Visiting Agen in winter: our 5 good reasons to discover the prune capital!

Are you staying in Lot-et-Garonne? We'll reveal our 5 best reasons to visit Agen ! This city break is one of the must-do activities of winter. A visit to Agen is essential to discovering Lot-et-Garonne. This prefecture is also an important economic capital of Aquitaine. Located on the banks of the Garonne River, it boasts a pleasant environment that invites you to a bucolic stroll along the water and past its historic buildings. We'll take you on a cultural, historical, and artistic tour of the beautiful city of Agen.

Our 5 good reasons to visit Agen

1) Take a stroll along the banks of the Garonne to the port of Agen

To explore the city, we suggest a stroll along the water, punctuated by various points of interest. The Agen Canal Bridge is a truly remarkable architectural feature not to be missed. This Quercy stone bridge, built in the 19^h century, is part of the Garonne Canal and has been used since 1847 to carry boats over the river. At its entrance, there is a waiting basin and a lock system. It provides access to the Gare du Pin port. A walk along the canal quays takes you across the canal bridge, offering magnificent views of the Garonne, and ends at the port. You can extend your walk into the historic city center.

2) Stroll through the historic city center of Agen

Situated on the banks of the river and in the heart of an agricultural and wine-growing region, Agen is a prosperous city that thrives on its river trade. Many merchants settled there in beautiful homes, resulting in an architectural heritage spanning all periods. Here are a few streets to include in your city tour:

In the historic city center, there are many medieval alleyways, lined with half-timbered houses, including Beauville, Émile Sentini and Cornières streets.
The rue des Augustins leads you from the Saint-Caprais cathedral in Agen to a charming public garden, on a small square at its intersection with the rue Puits-du-Saumon.
The central square is renowned for its beautiful private mansions.
To discover another period of history, stroll along the grand Haussmannian boulevards of Agen: the Boulevards de la République and Carnot.

If you'd like a more detailed look at the city, join us for a stroll through Agen. And if you get tired, use the self-service electric bike rental service: Tempo vélo.

3) Visit the Museum of Fine Arts

Its strategic location has fueled covetousness throughout its history. The city has long been torn between the Bordeaux region and the Toulouse region. These influences have shaped its culture and its artists. The Agen Museum of Fine Arts is housed in a complex of four Renaissance-style mansions. It displays a collection of over 3,000 works.

4) Admire the religious heritage

The Rocamadour pilgrimage route passes through Agen, and its religious heritage is therefore remarkable. We highly recommend visiting Agen's Saint-Caprais Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.

Its Gothic style and striking decoration leave a lasting impression on visitors. Its Sicilian-inspired paintings and gilding are luminous and lend it an almost exotic charm. Its stained-glass windows are also magnificent.

The Jacobins convent is a jewel and a haven of peace in the city. The Jacobins church boasts an impressive painted vaulted apse, shaped like a palm tree, remarkable not only for its size but also for its decoration. Its magnificent stained-glass windows illuminate the interior. The setting is worthy of the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas, which can be seen beneath the altar. The cloister is very pleasant and tranquil, adding a truly serene touch to the visit.

5) The Markets of Agen

A visit to the markets of Agen will allow you to discover and taste local products : Agen prunes, hazelnuts from the Lot valley, Marmande tomatoes, Garriguette strawberries, ceps, foie gras, Tonneins ham, Buzet wines and Armagnac… As well as regional specialties : gourmet salads, wood pigeon salmis, the sweet tourtière from Penne-d'Agenais…

Here are the markets in Agen:

The Pin farmers' market is held in the Pin market hall on Wednesday and Sunday mornings.
The farmers' market at Place Jasmin takes place on Saturday mornings.
An organic market is held in the Place des Laitiers on Tuesday mornings.
The covered market is located on Place Durand from Tuesday to Sunday morning.

Agen is considered the prune capital, yet it's not the growing region for this famous fruit. Its association with Agen stems from the fact that the production was distributed throughout France and abroad, via the Garonne River and, consequently, the port located in Agen. This purple plum actually originates from the Lot Valley, around Villeneuve-sur-Lot. Just nearby, in Laffite-sur-Lot, you'll find the Prune Farm and Museum, where you can learn all about its history.

Take a stroll through the natural areas around Agen

The suspension footbridge spans the Garonne River near the Shad Spawning Ground Nature Reserve. Approximately 260 meters long and 20 meters high, it is a pedestrian bridge offering panoramic views of the city. It's the perfect spot to take a beautiful photo of Agen!

The Shad Spawning Ground Nature Reserve is generally a site best viewed from a distance. Its purpose is to protect the Allis Shad, a migratory fish species emblematic of the Garonne River and now rare. France is the only country that has managed to maintain its population, thanks in particular to this protected area. The association that manages the reserve organizes guided tours.

The Passeligne-Pelissier Nature Park is located just outside Agen, in the commune of Boé. It's a large natural area on the banks of the Garonne River, featuring two large lakes that give it its name: Passeligne and Pélissier. It's the ideal place for sports, family fun, or simply to recharge in nature. Hiking trails and cycling paths, sports fields, playgrounds… everything is provided for enjoying nature and getting a breath of fresh air!

The hills of L'Ermitage overlook Agen and offer a new perspective on the city. Starting from the river, pass through "Le Gravier" on the banks of the Garonne, then climb the hills to "Petit Nice." This surprising name takes on its full meaning when you reach the top and gaze upon the beautiful villas in the Roaring Twenties style. It's a timeless and surprising hike!

Agen, to be discovered all year round! © David Debray / Adobe Stock

Organizing your stay in Agen

To help you make the most of your stay in Agen, we're giving you our best tips.

For accommodation :

When the city sleeps… is a house with an unusual decor, with a Mediterranean garden, for a change of scenery.
The hotel restaurant La table d'antan in Bon-Encontre is a comfortable hotel near Agen.

For a lunch break :

Burger's Park is a friendly, fun, and family-oriented restaurant with a Western theme. Its inflatable play area will delight younger children. The pool table, foosball table, and bar will also be much appreciated by adults!

To have a good evening :

M et Moi is a trendy, modern and friendly place, somewhere between a brasserie, a wine bar and a tapas bar.
To discover unusual drinks, head to the cocktail bar, The Take-Off Bar.
For a more sporty and traditional atmosphere, the Temple of Beer is the place for you!
Finally, to end the evening, head to the Sho'tz bar where you can have a blast and dance until the end of the night…

We hope that these few ideas will make you want to visit Agen during your next winter holiday in Lot-et-Garonne.