Visit Auch on foot or by bike

Auch is nicknamed "the surprise of the South-West" and we can assure you that it is aptly named! Its architecture is remarkable and its historic center is absolutely beautiful. It is crossed by the Gers and a large part of the banks is bordered by a green, shaded and natural way. A cycle route has been set up by the town hall. It is therefore very pleasant to travel there without a car. We take you to visit Auch on foot or by bike.

Opening photo © JackF | Adobe Stock

Photos of the article: Guide du Gers unless otherwise stated

Take a walk in the historic center of Auch

Auch is classified as a "City of Art and History". You will see beautiful buildings and old stones, steeped in a long history dating back to Gallo-Roman times. The must-see monuments to see during your walk are:

• The Monumental Staircase that leads to the Place Salinis, with the statue of d'Artagnanet the War Memorial in the square.
• The Tower of Armagnac
• St. Mary's Cathedral
• The old fortifications, still visible in the rue des Pénitents bleus.

Stroll through the Auscitain parks and gardens

To relax and rest after a good walk through the city, nothing better than a green setting to recharge your batteries. In the parks and gardens of Auch, you will appreciate the calm, the song of the birds and the lawns conducive to a siesta...

• Parc du Couloumé is laid out in a very natural “English” style. It also has a nice playground for children.
• The Parc de l'Hôtel du département and its remarkable trees.
• The Ortholan public garden is the most unusual with its Moorish ponds and touches of 20th century art deco.

Pedaling on the banks of the Gers

The city of Auch wants to favor soft mobility in the city center. It has therefore planned cycle routes to reach the main points of interest:

• The Promenade Claude Desbons is a greenway reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, along the banks of the Gers.
• To reach it, a route takes you from the station to the river and continues to the Town Hall.
• A second circuit forms a loop in continuity with the first, to vary the pleasures.

Visit the museums of downtown Auch

In this city classified for its artistic and historical heritage, there are many museums to visit. We have selected those located in the city center to facilitate your travels:

• The Tower of Armagnac and its Museum of the Treasury of the Cathedral, in reference to its religious heritage which makes it an important stage of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
• The Museum of the Americas on pre-Columbian art.
• The Henry IV House

Hike around town

Auch benefits from a natural environment, which lends itself well to hiking. In addition, it is on the Chemins de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, converted into long-distance hiking trails. Here are our tips for hiking outside the city:

• Dans le Bois d'Auch is accessible by public transport via line E. It is crossed by the Yellow Educational Trail of the Bois d'Auch (fr).
  
• On the Ways of Santiago de Compostela, by taking the GR653 which crosses the city.

• The GR de Pays Cœur de Gascogne connects the GR65 to the GR653 forming a loop, passing through Auch.

Fishing in the Gers river

It's not an activity you think of in a city, but the banks of the Gers are reputed to be good fishing spots. You will spend a very pleasant family day there. On the program: picnic, relaxation by the water and good fish for dinner! Remember to take your fishing license beforehand.

We hope to have given you some good ideas to take full advantage of your stay on foot in Auch and we wish you beautiful walks in Auscitaines.

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