What to do in Nérac?
Visit Nérac and follow in the footsteps of the young Henri of Navarre, future King Henry IV of France!
Located in the southwest of Lot-et-Garonne, the charming town of Nérac is an ideal destination for a getaway combining history, nature, relaxation, and fine dining.
Whether you are passionate about history, enjoy river cruises, or are looking for a peaceful weekend with your family,
Welcome to Nérac!
Why visit Nérac?
- It is the capital of Albret.
- It is the only royal town in Lot-et-Garonne.
- For its must-see Renaissance monuments
- For its traditional Saturday morning market
- For the pleasure of strolling along the banks of the Baïse
What to do in Nérac?
The Henri IV Castle Museum
The Château de Nérac is one of the most famous castles in Lot-et-Garonne: the only royal castle. While its elegant gallery is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, it is the prestige of its guests that has made it so famous. The history of the lords of Albret, kings of Navarre with the future Henry IV, but also of some of the most influential women of the 16th century, is closely linked to that of the castle.
Old Nérac
Follow in the footsteps of Queen Margot and discover the narrow streets of old Nérac and its beautiful half-timbered houses. The port district, crossed by the Baïse River, will dazzle you with its Pont-Vieux bridge, tanneries, and remains of ramparts.
Don't miss the Maison des Conférences, a magnificent mansion.
After a little effort, the lookout point will reward you with a superb view of the city!
Guided cruise on the Baïse River
A one-hour bucolic cruise with commentary on the Baïse River in Nérac, one of the most beautiful river ports in France.
The highlight of the show: passing through the Nazareth lock, which is 4.20 m wide, with a boat that is 4.10 m wide!
The Royal Park of La Garenne
Classified as a historic site in 1909, this park faces the Jardins and Bains du Roy. It was created in the 16th century by Jeanne d'Albret and Antoine de Bourbon, and enlarged by Queen Margot, the first wife of Henry IV. From the 3,000-step walkway lined with the Saint Jean fountain, the statue of Fleurette and the Dauphin fountain, to the lovers' path, this promenade for the ladies of the court remains a favorite among the residents of Nérac.
Saint Nicholas Church
Discover this neoclassical church built in the 18th century. The bell towers, murals, and remarkable stained glass windows by Joseph Villiet were created in the 19th century. The church has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1988.
Experience Nérac
The traditional market
In the town center, on Cours Romas and Allées du Centre, the Nérac market on Saturday mornings is the ideal place to discover local produce: fruit, vegetables, farm-raised meat, cheese, etc., as well as non-food items.
Please note: there is a small market on Friday mornings and a night market featuring local producers on Tuesday evenings in July and August.
Taste chocolates at La Cigale
The artisanal chocolate shop "La Cigale" is a treat for the eyes and taste buds. Through a glass window, you can watch Eric Sarrauste, trained at the school in Basel, Switzerland, a graduate of L'Ordre Culinaire International, and named by his peers Grand Ambassador of Gastronomy of France and Navarre, making chocolates.
House specialty: "Gascon macarons"—macarons filled with pure Caribbean cocoa ganache.
A connected treasure hunt
Discover Nérac with interactive geocaching games that will brighten up your family outings! Armed with the mobile app, which can be downloaded for free on your smartphone, set off on an adventure with clues to find and puzzles to solve...
You can choose between Terra Aventura, Rando Jeu, and Ludi BD.
Rent and pilot a gabarot boat on the Baïse River
From the port of Nérac, you can rent a gabarot (easy-to-use motorboats that do not require a license). With family or friends, pilot your boat for 1 hour!
Ideas for walks around Nérac
The Baïse Valley Greenway
A 27 km route connecting Feugarolles to Moncrabeau, passing through Nérac, built on an old railway line for non-motorized travel.
Whether you are a casual cyclist or an experienced rider, the Albret Greenway awaits you for a unique experience combining nature, culture, and well-being.
Le Moulin des Tours (6 km from Nérac town center)
Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the Moulin des Tours mill and its Romanesque bridge immerse you in the medieval world as you discover one of the most beautiful wonders of Aquitaine, once owned by Henri de Navarre, the future Henri IV.
Discover this exceptional site in the footsteps of the most popular of France's kings, who signed some of his letters: "Henri, the miller of the towers of Barbaste"!
The "Nazareth Walk" hike around Nérac
This 11.4 km route through Nérac showcases the Val de Baïse from the hillsides to the plains. It offers numerous views of the town and panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you can admire Nérac's rich historical heritage and discover the history of the d'Albret family.
You will pass through Garenne Park, along the right bank of the Baïse River.
Prepare your visit to Nérac
Access
By road
A62 motorway from Bordeaux exit 6 and Toulouse exit 6-1
By train
Agen Station: see routes to Agen
By bus
Lines 441 and 442 from Agen or Mont-de-Marsan: see bus routes
Parking lots in Nérac
Parking is free. The city center is a blue zone (1.5 hours with a parking disc available at the Tourist Office).
- Foirail Square
- Lattre de Tassigny Avenue
- St. Nicholas Square
- Plaisance Avenue (Lud'O Park)
Restrooms in Nérac
The restrooms are free of charge.
- Mondenard Avenue
- Jacques Chantre Street
- Garenne Park (kiosk)
- Foirail Square
Best time to visit Nérac
Located in the heart of southwestern France, Albret and Nérac enjoy a favorable climate that makes it a pleasant region to live in all year round!
However, the tourist season starts in May and ends in October. This also corresponds to the opening of the major local tourist attractions.
Mark your calendars:
May
Great Festivals of Nérac
June
Music Festival,
European Mill Days
July and August
Music festivals in Albret,
July 14 fireworks display,
Landais races,
falconry show,
night market on Tuesdays...
September
Albret Jazz Festival,
European Heritage Days
October
Chaland Meetings
Street view map of Nérac
The must-sees of Albret
