WHAT NOT TO MISS IN AGEN

 

If you plan to spend holidays in Southern France and you already know Toulouse and Bordeaux, we have something that you perhaps might like: the town of Agen. Maybe less famous than other cities of Western southern France, Agen has some treasures to reveal you during your stay in there! Agen suits perfectly to whom want to relax and take time. The town has a quiet lifestyle, and during your stay, you may understand why. Strolling through the city streets and admire the heart of the city would bring you in another time and we hope you would be pleased. Would like to discover some of its treasures? Then follow us!

THE NAVIGABLE AQUEDUCT

Here is a curious attraction you may discover during you trip. The navigable bridge of Agen is one of the longest bridges stepping over the Garonne river (1902 feet long/580 meters). Supported by 23 arches it is a remarkable cut stone edifice and followed by a series of 4 locks. Thanks to that bridge, French people from the 19th century could extend the influence of the Canal du Midi by making it reach the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, admire this massive and impressive bridge is one thing, but to put a little bit of fun to your trip, you may walk on the sides, or better cycle along!! The best point to have a perfect panoramic over it.

AGEN SAINT-CAPRAIS CATHEDRAL

Before the French Revolution, there was a former cathedral that was torn down. The actual cathedral was built during the 19th century on the ruins of a former church destroyed and rebuilt many times when French people were divided in troubled times in between Catholicism and Protestantism. As many churches or cathedrals in France and Europe, Saint Caprais cathedral was situated on the way to go to Santiago. From outside, the restoration was successful, and inside, you would discover the majestic Romanesque chancel and all the magnificent painting from the floor to the top of the ceiling. If you want to conclude the tour of this church in an uncommon way, climb until the top of the bell tower to discover the panoramic view over the whole city!

AGEN HISTORIC CENTRE

If some of the travellers in your group and family would like to discover the historical sites of Agen, there's a lot to explore! The former Roman city Aginum had an amphitheatre of which you can admire the ruins found around 1989. If you go to have a nice walk in the centre, it preserved quite well its medieval centre. Many façades of medieval houses make you dive in the past, like the Seneschal house, The templar knights house or the convents. Many other buildings and façades of private mansions would impress you by their beauty. A true return in the past!

LE MUSÉE DES BEAUX-ARTS D’AGEN

Many tourists and groups enjoy a stay or a trip to discover a city and its surrounds under multiple angles. It may be history, gastronomy and Fine Arts. Agen's Fine Arts Museum is famous for its collection of fossils, but much more for its collection of paintings by Spanish Master: Francisco de Goya. A place to visit if you really like Art or if you are curious and want to discover some particularities of Agen.

THE MONUMENTAL HOLY VIRGIN STATUE AND THE FOUR CASTLES

Another particularity in Agen, is a giant statue of the Holy Virgin in a place called "Bon Encontre". When you come to visit Agen, it is a place you must pass by. If you look for more spirituality, you can come in pilgrimage to admire the statue and obviously to explore the four castles from the Middles Ages in the surrounds: Plenselve, Paradou, Castelnoubel and Martinet. These 4 fortresses are still up, even if a little restored and ready to reveal their secrets to you!

OUR LADY OF THE JACOBINS CHURCH

Once one of the monumental churches of the city, that is not anymore, a spiritual place nowadays. After its restoration, the church was deconsecrated and then opened as a dependency of the Fine Arts Musem. If you are curious to enter and discover the place, it is still possible to observe exceptional columns and well paintings of the ancient church.

FRAYÈRE D’ALOSE NATURAL PARK

What is good in travelling s meeting new people and explore beautiful places, but it is good sometime to reconnect with nature, to relax and obviously enjoy an escape in your stay! The name of Alose comes from a local fish. In the 1980's the creation of this park was made to protect better the fauna and flora, and obviously to preserve a part of biodiversity of the region. Other animals as ducks and wading birds represent the local fauna as well. A good place for walks and strolls.

GASTRONOMY

For the Gastronomy lovers or the one who like to eat well, Agen is a typical city of Western Southern France. It means a city famous for its specialities and many restaurants! Let's be clear, in France, Agen is mostly celebrated for its production of prunes, but there is more. Specialities made of ducks are part of the delights prepared and cooked are a part of the culinary traditions of Agen. For the sweets, there is a cake/pie called " tourtière" made of many pastries and sometimes prunes or apples bakes with a local alcohol: Armagnac. Here were some specialities, but if you want to know more, it is better if you follow us in Agen! Contact us and we would organise your travels