On July 11 and 12, 2024, and for its 111th edition, the Tour de France will loop through Lot-et-Garonne, which promises a popular, festive and exceptional moment in this department with its diverse historical monuments and sublime hilly landscapes, shaped by the Lot and the Garonne. The opportunity for the people of Haute-Garonne to live an experience as close as possible to the runners and to (re)discover this charming little corner, family and cultural in the South-West.
Stage of July 11: remarkable sites on the runners' route
It is through the Lot Valley, on July 11, 2024 and in an exceptional atmosphere, that the runners will arrive in Lot-et-Garonne for their 12th stage. A spectacular valley marked by the presence of many remarkable and unmissable sites: waterways or even fortified towns, castles and medieval villages.
Along the river
The river, which gave its name to the department, is navigable and offers a host of water activities: boat trips, canoeing, paddle boarding, etc. Ideal for admiring the arriving professionals and the landscape, sculpted over time by its many meanders. A breathtaking river hike!
In the alleys of the most beautiful villages in France
If the bastide of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, in celebration at this time is inevitable, other villages are worth the detour, in particular the 5 most beautiful villages in France in Lot-et-Garonne, all located in the same area: the hilltop village of Monflanquin, Villeréal, Pujols and its breathtaking view of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Penne d’Agenais and of course, Tournon d’Agenais.
The Château de Bonaguil, the last of the great French fortified castles, as well as the Latour Marliac water lily garden, the oldest aquatic nursery in the world (it dates from 1875) which inspired Claude Monet, are also places to visit during this stay 1h30 from Toulouse.
At the heart of the cradle of production
"Agen prunes, mainly produced in Lot-et-Garonne, now benefit from a Protected Geographical Indication. Excellent for health and for athletes thanks to their many virtues, they can be eaten plain, in cooking or in confectionery".
Cyclists will also have to pass through the heart of the hills of Guyenne between the plum orchards (which produce the famous and delicious Agen prunes) and hazelnut orchards, passing through the towns of Condezaygues, Monségur and Lacaussade. Delicious walks punctuated by the passage of the riders, ready to cross their 13th stage.
> See the big loop, the stages and the points of interest in the immediate vicinity of the route
Stage of July 12: Agen, ideal for a family stay
Agen for all
This section of the 13th stage of the Tour de France allows you to discover the Agenais (Agen being the prefecture of Lot-et-Garonne), which families will appreciate, in particular thanks to the amusement parks that are Walygator Sud-Ouest and Aqualand Agen. The canal bridge over the Garonne, the second longest canal bridge in France, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts, are also places not to be missed in the region.
Albret and its Gascon lands
Here, on the lands of Henri IV, beautiful discoveries await the curious who come for the Tour de France. Capital of Albret, Nérac is a small town of character, both medieval and Renaissance, which is among the most beautiful river ports in France. To discover this ancient royal city, the cradle of the king's family, a boat trip on the Baïse is a must.
The Moulin des Tours de Barbaste, the largest fortified mill in France as well as its Romanesque bridge over the Gélise; Mézin with its Liège and Cork Museum and its many surprises; or the Vianne fortified town should not escape the curiosity of visitors either. Especially since there are many activities for the little ones, such as, at Cap Cauderoue, an outdoor leisure park (tree climbing, canoeing, electric scooters, rope game, archery, etc.).
Also not to be missed: the Buzet vineyard and the Vignerons de Buzet cellar, which can also be visited on foot or by electric bike, for a fun and sporty experience in the heart of the vineyard.
Continue the adventure after the Tour: Lot-et-Garonne, a cycling destination
"The V86 cycle route The Lot Valley by bike extends from the Aubrac plateaus to the Garonne, passing through the Causses du Quercy."
Extend the adventure over the weekend and take advantage of the Tour de France to discover this rich and welcoming heritage! A land of cycling, Lot-et-Garonne is an ideal playground for nature lovers, cycling enthusiasts and travellers who wish to discover the hidden treasures of this picturesque region of France at their own pace.
Six ideas for routes for everyone
- Embark on a peaceful and safe ride on the Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo and on the new greenway (So Vélo) which connects Marmande to Casteljaloux.
- Take the time for a weekend with a turnkey stay to discover the Albret, "La Boucle de l'Albret".
- Treat yourself to an electric mountain bike ride starting from Pujols.
- Head off on the Véloroute of the Lot Valley by bike.
A range of interconnected routes that allow both family and sporty activities, winding through a network of small country roads offering enchanting panoramas and all the facets of Lot-et-Garonne, between Périgord, Quercy, Landes and Gascony.
The third largest media-covered sporting event in the world, the Tour de France is above all an ideal event to (re)discover regions and landscapes crossed by the route, as is the case in Lot-et-Garonne, which therefore hosts two stages.