Auch

Auch, situated in the Gers department of southwestern France, is a city with a profound historical and architectural identity. Historically, it was the capital of the ancient Celtic tribe of the Ausci and later became the seat of the Archbishops of Auch, who held the title of Primate of Novempopulania. This ecclesiastical importance led to the construction of the massive Cathedral of Sainte-Marie, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in southwestern France, built from the late 15th to the 17th century, with a Renaissance character in much of its interior and glass. The city also played a role in the Hundred Years' War and the French Wars of Religion. The old town, or Haute-Ville, is accessible via the Escalier Monumental, a grand staircase built in the 19th century to connect the lower town with the upper historic district. The city's layout reflects its medieval origins, with narrow streets and historic buildings. Auch was heavily damaged during World War II but was rebuilt, preserving much of its historic character, and the pousterles, steep covered alleys, remain.

The main attractions in Auch reflect its religious and civic heritage. The Cathedral of Sainte-Marie, officially the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie d'Auch, is the city's most iconic landmark, featuring a tall spire, intricate stained-glass windows by Arnaud de Moles, and a large organ, as well as an extraordinary choir with carved oak stalls. The Escalier Monumental, with more than 200 steps in total in its several flights, offers views of the city and the surrounding plains. The Musée des Jacobins, housed in a former convent, displays archaeological finds and art from the region, including a notable collection of pre-Columbian art. The statue of D'Artagnan, the famous musketeer born in Gascony, stands at the top of the staircase. The Musée du Feu, a museum devoted to the history and technology of fire, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts are among the smaller museums, while the Place Marcellin-Berthelot, the Rue des Remparts, the Église Saint-Orens and the Jardin de l'Évêché, a formal garden next to the bishop's palace, add to a quiet walk. The covered market hall is a vibrant place to sample local products, and market days bring farmers from the surrounding hills.

Auch offers various activities for visitors interested in history, culture and nature. The city is a starting point for exploring the Gers countryside, known for its castles, vineyards and gastronomy. The local cuisine features Gascon specialties, including foie gras, duck confit and Armagnac, the region's famed brandy. The surrounding region offers opportunities for cycling and hiking, with marked trails leading through the countryside, including a greenway along the river. The city hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Festival of the Gers and the Auch Jazz Festival, and the Jazz in Marciac festival takes place not far away in early August. The nearby town of Condom is known for its cathedral and Armagnac production, and fortified villages such as Larresingle lie within an easy drive. The local markets offer fresh produce, cheeses and other regional products.

Getting to Auch is convenient via train, with regular services from Toulouse and other major cities in the region; some of these are by road. The train station is located in the lower town, with a shuttle bus or taxi ride to the old town. For those traveling by car, Auch is accessible via the A62 and A64 motorways, with the road from Toulouse taking about an hour and a half. The best time to visit is from mid-June to mid-September, when the weather is warm and pleasant, ideal for exploring the outdoor attractions and walking tours. July and August are the warmest months, with average highs around 25°C, but also the busiest. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, making them suitable for sightseeing and museum visits. Winter is cooler and quieter, offering a serene atmosphere for indoor museum visits.