The 10 most beautiful walks in Lot-et-Garonne
Lot-et-Garonne, a land of bastides and vineyards, offers walkers an exceptional area between the Garonne and the Landes forest. From the hilltop villages of Pujols to the châteaux of Duras, via the forest paths of Ambrus, this département abounds in varied walking routes that will appeal to all walking enthusiasts. Discover our selection of the 10 most beautiful walks to do in Lot-et-Garonne, between historic heritage and unspoilt countryside.
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One of the most beautiful villages in France, Pujols is a must-see in the Lot-et-Garonne region. This 10.8km walk takes you through this charming medieval village perched high above Villeneuve-sur-Lot, before taking you through the rolling countryside of the Mail valley.
Download the audio tour to discover Agen on foot and on your own
Take advantage of your visit to the region to explore the department’s prefecture with our audio tour of Agen. This 3.1 km tour reveals the secrets of the “prune capital”, from its emblematic canal bridge to Saint-Caprais cathedral, via its historic streets steeped in history.
The Pujols path climbs up and down the hillsides, offering a number of fine views over the valley. The 411-metre difference in altitude is pleasantly distributed throughout the route. This moderately demanding walk takes around 2 hours 45 minutes. While you’re in the area, don’t hesitate to cross the Lot to visit Agen and walk around its historic centre to the foot of the emblematic canal bridge.
Also in the Agen guide :
2. Duras, its wines and château
A Lot-et-Garonne walk that combines heritage and wine! Duras is renowned for its wine-growing region and its AOC vintages, and this 6.1km route takes you straight to the Maison des Vins de Duras for a well-deserved tasting after your hard work.
This easy, family-friendly walk takes you through the area around Duras, along hedged country lanes. With a difference in altitude of just 170 metres over a 1? hour walk, it’s perfect for families with children. At the start or finish, take the time to visit the Château de Duras (Château de Duras, Place du Château, 47120 Duras, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 428 reviews), a beautiful 12th-century building and symbol of the town that proudly dominates the Dropt valley.
3. Casteljaloux and Lake Clarens
Casteljaloux is a quiet little town on the edge of the Landes de Gascogne. This 15 km hike allows you to observe the changes in the landscape, where crops are gradually giving way to the pine forests so characteristic of the Landes region.
The route starts in Casteljaloux’s central square and is partly shaded by trees, perfect for walking in fine weather. The stage at Lac de Clarens (Base de Loisirs du Lac de Clarens, 47700 Casteljaloux, rated 4.1/5 on Google out of 892 reviews) makes perfect sense for a refreshing dip in the water! Please note that access to the lake is subject to a charge in summer but is free the rest of the year. Allow around 3 hours 45 minutes’ walk for this moderately difficult hike with a 462-metre ascent.
4. The Buzet vineyards
A pleasant walk in the Lot-et-Garonne to discover the Buzet wine region, the department’s best-known AOC. Starting from the small village of Saint-Pierre-de-Buzet, follow the paths through the neatly lined vineyards, through a rich terroir from which Buzet wine draws all its character.
This 6.4km walk is not very steep (175m) and takes you through the Landes de Gascogne forest to complete the loop. The plots of vines are well exposed to the sun and offer magnificent views of the Garonne hillsides. The Les Vignerons de Buzet cooperative (Les Vignerons de Buzet, Avenue des Côtes de Buzet, 47160 Buzet-sur-Baïse, rated 4.3/5 on Google for 156 reviews) also organises guided tours of its vineyards, perfect for deepening your oenological knowledge after your hike.
5. Ambrus forest
Ambrus is a small village that dates back to medieval times. The Château d’Ambrus, its 12th-century church and its miraculous fountain are all worth a visit! This 6.1 km hike in the Ambrus forest takes you through a preserved Landes forest ecosystem.
Made up of pine and oak trees, with plenty of shade even in summer, the Ambrus forest is a foretaste of the atmosphere of the Landes de Gascogne. With just 146 metres of ascent and a 1 hour 15 minute walk, this easy hike is suitable for all levels. Themed totems dot the route to help you better understand the forest life of the Landes. The church at Ambrus (Église Saint-Pierre, 47310 Ambrus, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 23 reviews) is also worth a visit for its remarkably well-preserved Romanesque architecture.
6. Agen to Castelculier via the canal
This is one of the most popular walks in Agen, offering a chance to get some fresh air and walk a few kilometres. This 17.7km walk follows the Canal Latéral à la Garonne (an extension of the Canal du Midi) along the GR652, a well-developed route with plenty of shade.
The advantage of this route is that it is not very steep (178m) and is on flat ground, perfect for walkers of all abilities. You’ll be able to watch the river activity as you gradually leave the town of Agen. If you’re passing through the prefecture, take the opportunity to combine this walk with a visit to the historic centre on our audio tour of Agen, for a full day of discovery. The Pont-Canal d’Agen (Pont-Canal, 47000 Agen, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 1,247 reviews) is a must-see on this walk, offering an unbeatable view over the Garonne.
7. The Beauville loop
This beautiful bastide, set high up on its spur, is one of the Lot-et-Garonne walks not to be missed in the Agen area. Start the walk directly from the centre of Beauville, along its narrow streets and along the old covered way.
The path then takes you out of the village and across the valley to the church of Marcoux, renowned for its exceptional views over the surrounding hillsides. This is a 10km walk with a height difference of 315 metres, and takes around 2 hours to complete. The Place de Beauville (Place de la Mairie, 47470 Beauville, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 87 reviews) is the ideal starting point, with its perfectly preserved medieval arcades bearing witness to the rich past of this 13th-century fortified town.
8. Campet forest
Back to the west of the département for a hike in Lot-et-Garonne in the shade of pines and oaks. The national forest of Campet is the ideal place to walk and get out of the sun, which is particularly welcome on hot summer days.
The main loop, signposted in yellow, follows flat terrain on sandy soil typical of the Landes region. It crosses two resorts and runs alongside the small river Avance, leaving plenty of scope for variations to suit your level of fitness. With just 81 metres of ascent over 5.3 km, this 1-hour walk is perfect for families. The Forêt de Campet (Forêt Domaniale de Campet, 47600 Fargues-sur-Ourbise) remains the only state-owned forest in Lot-et-Garonne, making it an exceptional natural area to preserve.
9. The bastide of Aiguillon
Strategically located at the confluence of the Lot and Garonne rivers, Aiguillon has long been a fortified town. Today, it remains one of the prettiest fortified towns in Gascony, and is the starting point for a lovely half-day tour of the Lot-et-Garonne.
This 13.6 km hike takes you from one hill to the next, with many viewpoints and a 350 metre ascent. Allow around 4h30 for this moderately demanding walk. On your return to Aiguillon, be sure to pay a visit to the Château du Duc d’Aiguillon (Château du Duc d’Aiguillon, 47190 Aiguillon, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 78 reviews), which is the highlight of the day with its formal gardens and 18th-century architecture.
10. Monflanquin, the bastide circuit
Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Monflanquin is one of the best-preserved fortified towns in the South-West. This 7.9km walk will give you the chance to discover this medieval town, founded in 1252, from all angles, exploring the surrounding hills and offering unique views of its preserved architecture.
The “bastide” trail takes you through the valleys and ridges that surround Monflanquin, revealing panoramic views of the lauze roofs and ramparts. With a difference in altitude of 160 metres spread over 2 hours 10 minutes, this easy walk is suitable for all levels. The Place des Arcades in Monflanquin (Place des Arcades, 47150 Monflanquin, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 312 reviews) is the beating heart of this bastide town, with its covered galleries and half-timbered houses that bear witness to eight centuries of history. Let yourself be guided through the cobbled streets that lead to the church of Saint-André, and enjoy the many craft workshops that perpetuate the region’s traditional skills.
In conclusion, Lot-et-Garonne offers walkers a remarkable diversity of landscapes and heritage. From hilltop villages to famous vineyards, Landes forests and medieval bastides, each walk reveals a different facet of this unspoilt region. These 10 itineraries will allow you to discover the true soul of the department, with its mix of history, nature and gastronomy. To take your discovery of the region even further, explore our audio tour of Agen, which will reveal all the secrets of the Lot-et-Garonne prefecture.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best walk in Lot-et-Garonne?
The Pujols and Mail Valley walk is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the department. The 10.8km route offers exceptional views from one of France’s most beautiful villages, while passing through the rolling countryside that is so characteristic of the region.
Which hike should you choose to start out on in Lot-et-Garonne?
For starters, try the Duras walk (6.1km, ascent 170m) or the Ambrus forest walk (6.1km, ascent 146m). These easy trails (1hr 15mins to 1hr 30mins) allow you to discover the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty without any technical difficulties.
What bastide towns can you discover on a walk in the Lot-et-Garonne?
Our selection highlights three remarkable bastides: Monflanquin (Plus Beau Village de France), Beauville with its medieval ramparts, and Aiguillon at the confluence of the Lot and Garonne rivers. Each offers themed walks that reveal their rich architectural heritage and strategic position.
When should you go hiking in Lot-et-Garonne?
The best periods are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when temperatures are mild. Summer is still a good time, especially for forest walks such as Ambrus or Campet, which offer plenty of shade. Avoid winter for high-altitude routes such as Beauville.
Where can I get hiking maps for Lot-et-Garonne?
Maps and topographical guides are available from the department’s tourist offices, particularly in Agen, Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Marmande. The official Lot-et-Garonne tourism website also has detailed fact sheets that can be downloaded free of charge in PDF and GPX format.
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