-sur-Ourbise Asparagus: this sandy vegetable, white or purple, is an exceptional dish that you will find on all the best tables in the department between April and June.
• Wines and cheeses: enjoy a visit to the vineyards of Buzet, Brulhois or Côtes de Duras to taste the new vintages, accompanied by a local fresh goat cheese.

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