A Charming French Town
Agen is a picture-perfect little French town in the south-west of the country between Toulouse and Bordeaux. For much of the Middle Ages the English and the French struggled over the green hills along the Garonne River eventually resulting in the Hundred Years War. You will see at first glance why everyone wanted it so badly: it is stunning and can be easily discovered in your rented car.
Art and History
Agen’s history goes back as far as 400 BC when a Gaelic settlement was founded, though the Romans took over after a while and called it Aginnum. This period is greatly illustrated in the Musée des Beaux-Arts which also includes an excellent art gallery.
The town is best discovered on a leisurely stroll. Start at the river banks lined with posh town houses and charming cafes where your latte will be served with a slice of plum cake.
The main landmark in town is the gothic cathedral Saint-Caprais. Its intricate design is contrasted in the massive Tour de la Poudre, a defence tower left over from the Middle Ages. For some luxurious bed rest check into the baroque Hotel Amblard which has parking facilities for your hired car.
Since it is located on an ancient trading route connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, Agen was of utmost importance to the various rulers as was the entire region. This is evident in the fortified villages from the 13th and 14th century, so-called bastides, sprinkled all over the region. Many of them have depended for centuries on their main agricultural product: about 35,000 tons of dried plums are exported annually, a fruit once brought here by Crusaders returning from Palestine.
Explore as You Drive!
The best way to explore the region is by simply getting into your rental car and heading out into the country. There is a beautiful country road along the Garonne, connecting Agen with Bordeaux and Aiguillon. Look out for old castles, charming villages, and family-run wineries along the way.
Should you prefer your trips to have set destinations, you might want to include Aubiac and Moirax in your list, small country towns south of Agen featuring Romanic churches and shady town squares. For well-preserved medieval flair go to Laplume, a 20 minute drive in your hired car from Agen.
Should you have a craving for some city buzz hit the A62 highway which will take you to Bordeaux or Toulouse in no time. Definitely a place to be discovered in your rented car.
