Like every year, the Fumel-Vallée du Lot Tourist Office takes over the control of the Gabarre in order to offer tourists and residents walks on the Lot. With an attendance of between 1500 and 2000 people per season, the Gabarre is a tourist circuit which aims to be “original and legendary”, to use the words of the office. And with the appointment of Sophie Gargowitsch at the head of the Fumel-Vallée du Lot institution, elected officials were able to discover the new features on board the barge and preview the new ferry, which will also be inaugurated this Thursday 13 June. A more attractive, but also clearer, way of presenting the contours of this tourist season in the Lot Valley. Note that the latest figures clearly demonstrate the importance of tourism in the local economy, namely: 44 companies, or 8% of establishments in the area; 389 accommodation structures accounting for 115,000 nights; 40 local producers who offer farm visits, all for a total of 6% of jobs (183 employees).
A major offer of visits
Sophie Gargowitsch took advantage of this moment to highlight the many missions of the office, often unknown to the public: welcoming and informing visitors, promoting the region, coordinating local tourism stakeholders and supporting project leaders. In addition, the office manages the barge (which will leave from Penne-d’Agenais due to work on the dam), which has assets to promote, by offering its experiences along the water. This river trip and the novelty of the ferry perfectly embody the vision of sustainable and peaceful tourism for the department, allowing visitors to discover the hidden treasures of the region in complete tranquility, such is the desire of local tourism stakeholders.
In addition to this initiative, the tourist office manages the Port-de-Penne harbor master’s office and offers electric boat rentals. “Also, guided tours, organized in collaboration with travel agencies, are a Source of local pride, offering the greatest number in the department”, comments the President of the Office. Visits include the towns of Monsempron, Tournon d’Agenais and Penne d’Agenais, the workers’ towns, Fumel Castle, the hydroelectric power station and Watt’s machine, the latter now accessible all year round with a tour option Virtual.
With the help of a partnership with “Toc Vélo de Masquières”, visitors will be able to explore the interior by electric bike. In addition, two boats are available for rental for organizing barbecues.
The influx of the Tour
And this 2024 summer season will obviously be special for the whole of Lot-et-Garonne due to an event that only happens very rarely: the passage of the Grande Boucle. If he arrives in Villeneuve-sur-Lot for the 12th stage, the riders will enter the department via the Fumelois. The Tourist Office will therefore be particularly involved this year with the Tour de France, coordinating various activities in partnership with local municipalities and associations. To attract more visitors, a promotional video was produced and, in collaboration with neighboring offices, a map of the main tourist sites was published. This map includes places like the castle of Bonaguil and Stelsia, Parc en ciel, the Lagrolère observatory and the prehistory, foie gras and Bernard-Palissy museums. The office is also planning a trail for 2025, linking the five “Most Beautiful Villages of France” in the region: Villeréal, Pujols, Tournon-d’Agenais, Penne-d’Agenais and Monflanquin.
