Garonne en Fête

Garonne en Fête: Celebrating the River in the Heart of the Agenais

Since 2017, the Agglomération d'Agen has organized Garonne en Fête annually, a popular and unifying event that highlights the Garonne River and the historical connection between the inhabitants of the Agenais region and their waterway. This event brings together the 44 municipalities of the agglomeration for a festive, sporty, and friendly day on the riverbanks.

A Rich Program of Nautical and Sporting Activities

Garonne en Fête offers a range of activities for all tastes and ages, centered around the river and its banks:

• Canoe Descents: Three circuits are offered depending on your preferences and skill level—a short morning route from Saint-Sixte to Boé (approx. 2 hours), a long route from Saint-Sixte to Saint-Hilaire-de-Lusignan (approx. 4 hours with a stop in Boé), and an afternoon route from Boé to Saint-Hilaire-de-Lusignan. Prices include equipment rental, the Garonne en Fête kit, shuttle service, and refreshments upon arrival.
• Garonne Trail: A 10.2 km nature race along the river starting from Colayrac-Saint-Cirq, on hilly terrain offering beautiful panoramas of the Garonne valley. A free children's race of 800m is also available.
• Zip Line over the Water: A spectacular attraction allowing you to fly over the Garonne.
• Eco-Hikes: Guided nature walks to discover the fauna and flora of the riverbanks.

Garonne Beach: The Beach by the River

The central point of the event, Garonne Beach in Boé, opens exceptionally for the occasion with an enhanced festive program. Located opposite the Château Pelissier, with free access from the Passeligne Natural Park, the beach offers:

• Supervised swimming in the river
• Inflatable water structures
• Free access to canoes, pedal boats, and paddleboards
• Giant wooden games
• Musical entertainment
• Food trucks and a refreshment stand

Fun and Cultural Activities

Beyond the sports activities, Garonne en Fête offers original entertainment for the whole family:

• Escape Game “Le Drac de Garona”: A free life-size puzzle game, run by local environmental and cultural partners, exploring the legends and heritage of the river.
• International Kite Show: An aerial ballet of giant kites shaped like exotic birds, butterflies, and marine animals, followed by kite-making workshops for children.
• Producers' Market and gourmet stands showcasing local products from the Lot-et-Garonne region.

Commitment to the Environment

Garonne en Fête is part of an initiative to raise awareness about the environment and the preservation of the river. The event partners with numerous institutional and associative organizations committed to protecting the Garonne, and offers educational activities about the river ecosystem, biodiversity, and environmental issues related to the river.