Things To Do
in Agen

Agen is a charming town located in southwestern France, known for its rich history and vibrant local culture. It is famous for its prunes, which are a key ingredient in many regional dishes, and boasts beautiful architecture from medieval times. The town lies along the Garonne River, offering picturesque views and outdoor activities for visitors.

With a welcoming atmosphere, Agen serves as a perfect base for exploring the scenic landscapes of the Aquitaine region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Historic Agen
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Agen Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Afterward, stroll through the historic center, exploring the quaint streets and shops.

afternoon
:

Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Agen to view its impressive collection of art, followed by lunch at a local bistro where you can try regional specialties.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner along the Garonne River, followed by a leisurely walk to see the illuminated Pont Canal, a beautiful sight at night.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Local Culture
morning
:

Begin your day at the Parc des Expositions, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk or a bike ride. Then head to the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample fresh produce.

afternoon
:

Take a guided boat tour on the Garonne River to see the town from a different perspective, followed by lunch at a nearby café.

evening
:

Wrap up your visit with a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying dishes made with Agen prunes, and perhaps catch a live music performance at a local bar.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
Coffee$3
🍽️Meal at a mid-range restaurant$20
🍞Loaf of bread$1.50
🥕1 kg of apples$2
🚆Public transport ticket$2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and history.
  • Delicious local cuisine and specialties.
  • Beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Public transport can be infrequent.
  • Language barrier may exist for non-French speakers.
  • "Bonjour" - Good day
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "S'il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Où est...?" - Where is...?
  • "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please

Places to Visit in Agen

Visit one of these nice places.

Pont Canal

This impressive canal bridge offers stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape, perfect for capturing sunset photos.

Agen Cathedral

The intricate architecture of the cathedral makes for beautiful photos, particularly from the front steps.

Place des Laitiers

A vibrant square in the heart of Agen, lively with local life and colorful market stalls, great for street photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Agen

Agen's culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional and modern flavors, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients.

Agen Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pruneaux d'Agen

These sweet prunes are the hallmark of Agen, often enjoyed on their own or incorporated into various dishes.

Must-Try!

Canelé

A small pastry with a soft custard center and a caramelized crust, perfect as a snack or dessert.

Duck Confit

A regional specialty featuring duck slow-cooked in its own fat, served with potatoes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché d'Agen

This bustling market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, offering fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and local delicacies.

Street Food Stalls

Various street vendors offer quick bites, including crepes and regional pastries, perfect for a snack on the go.

Climate Guide

Weather

Agen experiences a temperate oceanic climate with warm summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F), while winters are cooler, averaging around 5°C (41°F). Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with late spring and autumn typically seeing the most precipitation.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Always greet people with 'Bonjour' (Good day) when entering shops or restaurants.

Politeness

Being polite is important; use 's'il vous plaît' (please) and 'merci' (thank you) often.

Dining Etiquette

Keep your hands on the table (but not your elbows) while dining, and wait for everyone to be served before starting.

Safety Guide

Safety

Agen is considered a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as in any city, it's prudent to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Tipping in Agen

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Custom

It's customary to round up the bill or leave a small tip (5-10%) in restaurants, but service is usually included.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's good practice to carry some cash for small purchases or markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it a lovely time for outdoor activities and festivals.

Summer

Summer can be warm, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s °C (mid-90s °F). Enjoy outdoor cafes and evening events.

Autumn

Autumn is cool and crisp, perfect for enjoying the local harvest and the beautiful fall foliage in parks.

Winter

Winters are mild, but can be rainy. Be prepared for occasional cold spells, and enjoy festive decorations and markets.

Nightlife Guide

Agen at Night

Agen's nightlife is vibrant, particularly during the summer months when outdoor terraces fill with locals and tourists alike. Bars and cafés often host live music events, and there are several nightclubs that cater to different tastes, from dance music to jazz. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, making it easy to mingle with locals.

Hiking in Agen

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Sentier des Coteaux

A scenic hiking trail that offers beautiful views of the Garonne River and vineyards.

Le Chemin des Moulins

This trail takes you through lush countryside and past historic windmills, perfect for nature lovers.

Airports

How to reach Agen by plane.

Agen La Garenne Airport

Located just 5 km from the town center, this small airport offers limited flights primarily to domestic destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

Agen is quite walkable, with many attractions located within a short distance of each other. The historic center features pedestrian-friendly streets, making it easy to explore on foot. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, and there are plenty of benches and public spaces for resting.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students

Agen hosts several educational institutions, attracting a vibrant student population.

Retirees

The town is also popular among retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle in a picturesque setting.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Rugby

Rugby is a popular sport in Agen, with local teams competing in regional leagues and drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Cycling

With its scenic countryside, cycling is a favored pastime, both for recreation and competitive events.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Agen is generally manageable, with peak hours occurring during the morning and late afternoon. Public transportation includes buses that connect various parts of the town, though services may be infrequent on weekends. Biking and walking are popular alternatives for getting around.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Agen.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to inform the server about dietary restrictions.

Gluten-Free Options

Gluten-free options may be limited, so check menus in advance or ask the staff for recommendations.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Agen is accessible, with several hospitals and clinics available for both residents and visitors. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and many healthcare professionals speak English. It's advisable for travelers to have travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.

Discover France

Read more in our France 2025 Travel Guide.

France Travel Guide