Valence d'Agen and its port on the Canal du Midi

Valence d'Agen is a pretty little English bastide where it is good to stroll. As you walk, you will discover sites testifying to the history and life of yesteryear. Indeed, this charming English city of the 13th century has a superb hall, 3 beautiful washhouses and a remarkable port on the Canal du Midi.

Read our section dedicated to this region, the Great River Valleys of the Tarn-et-Garonne.

sponsored content

The halls, the arcades and the church of Valence d'Agen

The halls are a key heritage element of the bastides of the Tarn-et-Garonne. They define them as such.

Every Tuesday, the halls of Valence d'Agen host the weekly market, in the heart of the village (Place Nationale). High place of exchange, the halls are above all a place where inhabitants and producers trade, exchange, and discuss. In addition, from November to March, the very famous Marché au Gras takes place in Valence d'Agen. It is an emblematic moment when local producers offer visitors local gastronomic specialties, namely poultry, ducks and fat geese.

Visit the most beautiful villages of Tarn-et-Garonne, discover them all thanks to our article.

 

As in any self-respecting bastide in the South-West, the hall is surrounded by arcades. These pretty vaulted passages bring shade and coolness to walkers and allow them to observe shop windows sheltered from bad weather or heat.

 

Not far away, the Notre-Dame church dominates the square. The particularity of this one lies in the inscriptions which appear on its facade: "Liberty-Equality-Fraternity". Here is an adage that is more commonly found on the facades of our town halls and town halls than on our churches. The church as you will see it dates from the beginning of the 20th century and is in neo-renaissance style. It was in 1905 that the State and the Church decided to dissociate, thus making France a secular state. No more inscriptions of this type can then appear on these buildings.

Visit Auvillar (fr), just 5km from Valence d'Agen. We're getting high!

sponsored content

The washhouses

The washhouses are a real heritage and tourist asset for the authentic village of Valence d'Agen. They are 3 in number. Two of them are listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historical Monuments. They bear witness to a time when washerwomen met to scrub, beat and wring the laundry. Places of gossip, exchange and sharing between women in those times, they are still very frequented today by the inhabitants who like to meet there and find their way around.

Discover the pretty village of Saint-Nicolas de la Grave about ten minutes from Valence d'Agen.

• The Theron washhouse: It is the oldest of the Valence d'Agen washhouses and, probably, one of the most atypical in its form. Indeed, its circular roof is not the most common. It consists of two circular basins: a small one and a much more respectable one. You will notice that the latter is separated in two by a fine stone footbridge. Looking more closely at the fountain, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the names of the consuls who repaired it, as well as the coat of arms of the Marquis of Valence.

 

• The Saint-Bernard washhouse: It dates from around 1807. At that time, the municipality had decided that it would be good to create a public washhouse and a drinking trough for the horses of individuals and gendarmes, near the St Bernard fountain. Indeed, previously poorly maintained and frequently muddy ponds served as washhouses and drinking troughs. It was not until the following century that it would take on its current appearance, as Caron installed a roof there in order to protect the women who came to wash the laundry.

 

• Pé de Gleyze washhouse: this washhouse is more traditional in form and appearance and was built in the 19th century. Unlike the other washhouses, this one is set up between two houses, in a small, more intimate corner.

 

The Port-Canal du Midi

The port on the Canal du Midi located in Valence d'Agen is a true haven of peace and greenery. Yachtsmen appreciate stopping off here to rest, take advantage of this peaceful and verdant place, or simply to discover the charming village of Valence d'Agen.

 

Equipped with around twenty berths, the canal port is an ideal place for yachtsmen and barges sailing along the Canal du Midi. At first, it linked the pink city (fr) to the Mediterranean, then extended to the Atlantic. It is also more commonly known as the “Canal des Deux-Mers”.

Read our article on the Canal des deux mers and its crossing in the Tarn et Garonne!

We hope that these few pieces of information on the tourist elements that make up the richness and beauty of Valence d'Agen have made you want to stroll through its alleys and discover the assets that make it a special site in Tarn-et-Garonne to discover. absolutely.

sponsored content

Did you like our article? Find others on our Blog “Do it your way”. Follow us on the Tarn Aveyron Guide Facebook page and on Instagram @guidedutarnaveyron

Article and photos prepared by Charline Prod'Homme for the Guide Tarn Aveyron

Back to "Not to be missed"