Valence is a town of Tarn-et-Garonne, Occitanie region, 45 km north-west of Montauban, on the boundary of Lot-et-Garonne. Its usual but unofficial name is Valence of Agen.
The city was created in 1283 by King Edward I of England. However, unlike other bastides (new towns) built before or during the Hundred Years War, it does not dominate a plain or a valley, but its historic heart neighbor from the beginning the course of the Garonne, which crosses its territory to the south, and that of Barguelonne to the north.
The 13th century checkerboard plan has been preserved, but the village has spread over the centuries, while the surrounding wetlands have been sanitized, cultivated or urbanized.
In the nineteenth century, the development of the canal linking Toulouse to Bordeaux extending the Canal du Midi amplifies the commercial and craft vocation of Valence, true crossroads between the provinces of Quercy and Gascony.
In the twentieth century, the construction of the Golfech power plant in its periphery boosts the demography of the city, which now has more than 5,400 inhabitants.
But the charm of its historic center, its heritage, the riches of its soil and the many leisure activities available always make Valence d'Agen, in the heart of the Pays des Deux Rives, an attractive tourist destination.
The heart of the old country house deserves a walk to discover the charm of the original central square, and the half-timbered houses and ambans (covered, galleries) which border it, as it is also the case for the picturesque adjacent streets.
Over the centuries, the small town has grown, new places have been developed. Since 1990, one of them, now called Place du Colombier, is home to a magnificent example of an old rural dovecote on stilts that was rebuilt there.
We can also linger at the Notre-Dame church, neo-Renaissance style, which dates from 1902, the old church located on a rampart having become cramped and weakened. Inside, there is a beautiful Madonna and Child in gilded wood, a Ceramic Way of the Cross, and a bench called Churchwarders, lay people who once managed the finances of the parish (before 1905). Another originality of the church, its stucco grotto and Pietà inspired by Lourdes.
The heritage of the city is also rich in its halls and wash houses. The oldest dating from the 18th century, the Theron, partly tiled (more effective technique to prevent frost damage than simple cement), a second of the nineteenth, called Saint-Bernard, and they are both protected under the historical monuments. We notice their circular plan and their elegant frame. They reflect the desire to reconcile urbanism and public hygiene. To see also, the wash-house of Pé de Gleyze of more traditional invoice (XIX).
We will not forget gardens and fountains dotting the center.
Direction then the canal on the bank of which a green lane is now reserved for hikers on foot or by bike.
A small marina of 20 sites was renovated in 2011 which adds to the charm of the site (information +33 6 19 81 28 23). Devolved until the second war to transport grain, the channel is now a tourist vector, for barges and boats as residents...
The banks of the canal, those of the Garonne, the center as the surrounding countryside, between cultures and rivers, are suitable for hiking. Marked and varied itineraries have been designed for walkers and cyclists alike. Maps and documentation on +33 5 63 39 61 67.
It is also possible to join the outings organized by the local club of cyclotourism (to join the +33 5 63 39 02 72) or the association of the hikers of Valence (to contact +33 6 45 57 14 54).
And why not a ride on horseback or pony in these charming landscapes? Information at the equestrian center of Deux-Rives at +33 5 63 39 55 57 or +33 6 60 96 36 49.
As for sports and leisure activities, the summer swimming pool open from the end of June to the end of August is ideal for swimming and idleness (grassy beaches) but also has a beach volleyball court and ping-pong tables. Entry: 1.60 and 2.70 euros. Information on +33 5 63 39 50 88. For a game of tennis, we will reserve a court at +33 6 77 10 80 30.
As for fishing enthusiasts, the rivers and the channel allow to indulge their passion in excellent conditions. Inquire with the local association to know the adapted sites and the regulations to respect at +33 6 82 29 62 16.
Lastly, in the cultural field, the Apollo theater-theater is a municipal historical institution which since 1922 has been presenting shows and screenings of recent films. Information on +33 5 63 39 50 13.
At the beginning of August, over four days, on the canal's quays, the Canal en Scène festival offers dance, circus, theater and concerts, all in a festive and friendly atmosphere. Information and ticketing on +33 5 63 39 52 52.
Every Tuesday morning, the colorful market of the country house is a great showcase of the region's terroir, between fruit and vegetables from the Garonne valley, foie gras, prunes from Agen...
