Lot et Garonne is a department in the southwest of France named after the Lot and Garonne rivers. The department is part of the current region of Nouvelle Aquitaine and is surrounded by the departments of Lot, Tarn-et-Garonne, Gers, Landes, Gironde, and Dordogne. The population is around 305,380, living in an area of 5,361 km².

Town Property Guides

• Villeneuve sur Lot
• Villereal

Climate:

Lot et Garonne has a temperate climate, dominated by the Atlantic with mild winters and a long spring/autumn, although the summers can be very hot and are drier than the Dordogne.

Geography:

This region is home to châteaux such as Bonaguil, Beynac, and Biron; medieval towns including Domme, Belves, Monpazier, and Sarlat; and caves like those at Domme. The architecture is noteworthy, with ancient houses, barns, pigeonniers, and churches adding to its charm. The department derives its name from the Lot and Garonne rivers.

Lot-et-Garonne is part of the current region of Nouvelle Aquitaine. It is bordered by the departments of Lot, Tarn-et-Garonne, Gers, Landes, Gironde, and Dordogne.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy ample opportunities for canoeing and boating on the rivers Lot, Tarn, and Aveyron and on the Canal du Midi. The region spans parts of the Lot and Garonne and is part of Gascony. Throughout the area, you can find bastides, fortified towns, châteaux, and “villages perchés.” The famous Cahors vineyards stretch from Cahors to Mauroux, and the annual vine fair in Prayssac (held at the beginning of August) draws many visitors.

This rich and fertile region is one of France’s main fruit production areas and is renowned for housing the largest orchard in the country. It is also famed for its Pruneaux d’Agen, with production dating back to the 15th century. In addition, a variety of wines is produced here, with famous brands such as Duras and Buzet alongside an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and foie gras.

The landscapes are diverse, featuring local products, historical heritage, and navigable waterways—making it an ideal place to spend your holiday. Lot-et-Garonne is an agricultural area celebrated for its gastronomy and the wide variety of produce available at local markets.

Towns:

While there are few villages that are tourist attractions, the capital, Agen, offers plenty to explore. Agen boasts sprawling orchards and is famous for producing around 35,000 tonnes of the world-renowned Pruneaux d’Agen each year. Although modern and not highly touristic, its location on the Garonne and mild climate make it a pleasant destination year-round.

In Rue Beauville, you can admire attractive medieval houses near Rue Richard Coeur de Lion. Visitors can also cross the Garonne River via a footbridge to visit the gardens of Le Gravier, which host a market twice weekly—Wednesday and Saturday (with Saturday’s market being the more vibrant).

History:

Lot-et-Garonne is one of the 83 departments formed during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was created from the provinces of Guyenne and Gascogne. In 1808, some of the southeastern cantons were separated to form the present-day department of Lot-et-Garonne.

Gastronomy:

The region’s gastronomy is abundant and varied. Local cuisine features a wide range of ducks, geese, game, Landes chickens, foie gras, and goose fat, which are used to produce confit, cassoulet, and rillettes—often served with Agen prunes. You can also enjoy Bayonne ham, walnuts, truffles, as well as wines from Buzet and Duras and, of course, Armagnac.

Menus in Lot et Garonne typically begin with foie gras followed by magret de canard. Duck plays a crucial role in local dishes, with specialties including stuffed duck, goose neck, and duck breast served with a rich wine sauce. And don’t forget the famous Agen prunes!

Wine: As in all of the South West of France, Lot et Garonne offers a large selection of wines. Some of the most famous wines include Côtes de Duras, Marmandais, Brulhois, and wines of Buzet.

Useful Information:

Travel from the UK: The region is served by the airports of Biarritz, Pau, Bordeaux, Bergerac, Limoges, and Agen. Budget airlines such as Ryanair fly daily to Biarritz, Pau, Bergerac, and Limoges.

Looking for a Property in Lot et Garonne?

Our team of sale advisers at Sextant Properties will be happy to help you find a property in Lot et Garonne. We have an extensive network of estate agents in Lot et Garonne, including experienced english speaking estate agents in Lot et Garonne. All our advisors are registered French estate agents who speak both French and English. Whether you are looking for a farmhouse, longere, barn, gite, B&B, country house, mill, castle, or chateau, we will do our best to find a property that meets your requirements.

To learn more about our properties for sale in Lot et Garonne, please do not hesitate to contact us.