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Agen town, Lot et Garonne

Place du Maréchal Foch, Agen, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Description

Agen lies on the Garonne River, equidistant from Toulouse and Bordeaux, in the southwest of France. There was already a settlement in the Roman time (Aginnium). During the Renaissance the catholic city was opposed to Nérac (on the side of the Protestant Reform) and the economy was centred around fishing, farming and the production of pruneaux and wine. The main bridges were built in the first part of the 19th century and the following decades saw a massive modernisation of the city and its architecture. The main sights include the Agen Cathedral (one of the few large churches in France with a double nave), the Museum of Fine Arts, the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Bourg, the old centre of town with its medieval buildings (the most photographed is Rue Beauville). Finally, the Canal des Deux Mers, which joins the Mediterranean with the Atlantic, crosses the river Garonne at Agen via the town's famous canal bridge.

Access & Transport

The city is easily reached by train from either Bordeaux in 75-90mins or Toulouse. By car, it is about 90mins on the A63 to each of those two cities as well (Bordeaux is 140kms away and Toulouse 120kms) There is also a little used airport with flights to Paris Orly.

Instructions & Recommendations

The city is an excellent base to explore the region for 3-4 days or as a departure / end point to a regional itinerary that would include several villages, bastides and maybe the Walygator theme park on the outskirts of town.

Meta review

Agen isn't well known outside of France and seldom features on country-level itineraries. Nevertheless, bloggers and reviewers praise the lifestyle and atmosphere, and confirm it is an excellent place to stay for one or two nights, mixing highlights of the city and its surroundings. The Aqueduct, Fine Arts Museum, timbered houses and Saint Caprais Cathedral come up top in terms of recommended sights and attractions.

Environmental & Social

The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy

Conclusion

Agen is a worthy destination for those looking to explore the Lot-et-Garonne area. The infrastructure is good, and the town offers a mix of culture and sights. Food and wine are also a highlight of the town.

Key positive

Charming old lanes and timbered buildings

Several sights and attractions in a compact area

Quality of regional food and cuisine

Key negative

Good connectivity but not close to any must-see at the regional level

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:5h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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