Typical for the Lot-et-Garonne are the beautiful landscapes, the large agricultural areas, the many waterways and the magnificent cultural heritage. The hilly landscape is sometimes pretty steep and has many areas with cliffs. Also, thanks to the mild climate, it is the area with the largest orchards in Europe. It is striking that although there is plenty to do for tourists, you rarely have the feeling of entering a super touristic area. You can easily mingle with the friendly and hospitable local people.
The department is named after the two main rivers in the area, namely the Lot and the Garonne, which are extremely suitable for water sports. Between the hilly landscapes you will find typical French villages, many of which date back to the Roman era and the Middle Ages. Some have, over the years, become large towns, where the centre still has historical buildings. Many place- and family names also originate from the time of the Roman Empire.
Enjoy a cup of coffee on a central square and walk along a lively market, with the aroma of herbs and spices. Charming authentic villages with authentic centres, beautiful views or fortifications are for instance Puymirol, Penne d'Agen and Duras.
The capital of the department is Agen, located on the north side of the river La Garonne. You have come to the right place if you love to shop and want to enjoy the city life. In the centre a beautiful cathedral from the 12th century, dedicated to the Holy Caprasius. Other big places, also worth a visit, are Monflanquin, Villeréal and Villeneuve-sur-Lot. In the town of Nerac you will find Château de Nerac, a beautiful castle in Renaissance style. The largest part is destroyed during the French Revolution, leaving only the northern wing in its original state.
When you drive through the department of Lot-et-Garonne, you will encounter a lot of farmland. On these, lots of fruits and vegetables are grown, supplemented by fields of sunflowers. The sunflower seeds are used to feed local cattle. A striking appearance, these blond cows of the breed Blonde d'Aquitaine, named after the region they originate from.
In the region, there are relatively many farmers and companies that produce beautiful local produce. A typical regional product are plums, which you will find at markets and in restaurants. On the border with the departments of Gers and Les Landes lies the vineyards of Armagnac, the most exclusive cognac kind in the world. Also the wines of Buzet and Côtes de Duras originate from the Lot-et-Garonne.