Garonne en Fête
Your annual rendezvous with the river in Agen
About 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.
Garonne en Fête — edition 2026
The 10th edition of Garonne en Fête takes place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in the Agen urban area (Lot-et-Garonne). For this anniversary edition, the Agen urban area offers a festive day centered around the river, with highlights including the traditional Garonne canoe descent between Saint-Sixte and Saint-Hilaire-de-Lusignan, the 'Les 10 km de Garonne' trail in Colayrac-Saint-Cirq, and numerous activities.
Garonne en Fête 2026: The 10th Edition
An annual meeting of the Agen urban area with its river, Garonne en Fête celebrates its 10th edition on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The day revolves around two major sporting and friendly events: the Garonne canoe descent and the 'Les 10 km de Garonne' trail, complemented by various festive activities along the river.
The Garonne Canoe Descent
The historical heart of the event, the descent connects Saint-Sixte to Saint-Hilaire-de-Lusignan. Three routes are offered: a short morning circuit (approx. 2 h), a short afternoon circuit (approx. 2 h), and a full-day long route (approx. 4 h). Registration includes boat rental, bus shuttle back, an event kit, and refreshments. A corporate challenge is also organized on the afternoon circuit.
The 'Les 10 km de Garonne' Trail
Organized in Colayrac-Saint-Cirq, the trail offers a 10.2 km adult race along the river as well as an 800 m children's race (free).
Change 2026: No Garonne Plage
For summer 2026, the Agen urban area has decided not to open Garonne Plage, due to insufficient supervisory staff to simultaneously ensure swimming and the Aquasud aquatic center. The summer offer is refocused on Aquasud (extended outdoor spaces, extended hours). The Garonne en Fête event, however, is maintained.
Programme Garonne en Fête 2026
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Garonne Canoe Descent (Saint-Sixte → Saint-Hilaire-de-Lusignan)
- Short morning circuit — approx. 2 h
- Short afternoon circuit — approx. 2 h (with corporate challenge)
- Full-day long route — approx. 4 h
Registration includes boat rental, return shuttle, event kit, and refreshments.
'Les 10 km de Garonne' Trail (Colayrac-Saint-Cirq)
- Children's race — 800 m (free)
- Adults' race — 10.2 km
Throughout the day
- Festive activities along the river
Highlights Garonne en Fête 2026
- 10th anniversary edition of Garonne en Fête
- Garonne canoe descent between Saint-Sixte and Saint-Hilaire-de-Lusignan (3 routes to choose from)
- 'Les 10 km de Garonne' Trail in Colayrac-Saint-Cirq
- Corporate challenge on the afternoon canoe circuit
- Festive activities throughout the day
Prices Garonne en Fête 2026
Practical information — Garonne en Fête
Access and Location
Garonne en Fête takes place at several sites along the Garonne River in the Agen agglomeration:
- Garonne Beach: Opposite Château Pelissier in Boé (47550), with free parking at the Passeligne Natural Park. Also accessible by bike path.
- Canoe Descent Departures: Saint-Sixte (morning route) and Boé (afternoon route). Shuttle services are provided.
- Trail Start: Amphitheater of Colayrac-Saint-Cirq.
By Car: Agen is accessible via the A62 motorway (Bordeaux-Toulouse). Follow signs for Boé and the Passeligne Natural Park. Free parking near Garonne Beach.
By Train: Agen station (TGV and TER), about a 10-minute drive from Garonne Beach in Boé.
Prices
Free Activities
- Access to Garonne Beach (swimming, inflatable structures, canoes, pedal boats, paddleboards)
- Escape Game “Le Drac de Garona”
- Kite show and workshops
- Children's Trail (800m)
- Eco-Hikes
- Activities and games
Paid Activities
- Canoe Descent (rental): €30 (short circuit, ~2h) to €45 (long circuit, ~4h). Reduced rate with personal boat: €15.
- Adult Trail (10.2 km): €8 pre-registration, €12 on-site.
- Sun lounger rental: €5 / umbrella: €3
Timetable
The event starts as early as 7:30 AM with the first canoe descents. Garonne Beach opens at 11 AM. Activities continue throughout the day.
Practical Tips
- Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen
- Appropriate footwear for trail running and hiking
- Registration for canoe descents and the trail must be done online on the Agglomération d'Agen website
- The day before the event, "Le Off" offers activities in Saint-Sixte
Contact
Agglomération d'Agen
8 rue André Chénier - BP 90045
47916 Agen Cedex 9
Tel: 05 53 69 68 67
Email: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Garonne en Fête
Parc Naturel de Passeligne - Garonne Plage
Route de Passeligne, 47550 Boé