The departement of Lot-et-Garonne is a great destination for those who like to explore the French countryside on foot. Home to over 3,000 kilometres of walking trails, there are routes to suit all ages, abilities and levels of experience, enabling visitors to stretch their legs and appreciate the beautiful natural scenery at the same time. If you prefer to see the sights at a more leisurely pace, and without breaking into a sweat, there are also a number of canals criss-crossing the region.
One of the most popular of these canals is the Canal de Garonne, in the south of the departement. Not only can you hire a canal boat for a day trip or a longer holiday, but the path at the side of the waterway is a great place for walkers and cyclists too. The canal runs for nearly 90 kilometres between the towns of St-Jean-de-Thurac and Meilhan-sur-Garonne, passing through the popular town of Agen.
Agen has an attractive medieval centre, with the usual narrow winding streets and half-timbered houses. More unusually, the town is home to a 19th century cathedral with impressive frescoes on the wall and ceiling and an excellent fine art museum which boasts a collection of paintings by the Spanish artist Goya. The banks of the Garonne river are always busy in the summer months, as tourists and residents alike gather for their evening stroll, while a trip to the north of the town to see the 500-metre long bridge taking the Canal de Garonne over the river is a must.
Even children will find something to entertain them in Agen, as there is a family theme park just outside the town. Open between April and October, the Walibi Aquitaine theme park not only offers rides for children and adults of all ages, but there are also live shows and musical performances.
Fans of historical architecture will be spoilt for choice in the Lot-et-Garonne region, with every town and village seemingly boasting a medieval fortress or country house. One of the most visited is Marmande, in the west of the departement. The biggest attraction here is the huge 13th and 14th century Gothic cathedral, with some interesting architectural features and its own quiet, peaceful gardens. The town is anything but quiet on the first weekend in April, when the alternative music festival Garrock takes over the historical streets and squares.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Lot et Garonne? Then below is a selection of gites in Lot et Garonne and villas in Lot et Garonne that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
