Sainte-Marie Cathedral and the Armagnac Tower
A late masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic, Sainte-Marie Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site along the Compostela routes. Inside, 113 finely carved oak choir stalls and the Renaissance stained glass by Arnaud de Moles reveal a rare intensity. Right next door, the Armagnac Tower, a former prison, raises its massive stones above the ochre roofs. A first heritage setting to share quietly.
The monumental staircase and D’Artagnan
The monumental staircase, 234 steps climbed between gardens, terraces and fountains, links the Gers river to the upper town. Halfway up, the D’Artagnan statue, offered by the city, pays tribute to this real Gascon musketeer turned Dumas character. At the top, the view over the tiled roofs, the cathedral and, on clear days, the Pyrenees, justifies a shared breather.
Pousterles and Place de la Libération
The pousterles are the medieval lanes tumbling down the upper town: narrow, paved, sometimes vaulted, they hide fine Gascon houses. Place de la Libération, laid out in front of the town hall and the theatre, is Auch’s living room. On Lyad, Auch members share their favourite cafés, walks and tables: it is up to you to find someone to go down the next pousterle with.
Date ideas
- Sainte-Marie Cathedral
- Armagnac Tower
- Monumental Staircase
- D’Artagnan Statue
- Place de la Libération
- Pousterle Lanes
- Town Hall