Specialties and local products to taste in Lot-et-Garonne

The gastronomy of a territory reflects its land , its history and its identity . We suggest you explore the Lot-et-Garonne , to discover its regional specialties . A gourmet and cultural journey to immerse yourself in its culinary culture , meet producers and find good local products . During this gastronomic getaway , we will cross the Lot Valley and the Agenais thanks to its famous prunes, Albret for its Buzet and Armagnac wines, the Val de Garonne for its fruits, and finally the Pays du Dropt and its wines from Duras, and many other surprises ...

The famous prunes, from the Lot Valley to Agenais

We begin this great tasting loop with the flagship product of Lot-et-Garonne : the Agen prune . Moreover, it is called " Pruneau d'Agen ", yet it is not produced in Agenais ... This plum is cultivated and dried in the Lot Valley . But it was exported from Agen and it is the name of this great merchant city which has remained in history!

If it is famous the world over, it is because it can be eaten in " all sauces ": plain, sweet in pies, cakes or clafoutis, savory in regional dishes, in brandy ... And it is really very appreciated: The Bretons adopted it in their far, it is celebrated in Saint-Aubin in September, but it also has its museum, in Granges-sur-Lot : the Maison du Pruneau offers you a visit of the museum , a tasting and its Dédal'Prune, a corn maze in the heart of plum trees. To meet enthusiasts, go to the Ferme du Lacaÿ , a family farm near Penne-d'Agenais.

Prune is delicious sweet or savory, it goes wonderfully with game meat!  

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Hazelnuts from the Lot Valley

The Lot valley is rich and nourishing. It has many sweets. You will find, among other things, tasty little nuts. To get to know them better, next to Lacepède, is the Maison de la Noisette , with its hazelnut market , games for children, pony rides to explore the farm, tastings ... Le Coudrier (the hazelnut tree) is a tree that has always been present in the forests of Lot-et-Garonne. It is to seek a complementarity with the prune of entente (that which gives the prune of Agen) that the production of hazelnuts has become flourishing in Lot-et-Garonne and in particular in Cancon , the capital of the hazelnut which treats also 95% of the hazelnuts produced in France. Similar farm equipment and alternative harvesting and care period, it's a combination that makes sense!

The Hazelnut from Lot-et-Garonne is good, plump, tasty and crunchy

Ceps from the forests of Gascony

Between Dordogne, Gers, Landes and Gascony, Lot-et-Garonne is located in the heart of a golden triangle… From the Lot Valley to the Val de Garonne Gascogne, its forests do not only offer beautiful walks. You will find a particularly sought-after product there: the porcini mushroom ! In autumn, the king of mushrooms is the star of the markets, to be eaten freshly picked. The search for and picking of porcini mushrooms is a real pilgrimage in this region: we look out for the first, we go discreetly to the area spotted last year, where the harvest of porcini can be generous ... It is a mushroom that loves the under- humid woods, the arboreal varieties of this territory and also a little heat to point the tip of his nose.   Out of season, it is dried or canned to complement your sauces and dishes.

In the woods, alone or in "family", the Cep should not be confused with its cousin the bolete.    Photo : j. gruau Adobe Stock

Foie gras and other poultry

The foie gras of Lot-et-Garonne is famous. The poultry (geese or ducks) are raised in a traditional way , fed with good grain (often from the farm) it is a secular tradition in this gourmet department. Lot-et-Garonne is one of the leading producers of foie gras in France.  

Many poultry farms are found in Lot-et-Garonne. At Frespech, Ferme Souleilles will explain everything you need to know about this exceptional product in its Foie gras Museum .

But it's not all fat ducks in the area. There are many poultry farms in Lot-et-Garonne : hens, guinea fowl, cans,… Enough to prepare tasty and convivial meals. They are transformed from head to toe into specialties sold in stores specializing in preserves or jars: gizzards, pâtés, terrines, stuffed necks, crickets, chicken in a pot ... enough to feast on the spot and bring back home. House.

Foie gras is a traditional dish, now more widely available. But to ensure flawless quality, long live Lot-et-Garonne foies gras!

Wood pigeon salmis

For a change, discover another volatile wilder and stronger in flavor ... The wood-pigeon hunting is traditional in the Lot-et-Garonne. The hunters are placed in a lookout, high or camouflaged on the ground. You will see these structures, like watchtowers on the edge of the woods in Lot-et-Garonne, the birds are then caught with nets. They are eaten in salmis , in stew. The wood pigeon is cooked in red wine and accompanied by porcini mushrooms, hazelnuts and blueberries… It's original and tasty!

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Tonneins ham

Tonneins ham (which can be found made with respect for tradition, in the town of the same name) has the particularity of being offered in a can or served in bowls . It is an original recipe, based on pieces of shoulder and rind, protected by a brotherhood ... We slice the ham, which we will then cook, long and gently with a seasoning of spices. Enjoy it hot or cold, plain or topped with a mustard sauce, and accompanied by a Côtes du Marmandais. A real treat !

Marmande tomatoes

In the Val de Garonne et Gascogne , we will discover another star: the tomato from Marmande ! Raw or cooked, it deserves its reputation. It is a juicy and sweet variety, large in size with firm flesh. In salads, it's a queen that goes with all your desires. It also supports cooking well, why not stuffed and is at the heart of many dishes of the region. She even has a party in her honor: the “ Tomato fiesta ”!

Juicy and generous, it lends itself to all hot or cold culinary desires.  AdobeStock Aloha2014

Strawberries from Val de Garonne

These are the garriguettes that are cultivated in the Garonne valley. It is a renowned variety and is eagerly awaited in the spring. In May, Marmande celebrates this sweet little strawberry.

Chocolates

The Pays du Dropt is the land of gourmets… In Castillonnès , we invite you to meet a cocoa enthusiast. In the Rody Chocolate Factory museum , you will discover all the secrets of chocolate and you can even get your hands on… cocoa paste of course, by creating your own chocolate bar!

In Duras, Maison Guinguet also offers its sweets mixing chocolate with other local productions: prunes, hazelnuts ...

The wonderful combination of chocolate and red wine is often overlooked. Good news ! You have come to the right place to test this subtle blend, with a Duras wine, of course.

Our selection of local farmers market

Places of life, meetings and sharing, the markets bring together many producers in a friendly and warm atmosphere. Here is the list of the Lot et Garonne markets . To help you in your choice, we have prepared a small selection:  

• Villeneuve-sur-Lot knows how to showcase its local producers through three weekly markets. Traditional markets take place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. The organic market takes place on Place d'Aquitaine on Wednesdays.

• In Monsempron-Libos, you will find one of the largest markets in the southwest with its 200 exhibitors. It takes place on Thursday.

• Agen offers several markets: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Sundays, the “ Marché Fermier du Pin ” is the most popular in the Agen region for its quality products at the best price…

• Monflanquin is a bastide, whose market is very old . It dates from 1256! It is therefore an institution not to be missed in the Pays du Dropt, every Thursday.

• Finally, Marmande is a must. In the heart of the Val de Garonne-Gascogne, you will find many market garden products, cultivated nearby, and in particular the famous tomato ...  

Meet the Lot-et-Garonne winegrowers

We cannot let you go without offering you a last tour of Lot-et-Garonne, in all moderation of course ...

• The wines of Buzet de l'Albret: It is a red wine that will subtly accompany red meats, such as Aquitaine beef or typical and tasty dishes such as rabbit with prunes.

The Vignerons du Buzet do wine tourism with all kinds of original activities: electric bike ride, yoga in the vineyards , geocaching course,…

• Armagnac : Its vineyard is located on the border of the department, in Albret . The reputation of this brandy is well established. Here is a good opportunity to explore what is called “ Little Tuscany ”, but also to discover an original aperitif: the Floc de Gascogne .

• Côtes du Marmandais : It is especially appreciated in red, for its flavor of black fruits. It is made from an old and local grape variety which gives it all its authenticity. Its association with river fish, from the Garonne of course, is amazing!

To immerse yourself in winegrowing culture in an original way, in Beaupuy, the Cave du Marmandais offers you an escape-game on the theme of wine . A tasting will be offered to you, if you manage to escape ...

• The wines of Duras : At the limit of the Pays du Dropt, the wines of Duras have joined those of Bergerac in a common appellation “ Vins de Bergerac and Duras ”. In red, rosé, dry and mellow white, there is something to satisfy all your desires ...
  

• The wines of Thézac-Perricard : In the Lot Valley, a surprise awaits you. An atypical vineyard has been able to charm the greatest of this world ... The sumptuous beverage is called " the Tsar's wine " !

• Le Quercy des îles : We suggest you finish this tour in Agenais , to discover an unusual and exotic aperitif . Made from a blend of a renowned grape juice, Chasselas de Moissac, and rum, Quercy des Îles takes you on a journey ...

Are you a wine lover? Our article: 5 vineyard tours in Lot-et-Garonne for wine lovers will give you good addresses.

Our good restaurant addresses

From the market to the vineyard , you have had your fill of good local products . Now you need some inspiration. To associate these sweets with each other, to taste and appreciate each of these flavors, it is better to turn to professionals… Now is the time to pick up ideas before putting yourself in the kitchen. And why not in a restaurant in Lot-et-Garonne . Whatever your mood, your desires or your requirements, you will surely find your happiness in our selection of restaurants , from the most convivial to the most gastronomic. To help you concoct good traditional dishes, here are some cooking recipes from Lot-et-Garonne .

Here is this tour of the gourmet specialties of Lot-et-Garonne which comes to an end. We hope to have revealed to you a new facet of this beautiful country, inspired for a next gourmet getaway and made you want to continue this discovery on the spot, with a tasting!

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Guide du Lot et Garonne.

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