Auch and the heart of Le Gers

Main towns and villages of Auch and the heart of Gers

It is in the center of Gers that its heart beats. Auch is the radiant capital of the country of good living and good eating. Come celebrate happiness, Gascon style!

Far from the busy tourist routes, Auch and the heart of the Gers seduce visitors with their authentic and warm charms. It is a territory that is discovered with curiosity, by walking the pousterles (steep medieval streets), by chatting with the Gersois. But also, by sharing good meals in the countless restaurants, guest tables or on a picnic with a gourmet basket from local producers. In the middle, a river flows: the Gers and its banks designed for long walks.

The Grand Auch is a land of Art and History with guided tours and discoveries all year round. If, in summer, the events are of course more numerous, the heritage does not take into account the seasons. The many museums, monuments, parks and gardens and shops of the merchants await you! Festivals and events punctuate the life of Auch and the heart of the Gers all year round.

AUCH

Tradition and museums

Auch is a lively town that perfectly combines tradition and modernity, two values dear to the Gascon country. We stroll there with enchantment, we have fun there, we learn there, we delight there and we relax there. Heritage, events, parks and gardens, sports activities... So many things to do and see for vacationers ! As if that were not enough, Auch is close to many picturesque villages to discover. Follow the Guide !

Let's start with a bit of sport. The monumental historic staircase will give you a hard time with its 374 steps. Fortunately, the statue of d'Artagnan is there to offer you a stop. Observe the magnificent view that he contemplates. At the very top, the Tower of Armagnac, 40m high, watches over the city.

Next door, the Sainte-Marie Cathedral, listed as a World Heritage Site. A graceful building visible from everywhere, it is there to remind us of the power of the historic capital of Gascony. The Gers prefecture, an extension of the cathedral, is an architectural ensemble from the 18th century.

For lovers of museums and cultural spaces, Auch is generous.

• The Contemporary Art Space - Memento is an astonishing and unique art space;
• the Museum of the Americas and its pre-Columbian exhibitions are rich and lively with educational workshops all year round ;
• The Cathedral Treasures Museum, at the foot of the Armagnac Tower, displays religious art objects.

Festivals and green spaces

Traditionally festive, Gascony is festive all year round in Auch, with numerous events and celebrations. Find:

• The Éclat de Voix Festival, in mid-June, with its concerts, recitals, and chorales;
• The Ciné32 Art and Essay Festival "Independence and Creation" which screens around fifty films and meetings with filmmakers.
• Circa, the Current Circus Festival is taking place end of October. It promises 10 days of celebration with international circus schools and feats of artists of all kinds.

Auch is richly endowed with beautifully landscaped green spaces, apart from the wild countryside which surrounds it.

• In the heart of the city, stop at the Parc de l'Hôtel du Département, charming with its gigantic trees and its small lake, a haven of relaxation...
• Otherwise, opt for the Ortholan public garden and its open-air theater.
• Larger in size, head to the Bois d'Auch with the family, a 110 ha park which hosts a fitness trail with 17 obstacles.
• The Coulomé park, in the English style, is spread around a 16th century castle. A playground will put stars in children's eyes, while parents wander through the 450 labeled botanical species.

Castin

In Castin, there was once a castle. Today destroyed, it is for its magnificent viaduct from 1900 that you must go there. 126 meters, 12 arches, it allowed the passage of a railway line from Auch to Bazas. Castin is a pretty little flowery village (3 flowers).

Lavardens

The Château de Lavardens proudly crowns the city below. It is a must-see in the heart of the Gers. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and is listed as a Historic Monument with its squinch towers. Lavardens is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Also discover its 18th century church and its medieval streets...

Near Lavardens, go and see Jegun, an 11th century fortified town with beautiful old houses. Every year in mid-August, it organises a renowned Wine and Brandy Fair.

Not far from there is Ordan-Larroque, a very flowery and award-winning village (4 flowers and national grand prize).

Barran

Barran is a small fortified town on the Via Tolosane road to Santiago de Compostela. Don't miss its church, the collegiate church of Saint Jean-Baptiste with its distinctive helical bell tower and the remains of the town's fortifications, the gate tower and the walls. Not far from the centre, go see the Château de Mazères. It is an imposing residence with an enigmatic past, set in the middle of the vineyards, with its inner courtyard and large square tower.

Castelnau-Barbarens

To the south-east of Auch, clinging to a hillside, is the village of Castelnau-Barbarens. The 13th century tower stands upright, as if to "compare" with the Church of Sainte Quitterie. It stands in place of the village's old medieval castle. A little further down, enter the small chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Pitié which hosts art exhibitions. Visit the embans, these typical concentric streets with covered passages, which once housed artisans and traders. At the bottom of this charming flowery village (2 flowers) flows the Arrats.

Every 2 years, the traditional music and dance festival “Lo Rondèu de Castelnau” brings the village to life with an Occitan spirit.

Vic-Fezensac

Vic-Fezensac is a traditional Gersoise bastide. It hosts the largest Latin music festival in Europe, which welcomes more than 50,000 people: the Festival Tempo Latino, at the end of July. 4 days and 4 nights of parties and music! The festival takes place in the Joseph Fourniol arenas with 7,000 seats, open for guided tours.

Vic-Fezensac is a large bullfighting town in Gers. The Feria Del Toro event, at the beginning of June, brings together lovers of bullfighting culture. On the heritage side, visit the Saint-Pierre Church, which has been remodeled several times over the centuries. On the outskirts of the town, the Pimbat Cruzalet castle is nestled in the countryside. It can be visited by reservation.