LOT-ET-GARONNE

dpartement, Aquitaine region, southwestern France, created from parts of the historic provinces of Guyenne and Gascony (qq.v.). Lying in a plain in the centre of the Aquitaine Basin, it has an area of 2,069 sq mi (5,358 sq km). It is crossed southeastnorthwest by the Garonne River, which flows through Agen, its capital, and is joined by the Lot River before flowing through Tonneins and Marmande. The climate is largely maritime. Agriculture prospers: cereals are grown, cattle are raised, and dairy farming is practiced. Fruit growing is a speciality, and the dpartement is noted for its plums from which the confections prunes d'agen are made. The vineyards produce good wines (Duras, Marmande), and the region is one of the main tobacco-growing centres of France. Industry has been little developed. Agen, Marmande, Nrac, and Villeneuve-sur-Lot, all towns with medieval buildings, give their names to the four arrondissements. The dpartement is in the educational division of Bordeaux. Pop. (1982) 298,522.