Van life in Lot-et-Garonne

Board your camper van or camper van and head south, towards Lot-et-Garonne. Located in New Aquitaine, this region is pleasant to explore in the heart of green nature which evolves between the Lot and Garonne rivers. Sumptuous castles, bastides with rich heritage and ancestral know-how, set off on a captivating road trip in complete freedom in an adapted vehicle. Live at your own pace on the roads of France, we take you for van life in Lot-et-Garonne.

Opening photo: AdobeStock Andriy

Life in a van in Lot-et-Garonne, a stay of pure pleasure

What a treat to take the roads of Lot-et-Garonne and observe the surrounding nature aboard your motorhome. Essentially an agricultural region, the landscapes pass by and alternate between orchards, fields and vineyards, enough to delight the taste buds with numerous specialties. Gastronomy is not the only attraction of Lot-et-Garonne which offers cultural or sporting stays according to your desires. Visit some of the “most beautiful villages in France”, admire the bastides and discover the castles during your journey, before flexing your muscles on the Lot and Garonne rivers. With 200 km of waterways, the region is ideal for aquatic activities, bucolic walks and relaxing breaks in a green setting. Take advantage of your freedom to make extended stops wherever you want.

the roads of Lot-et-Garonne, a popular route by motorhome

We never tire of Lot-et-Garonne which offers getaways accessible all year round in a converted van. To the north-east , the roads are easy to take and take you to visit prehistoric sites, castles and caves, before opening the way to the pretty bastides of Villeréal and Monflanquin. Towards the south, the landscape evolves, the forests become rarer and slight valleys appear, an authentic countryside in which charming towns blend together. Travel along the Lot to Aiguillon where the river is joined by the Garonne, and go up to the pretty town of Marmande, before descending to Agen, the main town in the region renowned for its prunes. Overall, the roads are quiet and without any surprises for traveling in a camper van or camper van.

Van life in Lot-et-Garonne, rules to respect

Going on a road trip on the roads in complete freedom, what a pleasure! But be careful to respect the rules in force in each of the regions you visit. Whether you are in a camper van or a converted van, your vehicle falls into category M, which implies applying the Highway Code like all other users. Likewise, your papers must be in order to circulate. Converted vans must be approved, unless the installations can be removed easily and quickly. Are you up to date? All you have to do is enjoy driving your van. Don't act crazy on the road and respect the producers of the region , access to fields and private properties is prohibited.

life on the roads, plan everything to go to Lot-et-Garonne

Are you in a hurry to experience this new adventure and get away from it all? How we understand you. To help you get organized, we give you some practical advice to follow before hitting the road:

• Check your essentials (identity card, driving license, registration document, insurance certificate),
• Plan a budget not to be exceeded (remember to include the toll for the A62 motorway),
• Fill the containers with water and provide a few bottles to hydrate yourself,
• Identify parking areas accessible to motorhomes,
• Check your electricity autonomy,
• Pack a suitcase with the right clothes depending on the season (be careful, even when it is hot during the day, the nights can be cool),
• Remember to bring a map of the region (you never know, the GPS might fail you).

You are ready, freedom is yours, you are leaving for a road trip in Lot-et-Garonne.

An escape in Lot-et-Garonne, places to sleep

Of course, you have your camp bed or convertible bed to spend the night, as long as you know where to park. Again, you don't do what you want. Some places prohibit wild camping, such as nature reserves such as the Etang de la Mazière, forests like that of Campet or public roads. In Lot-et-Garonne, you have 35 service areas and numerous campsites for a comfortable stopover where you can drain your vehicle and take a nice hot shower. Are you adventurous? Download the “pack4night” app to find a nice spot for the evening, or go to “ ou-camper ” to sleep on private property. Wild camping is another option provided you don't linger, leave the place spotless and be discreet, at the risk of being fined €135.

Lot-et-Garonne, the best time to go on a road trip

The camper van and the converted van have the advantage of taking you wherever you want all year round. So you can head south whenever you want. However, if you want to make the most of the region's riches, it is advisable to escape in spring or summer, or at the beginning of autumn, with a preference for the period from July to October. Despite an oceanic climate, winter can be cool and rainy, which could disrupt your road trip. Likewise, the month of May can be humid and stormy, not very pleasant conditions for a stay in a van or camper van, while the month of March will be drier. The sunny seasons therefore remain the most suitable for a road trip through the nature of Lot-et-Garonne.

Lot-et-Garonne, places to visit in complete freedom

Lot-et-Garonne has 5 regions to explore at the wheel of your converted van. The land of Dropt to the north is ideal for immersing yourself in the heart of history with numerous bastides like Castillonnès, Villeréal or Miramont-de-Guyenne. Don't miss Duras and its magnificent castle, before tasting Côte de Duras wine. Agenais in the south-east is famous for its prunes and the pretty town of Agen. Between the two nestles the Lot valley which offers numerous leisure opportunities on the river, overlooked by incredible hilltop villages like Bonaguil, Casseneuil or Pujols. To the southwest, it is Albret which offers visits to castles on hilly lands and the Buzet vineyard. Finally to the west with the Val de Garonne/Gascogne it is the forest and green landscapes along the river that captivate, as well as the pretty villages of Casteljaloux in Marmande.

We turn off the engine and stretch our legs, the journey is over. You have traveled hundreds of kilometers to discover Lot-et-Garonne. In a converted van or camper van, van life offers a much sought-after feeling of freedom. Go on an adventure, you now have all the keys to get by.

Did you like this article? Find others on our Blog of Guide Lot-et-Garonne. Follow us on the Guide du Lot et Garonne Facebook page and on Instagram @guidedulotetgaronne