The 10 things to do in Auch

Come visit Auch in the Gers, with our selection of places to be missed!

Auch, the heart of Gascogne, has a rich history. The medieval city is built on an ancient oppidum. Its historic centre is rich in monuments, constituting a heritage of all beauty and an essential step on the paths of Santiago de Compostela . Visiting Auch is a true dive in the history of the southwest.

Auch, the historic capital of Gascogne is crossed by the Gers River, which highlights the old town. Also, local gastronomy will be a dip in local flavours. And if the stay extends, the gersois vineyard, as well as the castles and villages of the surrounding area, will make the visit more enjoyable. Here is our selection of sites to visit in Auch!

1.The monumental staircase of Auch and the statue of Artagnan

Grimper at the top of the monumental staircase is one of the activities to be done in Auch. This staircase is an emblem of the city. Indeed, it connects the historic city to the new city. It dates from 1863. Also, it offers a beautiful view of the city and the valley of Gers. And even beyond, on the Pyrenees chain, if the sky is clear.

On the other hand, you can admire a beautiful bronze sculpture Michelet , which represents Artagnan. Charles de Batz, Captain of the Musketeers of the King, known as Artagnan is indeed the country. He was born in a village, not far from there.

2. The Cathedral of Saint Mary

The Cathedral of St. Mary is an imposing monument, overlooking the city with prominence. At the heart of the historic centre, it is located on the Place de la République and its beautiful esplanade highlights the monument. It is a place full of history, with a grand and admirable architecture. Indeed, its construction lasted two centuries (1489-1680) and allows to admire different styles.

So there are flamboyant Gothic touches, but also Renaissance and Corinthian order. It is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in France. The interior is splendid with its many majestic stained glass windows, but also its 17th century organ and oak choir.

This cathedral is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the Santiago de Compostela Trails. It is a must-see monument to visit in Auch.

3. The Treasure Museum of the Cathedral in the Armagnac Tower

The Armagnac Tower is a 14th century monument that dominates the city from the top of its 40 meters. She was at a time a prison, and we can still visit the cachots. The ground floor and basement are open to the public.

Indeed, it is today a museum dedicated to textiles and religious objects. So you can admire sculptures, paintings, silverware... More than 200 objects are exposed there. The museum is in parallel to the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie d’Auch, which is just a step away. Indeed, the museum provides a better understanding of the history of the famous cathedral.

If you're looking for what to do in Auch after the cathedral, go to the Treasury Museum! And after the museum visit, you can take a break right in front of Salinis Square.

4.The Pre-Columbian Art at the Museum of the Americas

For lovers of this period, this museum is a must-see because it is the second pre-Columbian collection of France. This museum to visit in Auch has received the label "National Reference Pole in pre-Columbian art and Latin American sacred art".

The Extra-European Art is in the spotlight, with all that is relevant to the Americas. But there is also a collection Antiquity-Médiéval, with Egyptian antiquities, gallo-Romans, as well as an antiquity & Middle Ages with relics of the region.

In addition, two collections are just as exciting! First, which concerns Auch and the Gasconne culture, since the seventeenth century. Then the one about fine arts.

5.The historic centre

If you visit Auch, a journey in the historic centre, through historical monuments is essential. In addition to the emblematic monuments of the monumental staircase, the cathedral and the Armagnac Tower, other monuments are interesting. Medieval fortifications can be seen with the enclosure of Auch, rue des Pénitents Bleus.

But also the house of Henri IV, town hall, the hotel of the ancient archeocpal palace, as well as a theatre in Italian. But above all the famous sterns, medieval streets on stair and steep slopes. There are 5, and at that time, they were used to reach the river from the upper city.

It is also possible to visit with a lecturer-agreed guide or download the Mobile App Explore Auch.

6. The gastronomy of the Gers

If you're looking for what to do in Auch to deepen your visit, then you're interested in gastronomy! The Gers cuisine is the most tasty and the epicureus will be filled. Taste local specialties will be an immersion in the culinary traditions of the gascons. Let yourself be tempted by them scrap metal , confits , magrets , foie gras goose and duck.

For the winter evenings a aïgo boulido , garlic broth with soaked bread. And dessert a potato chip, traditional pie. Enjoy local wines: Côtes de Saint-Mont, Madiran, Pacherenc, without forgetting the Floc de Gascogne and the famous Armagnac!

7.The Parc du Couloumé

Parc du Couloumé is a beautiful green area of 5 hectares, close to the city centre. In this park in English, a limestone alley offers a beautiful perspective on the cathedral and the Armagnac Tower. There is a wide variety of trees, including different oak species, as well as sequoias. And according to the season, several varieties of flowers are wandering this park, especially wild orchids.

Children and adolescents can have fun in the playground or on the slide track. The Parc du Couloumé has label EVE (Ecological Plant Space). It is also the most pleasant and relaxing, perfect for a walk or sporting activity. A bucolic relaxation stage to be done in Auch, on the banks of the Gers.

8.The International Circus Festival

The CIRCA circus festival is a must-see, every year in October, for about ten days. He began in 1988 and has developed over the years, until he became an international renowned festival. This is an exciting event for circus professionals and enthusiasts, as well as for spectators.

We can attend quality shows and make professional meetings around the circus arts. The circus festival is therefore shows, meetings with artists, concerts, exhibitions, initiation workshops... So, if you decided to visit Auch in October, take a look at this festival!

9.Musée de la résistance et deportation

Update of 22/07/2020 : the museum is currently closed for work. Minima reopening in 2021 (exact date unknown).

In this museum to visit in Auch you can discover the history of the Gers Resistants. Many objects of time are exhibited as, for example, weapons, sabotage equipment, clothing, armbands and photographs of times.

You can also see a map with location of the maquis and actions of the resistors. A space is devoted to deportation, as gersois have been deported. There are various objects, including deported clothing.

10.The banks of the Gers, Promenade Claude Desbons

The Gers is a river that crosses Auch and its shore is particularly pleasant. It is indeed a place for a walk and to admire the view of some monuments. The Claude Desbons Drive is a path reserved for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles. Longing the Gers for 4 kilometers, it is a great outdoor break when you go to Auch.

In addition, it offers a beautiful view of the old city and its emblematic monuments, the cathedral and the Armagnac Tower, as well as the monumental staircase, which are reflected in the river. Not to mention the very photogenic Pont de la Treille, the oldest of Auch, which dates from the 18th century.

How to get to Auch?

• By plane: airports Toulouse-Blagnac and Bordeaux-Mérignac serve several cities in France and even Europe. Pau-Pyrénées Airport provides flights to Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Marrakech.
  As for the airports Agen-La-Garenne and Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées, they offer a connection with Paris. Then, train, taxi or bus. Find the best price with a flight comparison such as Skyscanner.
• By train: line Toulouse-Auch or TGV line Paris/Bordeaux/Toulouse, descend to Agen then bus
• By car: highway A62 Bordeaux/Agen or A64 Toulouse/Pau
• In town: city or walking bus
• If you don’t have a vehicle, you can rent one to explore the surrounding area with a comparison such as Rentalcars

Where to stay in Auch?

To enjoy historical monuments, you can take a hotel in the city centre to explore the historical heart, but also on the outskirts. Our A hotel comparison will help you find the best accommodations and rates. You can also select an Airbnb accommodation.

Not to mention the campsite and the camper area. In addition, Auch being a step on the way to Santiago de Compostela, you can also find a pilgrim welcome (for pilgrims on a journey), including a donativo.