Enjoy Lot et Garonne’s Produce Markets

With such wonderful produce grown locally, a visit to at least one of Lot et Garonne’s produce markets, such as the one in Marmande shown here,  is a ‘must’ during your stay

See the Fifteenth Century Frescoes in Pujols

For those who enjoy churches, Pujols has 2 worth visiting. As you enter the old town square you pass under the tower of the showy Gothic St-Nicolas which has a star-vaulted ceiling and Renaissance mausoleum.

More famous is the second, fifteenth century Ste-Foy la Jeune. It contains faded frescoes dating from the period - one of St George and another of St Foy (Faith) of Agen. St Foy was a third century maiden burned on a gridiron by the Romans. It is said some of her relics were taken to Glastonbury in England.

The hilltop position of Pujols offers wonderful panoramas of the surrounding countryside and the town has some top quality restaurants with terrific views.

Visit the Basilica in Penne d’Agenais

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Peyragude in Penne d’Agenais was an important stopping place on the road to Santiago de Compostela. As it was built outside the castle walls, it suffered much during the various wars between Catholics and Protestants and between French and English.

By 1653, it was on its third rebuild, in response to a promised made after the plague had killed half the population of the town. It needed re-building again in 1842 to restore damage after the Revolution when church stone was sold off for building material.

Finally, in 1896, the huge neo-Byzantine style Basilica of today was created with its shining dome. It is still visited by pilgrims and has wonderful views.

Spend the day at Walibi Adventure Park

A fantastic day out for all the family just down the road from Agen. The 40 attractions and spectacular shows set in 30 hectares, beside an eighteenth century castle take you on adventures around the world.

Loop the loop on the Boomerang ride, zigzag on the swinging Pirate Ship and Fandango. Thrill to the water rides, including ‘Le Drakkar’ where ships shaped like tree trunks hurtle down a 14m slope on ‘Crazy River’. The very young can take the little train to visit gentle Walibil and and Baby Kangourou. Restaurants and gift shops. See calendar on www.walibi-aquitaine.fr for opening times.

Visit Henri IV’s Castle, Nerac

This chateau on the River Baise was home of the Albrets - family of one of France’s best-loved kings, Henry IV, who reigned from 1589-1610.

Henry spent some of his youth at the chateau and created a political capital there when still Henry III of Navarre. You can see a statue to the king in the town. Originally, Henry’s castle was a magnificent square chateau around a central courtyard but it was destroyed during the Revolution and only one wing now remains. This has been magnificently restored. Outside terraces lead to the river and inside there is a museum dedicated to Henry and the Albret family. 

Open Oct - March 1400 - 1800 Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat and Sun. April - Sept each day 1000-1800. Closed 25 Dec and 1 Jan.

Visit the Prune Museum, Granges-sur-Lot

100 years of the history of the plum and prunes - part of the traditions and culture of Lot et Garonne. See traditional drying ovens and production methods, videos and enjoy tastings all set amongst fruit orchards. Hunt ‘Dame Prune’ in a giant maze.

Open every day 0900-1200 and 1400-1900 (Sundays and holidays 1500-1900) Closed 15 - 31 Jan. Tel: (00 33) 5 53 84 00 69

See the Cloistered Gardens in Marmande

The cloister adjoining the southern side of Marmande’s Gothic church of Notre-Dame has finely sculpted decorations in French Renaissance style. The buildings are said to date back to 1540 although now only 2 sides remain. The inner courtyard has been a topiary garden since the 1950s and in 2007 was designated a ‘Jardin Remarquable’ with stunning box tree designs said to have been inspired by the gardens at Chateau de Langreais. Open 0800-2000 in summer, 0800-1730 in winter, the gardens often host cultural and heritage events.

Parc en Ciel, Lacapelle-Biron

Situated on the D420 north west of Fumel. The whole family will love this treetop adventure playground. Rope courses in the trees (including harnesses and instruction) - 2 for children, 3 for adults. Also mini-golf and small farm and snail museum. Beautiful location for a picnic.

See website for more details including opening times. Tel. (00 33) 5 53 71 84 58

Visit Moulin du Cros, near Monflanquin

Traditional watermill beside the river (built in 1644) and bakery at Montagnac-sur-Lede. Learn the history of bread and make your own loaf.

Open July and August; Tues,Wed and Thurs - 1500 bread workshop, 1630 mill visit. Other times of year and mornings by appointment. Tel: (00 33) 5 53 36 44 78

Visit the Foie Gras Museum, Frespech, Souleilles

Opened in 1994, the museum is housed in an old stone barn and situated at Souleilles, a typical working farm of the Quercy border region, and traces the history of foie gras.

The history began tens of centuries ago and is a result of a series of innovations, the domestication of wild ducks, techniques of salting and preservation in fat and the arrival of maize for fattening.

Open all year round from 3pm to 7pm, and from mid-June to mid-September from 1000 to 1900. The visit lasts about 1 hour with a 10 minute video. There is a farm shop and tasting. Tel: (00 33) 5 53 41 23 24