Castelculier Gourmet Market
Sample local produce directly from the makers and enjoy an 80s pop-rock themed evening.
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Bon-Encontre
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ℹ️Practical info — Bon-Encontre
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon-Encontre attracts many pilgrims; visit early in the morning to enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
- As the town is quite hilly, comfortable shoes are recommended for walking up to the Virgin Mary statue on the hill.
- Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Agen, which is just a short drive or bus ride away.
- Try the regional plums ('Pruneaux d'Agen'), which can also often be found at local markets here.
🍽 Food
🍽
Pruneaux d'Agen
You will find these famous dried plums in almost every delicatessen or at the regional weekly markets.
🍽
Duck Confit
Try this traditional dish from southwestern France in one of the classic bistros in the town center.
🍽
Floc de Gascogne
Enjoy this local aperitif, a blend of grape juice and Armagnac, before dinner.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Weekly Market
Buy fresh fruit, vegetables, and regional specialties directly from the producers at the local market.
🛍
Delicatessens
Look for small shops offering local wines, Armagnac, and specialties related to the Agen plum.
🧘
Hill of the Virgin
Walk up to the statue of the Virgin Mary for a quiet moment and a wide view over the Garonne valley.
🧘
Basilica Surroundings
The gardens and squares around the church offer peaceful spots for a short break.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
5
Gourmet Night Market
Local producers, fireworks, and live music with JAMAI'K at the Bon-Encontre sports complex.
Saint-Amans Festival
A cultural highlight featuring theater performances like Roméo et Juliette and concerts by artists like Checler.
Gourmet Night Market
Enjoy local specialties and a musical journey back to the 80s with L'Art en Scène 47.
Castelculier Association Forum
Discover the diversity of local associations with demonstrations and information booths throughout the day.
Bon-Encontre is situated in the Lot-et-Garonne department within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, effectively serving as an eastern suburb of the city of Agen. The town's identity is deeply rooted in its religious heritage, which began in the mid-16th century following the miraculous discovery of a statue of the Virgin Mary in a field. This event transformed the humble village into a significant pilgrimage site, eventually leading to the construction of the impressive Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon-Encontre. Geographically, the municipality spans a diverse landscape, ranging from the flat, fertile plains of the Garonne River to the rolling hills of the Agenais plateau. This transition provides scenic vistas and diverse agricultural opportunities, notably the famous plums used for 'Pruneaux d'Agen'. In recent decades, Bon-Encontre has experienced steady demographic growth due to its proximity to Agen, evolving into a bustling residential community with modern amenities while carefully preserving its historical core. The town also benefits from the nearby Canal de Garonne, which gives recreational paths and contributes to the overall charm of this Aquitaine gem.
- Location: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
- Top sights: Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon-Encontre · Sainte-Radegonde Church · Garonne Canal
- Nearby: Agen (4 km)
- Population: ~6.530
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 19 | 15 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 66 | 46 | 56 | 66 | 74 | 57 | 44 | 47 | 44 | 56 | 63 | 59 |
Geography
Facts
- Total municipal area covers 20.45 square kilometers.
- The Basilica of Notre-Dame reached its current neo-Gothic form in the 19th century.
- Average elevation above sea level is approximately 50 meters.
- Positioned along the pilgrimage routes leading towards Santiago de Compostela.
- Located only 5 kilometers away from the center of Agen.
- First historical mentions date back to the High Middle Ages.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Bon-Encontre (8)
Frequently asked questions
What is the most significant building in Bon-Encontre?
The Basilica of Notre-Dame, an important pilgrimage site featuring a 16th-century statue of Mary.
How far is Agen from Bon-Encontre?
The town is located just east of Agen, only about 5 to 10 minutes away by car.
Are there cultural events in the town?
The town is known for its pilgrimage festivals in May and various exhibitions at the cultural center.
Can you go hiking in the area?
Yes, there are several hiking trails through the Garonne plain and the surrounding hills.
Are there good restaurants in Bon-Encontre?
There are a few cozy brasseries serving regional specialties like duck confit.
Bon-Encontre: where is it located?
Bon-Encontre is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
Bon-Encontre: what is there to see?
Highlights include Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon-Encontre, Sainte-Radegonde Church, Garonne Canal.
Bon-Encontre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bon-Encontre: why is it worth visiting?
Bon-Encontre is situated in the Lot-et-Garonne department within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, effectively serving as an eastern suburb of the city of Agen.
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