Lot-et-Garonne Holiday Guide
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The Lot-et-Garonne – waiting to be discovered
The Lot-et-Garonne department is crossed by many rivers and inland waterways, and is a natural home for those who enjoy spending time in the fresh air. Whether you choose to discover this beautiful land by taking a cruise down the waterways, walking in open countryside or perhaps mounting a bicycle or even a horse, the unspoilt countryside of the department is waiting to be discovered.
Top 5 things to see and do in the Lot-et-Garonne
1. Take a river cruise
The rivers and canals of the department provide a great idea for a holiday. Instead of staying in a hotel, hire a river cruiser and enjoy discovering the landscapes of the Lot-et-Garonne from the water. It's relaxing, different and fun.
2. Allemans du Dropt
If art and architecture are your bag, don't miss out on a trip to the village of Allemans du Dropt, where the Romanesque church has some fabulous frescoes, superb examples of this ancient art of wall painting. In addition to seeing this listed monument, the village has other attractions and architectural gems to enjoy, with an old tower, colombage (timbered) houses and other historic features.
3. L'Azinet Donkey Farm
Animal lovers and children will love the little donkey farm at L'Azinet. Here you can take rides on the donkeys or enjoy a ride in a donkey pulled cart, learn about the animals and just enjoy spending time with friendly, cute donkeys. The farm is also close to a lovely mediaeval village, so parents can do a little sight seeing while the kids have fun.
4. Taste Armagnac
Adults can taste and learn about Armagnac, one of the finest brandies made in France, at the beautiful Château de Cassaigne, where there are guided tours (in English!) on offer.
5. Walibi Aquitaine theme park
The theme park of Walibi Aquitaine is the ideal place to give the kids a treat and hopefully tire them out in the process to allow you a peaceful evening! With all the fun of the fair, the park offers slides, rides and spectacular shows and displays.
Top 5 towns and cities in the Lot-et-Garonne
1. Agen
Agen is the capital city of the Lot-et-Garonne department. Its name is synonymous with the famous product of the town, prunes, and there is no doubt that you will find plenty of opportunities to taste these in many delicious guises while in Agen. Prunes steeped in Armagnac are a great way to enjoy two of the finest regional products, but you can also taste fresh plums, find them served as a sauce with duck or baked into scrumptious cakes and desserts. Other than prunes, Agen offers a wealth of art and architecture in addition to a charming ambience and lovely riverside walks.
2. Nérac
Nérac is a lovely fortified town with plenty of heritage to discover. See the old, half-timbered houses, the Gothic bridge, a chateau with a great museum as well as many other features. Enjoy the pretty Garenne Royal Park too, set along the riverbanks, and pop along to the Saturday morning market held each week in the town to get your supplies of fresh, local produce.
3. Monflanquin
Monflanquin is officially one of the most beautiful villages in France, and this is a very good reason to visit. The old bastide town sits in a commanding position on a hilltop, and oozes character with its beautiful arcaded central square and mediaeval houses. Wandering the narrow streets transports you right back into the past, and if you are inspired to learn more about these bastide towns then there is a very interesting Bastide Museum to explore as well.
4. Marmande
Marmande is the town of tomatoes. It is from here that the big, juicy Marmande tomato is produced, and its colour, shape and flavour conjures up France in your mind every time you eat one. The town is also a pleasure to discover in many other ways, with mediaeval architecture, a superb Gothic Church and some delightful gardens with a most impressive display of the ancient art of topiary on show.
5. Miramont de Guyenne
Miramont is another bastide town with all the usual attractive features of its type, but if you feel you have already seen enough bastides there are other reasons to add this town to your holiday itinerary. There's a Monday morning street market, but also some pretty unique festivals to enjoy. An international festival of street arts is held every August, while Whit Monday sees a horse racing festival. November is the time to attend the Collector's Exchange, to see if you can pick up a really unusual and possibly valuable memento of your stay.
Food and drink in the Lot-et-Garonne
South-west France always offers a delicious gastronomy, and Lot-et-Garonne is no exception. From Marmande tomatoes to Agen prunes and Armagnac, your taste buds are sure to be satisfied while on holiday in this department of natural riches.
How to get to the Lot-et-Garonne
You can fly to Bergerac (Flybe, Ryanair), Toulouse (Air France, British Airways, easyJet, Flybe, Jet2), Bordeaux (Air France, British Airways, easyJet, Flybe, Bmi Baby) or Pau (Ryanair) to get to the department by air, or take the TGV if you prefer. As the department is quite rural, though, it's a good idea to hire a car so you can get around easily and not miss out on any of the sights and pleasures.
