Interestingly, the world-famous Agen prunes are not actually from Agen, but from nearby villages. They came to be connected with Agen because they were distributed from this city.
Agen Attractions
- No visit to Agen is complete without a stop at the city’s covered market, located across from the tourism office. Open mornings daily, this is the prime spot to find local delicacies, produce and meats. Visit the historic Place des Laitiers on Saturdays for the organic market.
- La Musée Pruneau Gourmand (located in Granges sur Lot near Agen) is the prime destination for those interested in Agen’s most famous crop. The museum traces the colorful history of the area’s prunes. There is a prune maze open July through September. The shop presents prunes prepared almost every way imaginable.
- Walibi Aquitaine is part of the Six Flags Europe family. The amusement park sits on 75 acres and features an actual 18th-century castle. Thrill-seekers should hop on the Zig-Zag roller coaster or speed along in the Boomerang double-loop coaster. There are also several rides for younger children, as well as a host of water rides (including white-water rafting on a man-made river). In July and August, there is a shuttle from the Agen train station to Walibi.
- Végétales Visions (located in Colayrac Saint Cirq near Agen) features an awe-inspiring mix of plants from five continents. The exhibits include a zen garden, exotic garden and botanical garden. There is a variety of rare species here.
- Parc en Ciel (located in Lacapelle Biron northwest of Agen) features a zoo, various gardens, waterfalls, a farm, duck lake, obstacle course and mini-golf.
Where to Stay in Agen
- Château des Jacobins is a destination unto itself. This four-star hotel was originally built for a count in the 19th century, and the castle remains divinely appointed today. The rooms are among the finest in this region of France.
- Château de Lassalle has 17 inviting and comfortably elegant rooms. The common areas continue that theme, including a warm billiards and game room. The hotel’s restaurant is its best allure of all, featuring premium examples of regional cuisine.