Marmande and its surroundings

Escape to the south of France in a region renowned for its varied landscapes and agricultural wealth, Lot-et-Garonne! This time we are not going to talk about Agen and its famous prunes, but rather about the pretty town of Marmande which also has a few surprises in store during your visit. Parks, lakes, walks and bike rides, museums, churches and gastronomy , Marmande and its surroundings are worth the detour. On the way, we set off for a guided tour with us.

Article opening photo: AdobeStock JackF

The Top 10 things to do in Marmande

1. Discover the region’s wine
2. Take a walk in urban nature
3. Go for a walk around the nearby lake
4. Take a bike ride
5. Discover the Marmande market
6. Taste the famous Marmande tomato!
7. Take a tour of the museum
8. Admire the church of Marmande
9. An escape game for the whole family
10. Fous de Garonne, a unique experience!

The cellars of Marmandais, a tasting not to be missed

Discover, appreciate, visit are the 3 words that clearly define these winegrowers who are passionate about their region, but also about their profession. Authenticity, respect and tradition, this is what drives the 80 winegrowers and the 43 employees who work on 1000 hectares of vines to delight your palates. Created in 2003, the cooperative highlights the typicality of Marmandais and its AOC, obtained in 1990. Red wines, white wines or rosé wines, you will not be able to escape the abouriou grape variety from Lot-et-Garonne, which gives a silky velvety and aromas of black fruits to the red wines of the region. Visit the stores in Beaupuy and Cocumont or go on a combi tour through the vineyards, a unique experience that always ends with a glass in hand.

A walk in Filhole Park, a breath of fresh air in Marmande

What a pleasure to walk in a green space a few minutes from the city center when you are from Marmand. Small, big, teenager, parent or grandparent, there is something for all tastes and desires. Let the children have fun on the playground or on the mini-golf course while you take advantage of the sports course to exercise. The pedestrian paths, shaded and bucolic, offer a moment of relaxation in the heart of a wooded park , while the skate park and the bicross track attract older children for two-wheel acrobatics. With family or friends, get together for the orienteering course, before settling down at the water's edge for a well-deserved picnic . In summer, there are even equipped, free and supervised beaches to cool off after a hard day. Fihole Park is a true haven of peace in Marmande.

Lake Beaupuy, an escape to a natural site in Marmande

A few kilometers from the city, you will be won over by this green, calm and relaxing space. Spread over 5 hectares, the lake offers many possibilities for fun all year round. In the summer, glide across the water aboard a jet ski, rower or canoe for a refreshing water activity. Jogging, walking or mountain biking, sports enthusiasts can vary the pleasures around Lake Beaupuy, before settling down on a picnic table for lunch. A game of pétanque will be the perfect opportunity to digest, while the youngest have fun in a fenced play area made up of slides, swings and turnstiles. Large car parks, toilets with water points and benches to rest, there is everything you need to have a great day.

La So Vélo, a greenway in the Val de Garonne

The title leaves no surprise, the course is done on two wheels, hands on the handlebars and feet on the pedals. Stretching over 27 kilometers, the So Vélo links Marmande and Pindères passing through fields, towns and villages. The magnificent landscapes sometimes give way to colorful installations, 6 works installed throughout the circuit in keeping with the environment. Picnic areas, self-repair terminals, children's play areas and electric bike charging stations, everything is planned for a hassle-free day. Serious athletes can even join the Canal des deux Mers route, itself connected to the Scandibérique, 750 km and 1,700 km long, enough to warm up the calves.

The market in Marmande, a regular meeting point

This is an event not to be missed. Every Saturday morning, producers place fruit, vegetables, meat and fish on the stalls, a well-presented and colorful festival of local and regional products. In good humor and conviviality, recipes are exchanged, news is announced and reunions are joyful on a square brightened by the presence of passionate farmers. The rest of the week, it is under the market halls, from Tuesday to Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. that you can discover the productions, specialties and local know-how of the Marmandais. Once the market tour is finished, sit down for a little coffee, the terraces are pleasant when the weather permits.

The Marmande tomato, a must to taste

Round, fleshy, colorful and tasty, the Marmande tomato is the pride of producers and residents of the region. Cultivated in the open ground for 150 years in the heart of the southwest, it is produced according to particular know-how, preserved by the Marmandais. Taste the brown, red or orange ribbed tomatoes, appreciate the horned tomatoes with their typical chili pepper shape and savor the heart tomatoes with their melting texture. Raw, cooked, in salads, on skewers, in prepared dishes, on the barbecue or in sandwiches, Marmande tomatoes are fragrant and ideal for all your recipes. Find this flagship product on the markets or on restaurant menus, you can't miss it.

The Albert-Marzelles Museum, a tourist site to stop in Marmande

In the heart of the city, the Albert-Marzelles Museum is located in an atypical building, since it is an old restored and furnished notary's house which welcomes you behind a green door. Bequeathed in 1937 to the town of Marmande by its owner, the latter requested that his home be transformed into a museum bearing his name, a wish granted in 1934. All year round, the program evolves with exhibitions of painters, sculptors or photographers. Also dedicated to history, the museum has a rich collection tracing the history of the city from antiquity to the present day. Roman mosaic from the 4th century or famous paintings from the 19th century, the visit is worth the detour if you like cultural sites. Come closer, the museum is guarded by 3 magnificent plane trees.

The church of Marmande and its cloister, a luminous architecture to visit

Built in the 13th century in the oldest part of the city, the church underwent numerous restorations over the years, notably in the 15th century, which appears through the Gothic style not very common in the region. Magnificent and imposing, it overlooks a very well-kept garden with its majestic cloister and impressive vault. The pretty stained glass windows illuminate the space with a soothing glow, reflecting on the numerous statues present in the heart of the Marmande church. Whether you are religious or not, do not hesitate to visit this beautiful church which is part of the city's history.

The Museum of Mysteries, a fun escape game in the town of Marmande

Enter the curator's world for an immersive game at the Museum of Mysteries. With family, friends or colleagues, immerse yourself in a life-size adventure in the four corners of the world. Play detective for an hour to solve the enigma proposed to you, a moment of sharing and conviviality where good humor is required, but also reflection, logic , and communication. Several adventures are available according to your desires and your level, as well as investigation evenings if you like murder parties. Brainstorm, the countdown is on.

Fous de Garonne, a tourist attraction suitable for everyone in Couthure-sur-Garonne

The day passes too quickly in this building which tells you about the river and its valley. Live unique moments and discover the life of the People of the Garonne when the latter is angry and invades the streets of the village. Furniture on the ceiling , ropes around the houses and talking fish, the decor sets the mood. Continue the excursion aboard a rescue boat equipped with a virtual reality headset to experience up close the intervention of rescuers during major floods. Don't miss the unique Fous de Garonne show with the hydraulic stands and an odorama which immerse you for 45 minutes in the tumult of the Garonne.

Did you know there were so many things to do in Marmande? With this detailed list, all you have to do is choose what you like. Have fun without further delay in Lot-et-Garonne, Marmande and its surroundings await you for a guided tour.

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