Celebrate the prunes of Agen

Since the Crusaders returned from the East to the Benedictine monks of Clairac (near Agen) in the 13th century with a graft from a plum tree, the plums of Ente gained a status of nobility, drying in the sun to become prunes of Agen, which now have Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) certification and are objects of pride in Lot-et-Garonne.

(Photo credit: Agen town hall)

 

Here is a selection of ideas for leisure and discovery with a focus on this supreme delicacy... 

:: Grand Pruneau Show
Make the most of the last weekend in August in the town of Agen, where people of all ages come together to sing, dance and have fun... with parades, gourmet markets and free concerts (Cali, Zaz, Louis Chedid).
Each year more than 50,000 people participate in this unmissable event, tasting prunes which have just emerged from the plum oven set up for the occasion in a square in the heart of the town centre.

 

Grand Pruneau Show: 26th to 28th August in Agen
Tel: 05 53 47 36 09
E-mail: contact@agen.fr
Web site: www.grandpruneaushow.fr

 

:: Foire aux Pruneaux in Saint-Aubin

Since the first event in 1985, this gourmet festival has turned Saint-Aubin (situated near Monflanquin, a magnificent bastide town) into a prune hot spot. Held every year on the second weekend of September, this major fair unites local producers of prunes and prune-based products, and a variety of other groups and associations.
On the agenda: tasting and sale of prunes; traditional dancing; fireworks; street entertainment; activities for children; baking competitions... All you need for a wonderful day at the heart of Lot-et-Garonne.

26th Prune Festival in Saint-Aubin: 11th September
Tel.+33 5 53 41 66 08
Mail foire.aux.pruneaux@wanadoo.fr
Web www.vergersdesaintaubin.com

:: Prune Museum
Want to know all there is to know about the cultivation and production of the prunes of Agen? Come and find out at Bérino-Martinet farm in Lafitte-sur-Lot. A tour of this fun museum is enhanced with recorded commentaries and finishes with a short film about the prunes of Agen.
In addition to the museum, the farm has an educational orienteering course available for families to play in the orchards, a shaded picnic area, and the opportunity to set out and discover the lost prune in the famous "Dédal'prune", a 15,000 m2 maze of corn which changes each season.  

Prune Museum: Bérino-Martinet farm
Granges sur Lot
47320 Lafitte-sur-Lot
Tel: 05 53 84 00 69
E-mail: contact@musee-du-pruneau.com
Web site: www.musee-du-pruneau.com