Valence: Bastide, wash houses and markets

Valence combines historic architecture with markets, walking and cycling routes, and the year-round program at the Cinéma-Théâtre Apollo. In Valence d’Agen, you’ll find specific places and activities related to these themes.

Bastide, wash houses and architecture

Valence d’Agen is an English bastide dating from the 13th century. The central market hall is lined with arcades; the traditional dovecote is considered a symbol of the rural heritage of southwestern France. These different aspects of architecture sit side by side: the bastide as a historic type of settlement and the dovecote as a symbol of rural tradition.

The Del Théron wash house is the oldest wash house in Valence d’Agen. The wash houses can be visited at any time, independently and without a guide. If you enjoy exploring historic places on your own, you can include this in your stay without booking a guided tour.

Harbor, routes and public art

The harbor of Valence d’Agen welcomes boats and barges year-round, as well as leisure boaters passing through. It offers a distinct contrast to the historic buildings and outdoor activities.

Along the Canal des Deux Mers, the towpath has been developed as a Voie Verte for walking and cycling. One named cycling route is the 18-kilometer, flat Circuit Val de Garonne. It starts at the bicycle station at the former slaughterhouse in Valence d’Agen. Its length and profile give you specific details to help plan your outing; route details may change. Check the latest route information before setting out.

Valence d’Agen also has a contemporary art trail featuring works by artists in public spaces. The artworks may change over time. Two Baludik walks also take place in Valence d’Agen. They use a free app that requires geolocation to be enabled. As app details may change, check the latest information before using it.

Jardin de Pontus is a green space in the heart of Valence d’Agen, intended for walks and relaxation. One of its features is an eco-grazing area with sheep; the animals’ presence may be managed seasonally. The garden offers a different experience from the art trail or a longer cycling route: the focus here is on green space, walking and relaxation.

Markets and local produce

In 2026, a farmers’ market featuring local producers will be held every Saturday morning under the historic market hall at Place Nationale. The Tuesday morning market will also take place in 2026. Its culinary tradition dates back to the founding of the bastide in 1283. The two market days offer a practical guide to timing your visit if you’d like to plan it around a market.

The markets offer seasonal fruit and vegetables from the Garonne Valley; the selection varies with the season. Saturday morning combines the market with the historic market hall, while the Tuesday market carries on a tradition that began with the founding of the bastide. If you’d like to visit on a market day, check the dates for your planned visit.

Cultural program during your stay

The Cinéma-Théâtre Apollo offers a rich and varied program all year round. Individual events may change. If a particular evening is important to your plans, check the latest dates. Along with the wash houses, art trail and markets, the Apollo offers another way to shape your stay around culture.

When choosing what to focus on during your stay, the activities differ mainly in theme and timing: the heritage includes the bastide, market hall, dovecote and wash houses; outdoor activities include the towpath, Circuit Val de Garonne and walks in Jardin de Pontus. Market visits depend on the weekdays listed and seasonal produce, while the Apollo’s program runs year-round and may change in detail.

Discover more destinations: Réalville, Escazeaux, Merles, Vazerac, Génébrières, Penne, Bouillac, Molières

For the main travel overview: Tarn-Et-Garonne.