Val de Garonne / Gascogne

A paradise for strawberries, tomatoes and asparagus, the Val de Garonne is above all the main market gardening centre in the region. Here, the Garonne, which widened at the confluence of the Lot before joining the Gironde estuary, provides precious and rich land. It is a pleasure to stroll along the river or the parallel canal, on foot or by bike.

The Val de Garonne also includes Marmande, founded by Richard the Lionheart in 1182 and the third largest commune in Lot et Garonne, as well as Tonneins, then Casteljaloux on the edge of the Landes.

Marmande, Tonneins and Others

Marmande "the beautiful", the market gardening capital, owes its opulence and serenity to the gift of nature that is the Garonne plain that surrounds it. The city is located equidistant between Bordeaux and Agen. The tomato capital, it has a very beautiful park and pretty squares where it is good to stroll in the city center. Marmande is also the site of many cultural events in the summer season.

Marmande @ JackF Adobe Stock

Tonneins, also on the banks of the Garonne, has been home to the royal tobacco factory since 1726, another star product of the region. You can discover the Val de Garonne by gabare, particularly from Fourques sur Garonne. Tonneins also invites you to take the very pleasant promenade along the quays along the banks of the Garonne. The town is also a major water sports centre.

In Gontaud de Nogaret, visit the old priory, 13th century façade and the old wooden market hall in the center of the town.

Also a short stop at Mas d'Agenais, an ancient Roman city whose excavations led to the discovery of the Venus of Mas. Today, it is exhibited in Agen. Enter the church of St Vincent and admire a work by Rembrandt from 1631.

In Couthures sur Garonne , discover "Fous de Garonne", a 3D cinema show. It movingly retraces the lives of the local people, subject to the whims of the river that accompany their daily lives. It is a pleasant place for a stroll, an educational and original visit, which will please the whole family.

Finally, at the edge of the Landes forest and the Garonne valley, stop at Casteljaloux. This place of tourism and leisure is also part of the leisure centers and campsites. Everything is organized here for a very pleasant "green" tourism. Under the influence of the Landes which adjoins it, Casteljaloux is also a very lively city in the season, headquarters of the cadets of Gascony. Many events are organized there, including one in August.

Casteljaloux and its Landes atmosphere @ AdobeStock Frederic.M-

Zoom on the Cave du Marmandais

La Cave du Marmandais is a wine cooperative that brings together a hundred member winegrowers, to produce characterful South-West Wines. These are men and women committed to respectfully cultivating generous vines in this rich and prosperous part of Lot-et-Garonne.

Members of the Cave du Marmandais. Photo © La Cave du Marmandais

The vineyard, which is located at the gates of the town of Marmande, is not necessarily distinguished by its size, but rather by the know-how of its winegrowers and winemakers.

The Marmandais cellar represents 95% of the Côtes du Marmandais appellation. It produces reds, whites and rosés and works with several grape varieties. It is also through its values that this appellation has become known, highlighting environmental responsibility in a profession where the sustainable cultivation of the land is more than an issue. It is an imperative, since the well-being of the vine is directly linked to the quality of the final product: the wine.

The Marmandais cellar is also labeled Vignerons Engagés and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Confirmée. To discover these wines, go to the 2 stores in the towns of Cocumont and Beaupuy.