Agen, positioned midway in between the fantastic cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse in southwest France, is most likely best understood for its prunes that are dried from regional plums and typically soaked in brandy. However there’s far more to this captivating little city in the Lot-et-Garonne in the brand-new area of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It’s a historical city with sufficient Gothic arches to please the most architecturally minded visitor; a day-to-day covered market loaded with appealing deals with to purchase, consume, and take house as presents; narrow middle ages streets; in addition to having a canal and river.

Individuals of Agen are definitely friendly, and passionate rugby fans are plentiful if you pop into any of the bars or cafés throughout the rugby season.

Surprisingly, the world-famous Agen prunes are not in fact from Agen however from close-by towns. Since they were dispersed from this city, they came to be linked with Agen. Each year Agen holds the Grand Pruneau Program, which is a gastronomic celebration, however actually a reason for a quality three-day music celebration with various artists each night. You can’t miss it; it’s kept in different places and in the streets of the town.

Destinations

• No check out to Agen is total without a stop at the city’s covered market, situated throughout from the Tourist Workplace. Open early mornings daily, this is the prime area to discover regional specials, produce, and meats. Go to the historical Location des Laitiers on Saturdays for the natural market.
• Walk trip of the city. Get maps and instructions from the traveler workplace, or take an arranged assisted trip. This will take you to the primary websites.
• Start at Location Docteur-Pierre-Esquirol, a thoughtful square with its old town hall, theater, and Musée des Beaux-Arts ( Fine Arts Museum). Housed in 2 old red brick 16th- and 17th-century estates, it’s well worth a walk through to see the detailed collection of mineral and ancient collections in addition to wonderfully sculpted capitals with leaves and animals in the middle ages archaeology area. Have a look at its masterpiece: the Venus de Mas, a 1st-century B.C. Greek marble statue.

• Stroll down rue Beauville with its brought back middle ages homes, through the Location des Laitiers that has actually been the significant trading location considering that the Middle Ages, then down the rue des Cornieres with its half-timbered homes.
• Walk along the banks of the River Garonne, among the 5 significant rivers of France, for beautiful views of the town.
• La Musée Pruneau Gourmand (situated in Granges-sur-Lot near Agen) is the prime location for those thinking about Agen’s most popular crop as the museum traces the vibrant history of the location’s prunes. There is a prune labyrinth open from July through September, and the store provides prunes prepared practically every method possible.

• Walibi Sud-Ouest theme park rests on 75 acres and includes a real 18th-century castle. Thrill-seekers ought to get on the Scratch roller rollercoaster or speed along in the Boomerang double-loop rollercoaster. There are likewise a number of flights for more youthful kids, in addition to a host of water trips (consisting of white-water rafting on a built river). In July and August, there is a shuttle bus from the Agen train station to Walibi.
• Végétales Visions ( situated in Colayrac Saint Cirq near Agen) includes an amazing mix of plants from 5 continents. The exhibitions consist of a Zen garden, unique garden, and arboretum. It likewise houses an excellent range of uncommon types.

• Parc en Ciel (situated in Lacapelle Biron northwest of Agen) includes a zoo, different gardens, waterfalls, a farm, duck lake, barrier course, and mini-golf.

Where to Stay

• Château des Jacobins is a location unto itself. This four-star hotel in the heart of the old town was initially constructed for a count in the 19th century, and the castle stays perfectly provided today. It’s acknowledged that the spaces are amongst the finest in this area of France.
• Château de Lassalle has 17 welcoming and easily sophisticated spaces. The typical locations continue that style, consisting of a warm billiards and recreation room. The hotel’s dining establishment is its finest attraction of all, including premium examples of local food.

• Other hotels discovered in the location provide a range of facilities.