What are the best campsites for exploring Agen?
A 3-star campsite with a water park near Agen
Located less than 10 kilometres from Agen, Le Moulin de Mellet *** campsite is nestled in a peaceful, green setting, in the heart of the Lot-et-Garonne hills. Family-friendly and welcoming, it offers spacious pitches as well as comfortable, air-conditioned accommodation. Holidaymakers can enjoy two large swimming pools with slides, a fishing pond, a petting zoo, entertainment and an on-site snack bar and pizzeria. Its natural setting and peaceful atmosphere make it the ideal spot for a relaxing holiday in the South-West. Open from April to October.
A family-friendly 3-star lakeside campsite in Lot-et-Garonne
The Neguenou *** campsite is located in Prayssas, less than 20 km from Agen, in the heart of a 19-hectare natural estate on the lakeside. Ideal for a relaxing family holiday, it offers shaded pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as fully equipped mobile homes. On site, holidaymakers can enjoy two heated swimming pools, water sports on the lake, friendly entertainment and a lush green setting perfect for relaxation. Open from April to November.
A leafy campsite with comfortable mobile homes and a peaceful atmosphere
Situated on the banks of the Gers in a green and shaded setting, Le Pont du Gers campsite welcomes holidaymakers to Astaffort, 18 kilometres from Agen. This municipal campsite offers around thirty pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, in a friendly and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, cycling or canoeing, as well as evening entertainment during the season. Open all year round.
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What are the must-see attractions in Agen?
Saint-Caprais Cathedral in Agen: a historic gem in the heart of Agen
You simply cannot visit Agen without stepping inside the majestic Saint-Caprais Cathedral, a true symbol of Agen’s heritage. Listed as a Historic Monument since the 19th century and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, it bears witness to over nine centuries of history. Built on the site of an ancient basilica destroyed during the Norman invasions, the current cathedral harmoniously blends Romanesque and Gothic styles, the result of the various periods of construction and restoration it has undergone over the years.
From the outside, visitors are captivated by its elegant silhouette, dominated by a dome inspired by Byzantine architecture and by its imposing bell tower which watches over the historic centre of Agen. Inside, the atmosphere is both grand and soothing: the vast spaces, the light-filled vaults, the richly decorated chapels and the colourful stained-glass windows invite contemplation. Art lovers will also notice the numerous paintings and sculptures that recount the city’s religious history.
Easily accessible during a stroll through the historic centre, the cathedral is open to visitors free of charge all year round. Guided tours are also available at certain times to explore its history, architecture and heritage treasures in greater detail. Open all year round, it is an unmissable stop for visitors wishing to discover the charm and historic soul of Agen.
Agen Museum of Fine Arts, an artistic journey through history
Located in the historic centre of Agen, the Museum of Fine Arts is one of the richest museums in the South-West. What makes it so charming is, first and foremost, its exceptional setting: the museum occupies four magnificent Renaissance and 17th-century mansions, linked together by superb inner courtyards. As you wander through its rooms, you’ll feel as though you’re strolling through the homes of former collectors, amidst stone staircases, elegant façades and salons steeped in history.
The museum houses a wide variety of collections that appeal to art lovers and curious visitors alike. You’ll find exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, archaeological artefacts and decorative arts spanning from prehistory to the 20th century. Among the must-see treasures are the famous paintings by Francisco de Goya, for which the museum is renowned, as well as the remarkable Venus of Mas-d’Agenais, an ancient sculpture emblematic of the local heritage. You can also admire works by great artists such as Tintoretto, Corot and Sisley.
The museum also places great emphasis on engaging younger visitors through events, fun workshops and educational activities organised throughout the year to introduce children to art in a fun and interactive way. A wonderful way to make the visit accessible to the whole family. Open almost all year round, the museum offers self-guided tours as well as temporary exhibitions that regularly enrich the visitor experience.
A stroll through the historic centre of Agen: heritage and the good life
A stroll through the historic centre of Agen allows you to discover all the charm of this town in Lot-et-Garonne, amongst ancient alleyways, lively squares and elegant mansions steeped in history. Leaving Saint-Caprais Cathedral, visitors can continue their walk to several remarkable religious buildings, such as the Church of the Jacobins, a former convent now a cultural centre, or the Church of Notre-Dame-du-Bourg, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. These monuments bear witness to Agen’s rich religious and medieval past.
As you wander through the streets, your gaze is drawn to the beautiful façades of numerous mansions, a reminder of the city’s prosperity during the Renaissance and Classical periods. Among the most remarkable are the Hôtel d’Estrades, the Hôtel Hutot de La Tour and the Hôtel d’Escouloubre, all characterised by their refined architecture, their inner courtyards and their elegant sculpted details. Not far from there, the former bishop’s palace, now the town hall, casts its majestic silhouette over Place Docteur-Esquirol and stands as one of the iconic buildings of Agen’s city centre.
The walk can then continue towards the Garonne to reach the Esplanade du Gravier, a vast tree-lined space much loved by locals for relaxing or enjoying the markets and events. Just a short walk away lies the impressive Agen canal bridge, a true 19th-century engineering feat that allows the Garonne Canal to cross the river. Over 500 metres long, this spectacular structure offers a pleasant walk or cycle with magnificent views of the valley and the surrounding area.
Agen prunes, local flavours and walks along the canal
No visit to Agen is complete without discovering its most famous product: the Agen prune. For visitors from abroad, this is a dried plum made from the Ente plum, which has been grown in the orchards of Lot-et-Garonne for centuries. Renowned for its soft texture and naturally sweet taste, the Agen prune can be enjoyed on its own or in sweet or savoury recipes typical of the South-West. In Agen, you can also explore the local markets and market halls to discover other regional specialities, farm produce and the friendly atmosphere that gives the town its charm.
The prune is celebrated every year at the famous Grand Pruneau Show, now known as the Fêtes d’Agen. This festive event brings the town centre to life with concerts, street performances, family entertainment, food markets and numerous tastings. Visitors can meet local producers and discover the region’s rich culinary heritage. The festival usually takes place on the last weekend of August, just before the start of the new school year.
Agen is also an excellent base for exploring Lot-et-Garonne and the landscapes of the South-West. Thanks to the Garonne Canal and its well-maintained cycle path, cycling and walking enthusiasts can enjoy long, accessible walks amongst locks, canal bridges and orchards. Highly popular with campers and cycle tourists, these routes allow you to discover Lot-et-Garonne at a leisurely pace, amidst lush, sun-drenched countryside.
With its historical heritage, the cuisine of the South-West and the relaxed lifestyle along the banks of the Garonne, Agen is the ideal destination for a camping holiday combining cultural discoveries with moments of relaxation. From the narrow streets of the old town to the famous canal bridge, via the flavours of Agen prunes and the warm atmosphere of its markets and festivals, the town also nurtures a genuine passion for rugby, driven by the legendary SU Agen, which is part of the local identity. An authentic and friendly destination, perfect for discovering all the charm of south-western France.