The town of Agen is the capital of the departement of Lot-et-Garonne, located in the Aquitaine region of southwest France. The inland town is home to several important medieval churches, an impressive art gallery and a popular local rugby team. It is also famous for the prunes that are grown in the surrounding countryside, and the local dessert which sees prunes soaked in brandy. In fact, prunes are so important to the residents of Agen that they even hold a festival dedicated to the fruit each September, with cultural events as well as cooking and tasting demonstrations.
The medieval town of Agen is full of history and interesting historical buildings. The town's cathedral, St Caprais, was built in the 13th century, and many of the original features remain, even though the building was restored in the 1800s. The oldest monument in the town, the tower of Notre Dame du Chapelet, was once part of the monastery and is still open to visitors today. Agen's main square is home to a number of original buildings and hosts an organic farmers market every week. If the weather is wet, the town has an excellent fine arts museum, featuring artefacts found in local archaeological digs, historical items from local castles and works of art by Goya and Seurat.
There are areas of garden on both banks of the River Garonne which provide a pleasant walking route for exploring the town. You can also take river trips, either on the Garonne itself, or on the canal which flows through Agen at a right angle to the river. Holidays on canal boats are popular in this part of France, which is crossed by a network of waterways.
Walibi is a family amusement park on the outskirts of Agen. Open in the summer months and during the traditional holidays in spring and autumn, Walibi has family rides, live shows and is also home to a real 18th century castle. If you prefer your castles unspoilt by modern life, there are several in this part if Aquitaine, all within a short drive, or a slightly longer cycle ride, from the centre of Agen. The Chateau de Duras was built in the 17th century as a country home for the local aristocracy. The palace has been restored to look as it would in the early days of its use, complete with fine works of art, original furniture and even displays by actors of traditional cooking methods.
The Bonaguil Castle is a medieval fortress that was built in the 13th century, with additions made over the years to restore damaged parts of the building and to modernise it. Not only can visitors still walk around the castle walls and climb the original towers, but there are events throughout the summer months celebrating Bonaguil's historical and military significance.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Agen? Then below is a selection of gites in Agen and villas in Agen 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.
