A stopover in Eauze, a charming pilgrim's town...

Éauze is a really lovely town in the heart of a winegrowing territory in the north of the departement. But before all, it has the way of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle crossing it, which gives this town sweetness and kindness. We went wandering there for few days, we brought you back some souvenirs and a great address for a stopover on the way or simply to meet the charming hosts!

Capital of the Armagnac

Éauze is an ancient town, with an exceptional Gallo-Roman vestiges heritage (besides there is an old Domus to visit not very far from Éauze, in Montréal and also the Villa Seviac, but I will talk about that next time…). Wandering in the streets, is like taking a trip back in time, start your visit in the town centre close to the beautiful Gothic style Saint-Luperc cathedral. Admire the very beautiful half-timbered houses. On the small square, it is so pleasant to have a drink outside during the warm season. To see some beautiful artefacts, go to the Musée Archéologique du Trésors, where you can discover money, jewels and precious objects which have been discovered in the town during excavations. A bit outside the centre, you can visit the Domus de Cieutat, an archaeological and interpretation site, connected to the Villa Séviac. If you fancy watching bullfighting, Éauze has arenas, Nimeño II, where shows take place regularly. In Éauze, we also liked the site du Pouy, we walk by the lake sides, after our wandering in town.

If you come in July, you can go to see the Galop Romain Festival in the arenas. In August, there is a famous Comic Strip Festival and at the end of January it is the Saint-Vincent, the Winemakers Fair which liven up the ancient city. In May, take place the Salon des Antiquaires (Antiques Fair).

On the way of Saint-Jacques, an inn and some smiles

In Eauze, there is the Via Podiensis passing by Lectoure, La Romieu, Condom and Larressingle, before arriving and departing again towards Nogaro. The Gers is spoiled, because it has two ways, this one and the one in the south, the Via Tolosana. This is why there are many pilgrims, doing a stopover in this very pleasant and tourist town.

There are a number of simple and comfortable inns, so welcoming and caring that you should really stop over for few days. It is the case of Lou Parpalhou, where Laurence and Patrice have prepared beautiful bedrooms for their guests (pilgrims guests or not, like us), who need comfort and calm. When you walk approximately 20 to 45 km per day on average, it is all you need, isn’t it?

Located two minutes away on foot from the town centre, this inn has been refurbished with warm and natural furnishing, such as wood. Our bedroom overlooks a lovely garden; we have a comfortable double bed and our son an alcove with a single bed. He makes his own little corner and he is delighted!

Laurence is a very pleasant host and offers us an evening drink so we can get acquainted with the other guests. We received some great tips for dining (there is a kitchen, so we could have cooked for ourselves too) and organise the next day, it is so nice to be able to talk to someone passionate about the region! Laurence also gave my son a booklet game and his task is to look for graffiti in town and he enjoying that (and for us to see him walking enthusiastically). In the morning, we have a hearty breakfast, with homemade cake which delighted my son. All fit, it is time to leave, but we regretting not being able to stay an extra few days…

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See you soon!