Penne-D'agenais: Fortified Town, River and Crafts

If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Penne-D'agenais, it is worth exploring the destination’s different sides: medieval heritage, the river and market, trails through the countryside, and local products and crafts. This will help you decide whether culture, outdoor activities or insights into local production should shape your stay.

A fortified town with a rich heritage

Penne-D'agenais is a medieval fortified town with distinctive, well-preserved houses and remnants of its fortifications. The fortified house Tour d'Alaric is part of the medieval town centre. The Notre-Dame de Peyragude sanctuary is a pilgrimage site on the route to Compostela. These different features give the town a distinct historical character, without limiting a visit to a single building.

Magnac also has a destination of its own for those interested in sacred architecture: the parish church of Saint-Saturnin has a bell-gable dating from the late 18th century. Woven works are created at L'atelier de tissage, including tapestries, wall art, textile sculptures and accessories. The Dinanderie–Orfévrerie workshop produces sculptures and decorative art objects, as well as commissioned works. Alongside historic architecture, a variety of crafts are therefore also in the spotlight.

The river, market and activities on the water

Port-de-Penne was once a commercial river port and now serves as a mooring place for recreational boaters. The Marché traditionnel de Penne-d'Agenais is held on the banks of the Lot on Sunday mornings throughout the year. It is designated as a producers’ market; individual market dates may vary, so it is advisable to check the specific date before your visit.

Stand-up paddleboards, canoes and pedal boats are available for hire at the Capitainerie. There are also boats that can be used without a licence, with capacities of 3, 6, 8 or 12 people. The Site Nature des Étangs de Ferrié nature area offers free access to a walking trail along the Boudouyssou. The market, boat hire and walking trail offer different ways to spend time by the water or in the countryside.

Plan routes and activities

The Penne-d'Agenais–Magnac–Noaillac route is 13.2 kilometres long, marked in yellow and rated difficult; the cumulative elevation gain is 450 metres. Hiking, horse riding and mountain biking are among the activities designated for this route. Trail markings and conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

Another circular route, Penne-d'Agenais–Auradou, passes through narrow valleys, steep hills and extensive plateaus with shaded rest areas. For a guided activity, Circuit E-Way Adventure offers a tour on off-road electric scooters starting from Penne-d'Agenais: the circular route is 21 kilometres long and takes two and a half hours. Check availability and conditions in advance.

The Tour des Plus Beaux Villages de France® circular route includes Penne-d'Agenais and is suitable for a multi-day cycling trip. It covers just under 160 kilometres and is designed to take two to three days. The route can be reached by train via Penne-d'Agenais TER station. Before travelling, check current train services, bicycle transport options and any route changes.

Products and visitor experiences

The terraces of the Lot Valley and the slopes within the commune are mostly planted with plum orchards; the fruit is destined for Pruneaux d'Agen. La Ferme du Lacaÿ grows these plums organically under the IGP designation and processes them on site. Visitors are welcomed at the farm; Pruneaux d'Agen and prune-based specialities are available to buy directly from the farm shop. As opening hours may change, it is advisable to check before visiting.

Maria Garrouste offers demonstrations with tastings and cooking classes focused on gastronomy by appointment. Together with the market, farm shop and crafts, these provide another way to experience local culture: through products, how they are made and hands-on insights, rather than solely through buildings and trails.

Discover more destinations: Puymirol, Castelnaud-De-Gratecambe, Bourlens, Buzet-Sur-Baïse, Laroque-Timbaut, La Sauvetat-Du-Dropt, Montagnac-Sur-Lède, Mauvezin-Sur-Gupie.

For the broader travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.