Visit Lectoure: from the Roman city of Lectora to the craftsmanship of Blue!

Lectoure is a “town of art and history”. From prehistoric times to the Gallo-Roman and medieval capital of the Lomagne its gentrification in the nineteenth century, its rich past can be read throughout its architectural heritage. Today, it is still recognized for its artisanal pastel blue, but also for its watchmaking and its village of second-hand dealers. Located on the Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, it is also the ideal place to survey the Gers countryside and the Lomagne Valley.

Photos of the article © Guide of the Gers

From Lectora to Lectoure, a story rich in twists and turns

Occupied since prehistoric times, inhabited in the Mesolithic, it is the “Lactorates”, a Celtic people, who lay the first stones of the city, at the foot of the hill, on the banks of the Gers. The heights are reserved for the oppidum and a necropolis. It seems that this fertile land has welcomed Roman worshipers of Mother Goddess Cybele, in the third century. Remains of altars bear witness to the importance of this ancient cult.

The ancient city of Lactora will develop rapidly thanks to these very first pilgrims. Later, it was the Christians who took these Roman roads, and in particular that of Le Puy. Born from this enthusiasm and this faith, the religious heritage is growing in Lectoure: churches, chapels, Benedictine convent, hospitals… The medieval city becomes an important stage on the Ways of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle. The section from Lectoure to Condom of the Via Podensis is also classified as a "UNESCO World Heritage".

Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Cathedral

Lectoure grew and ramparts were built to strengthen it. In the Middle Ages, it was considered the capital of Lomagne and the County of Armagnac. The twelfth century Cathedral is a splendor that shows the wealth of the city. In the sixteenth century, during the Wars of Religion, it would join the Protestants, led by Blaise Monluc. If it becomes Catholic in the seventeenth century, its vocation as a place of worship has never failed and has, historically and even today housed many religious communities.

With the centralization of powers under Louis XIV, the counties withered away and its status as capital is only a distant memory. It was not until the eighteenth century, his tannery and crafts in general have allowed the bourgeoisie to prosper. Beautiful mansions and mansions were built.

Lectoure has preserved many vestiges of this glorious past and offers its visitors a very rich architectural heritage. She turned to art and offers all kinds of cultural activities and outings.

From the Roman city to the charming 19th century residences, an exceptional heritage

Lectoure has been classified as a “city of art and history” for its many monuments. Here is a selection of visits, listed chronologically:

The remains of the Roman city

To find the traces of the Romans, the easiest way is to follow their path… Between Astaffort and Lectoure, the current road still follows the old Roman road!

If you prefer to take a less symbolic path, you can contemplate beautiful pieces at the Eugène-Camoreyt Museum, which brings together a collection of lapidary and archaeological objects, including taurobolic altars, used for the cult of Cybele by the Lactorates.

The fortifications of the Middle Ages and the construction of the Cathedral of Lectoure

• The Old Bastion Promenade which leads you along the city wall. Stop at the Belvédère du château, to contemplate the view.
• The Albinhac Tower, built in the 13th century, rebuilt in the 15th century. You can admire it during your visit to the city or enjoy it, since it hosts a restaurant.
• The medieval garden, at the foot of the Albinhac tower.
• The Cathedral Saint-Gervais Saint-Protais de Lectoure, built between the 12th and the 13th century, typical of the Gothic style méridionnal.
• The Fountain of Diana and arcades of the 13th century.
• The Carrelots are medieval streets. They are unusual because they are quite wide, which was not common at the time. They were used for transporting goods, hence their size, corresponding to the width of the carts.
• The portal Cordeliers, the remains of a church from the 16th century.

Charming residences and mansions from the Renaissance and the Classical period

• The Corhaut Tour Executioner or the 16th century. It is converted into housing in the 18th century.
• The mansions of the rue Nationale are quite eloquent on the prosperity of Lectoure.
• The town hall, housed in the former Bishop's Palace from the 17th century.
• The Carmelite Chapel of the 17th century, the Hotel of the 18th century.
• The house of Clarinets, a mansion of the 19th century.

The artisanal and artistic heritage of Lectoure

• The old hospital transformed into a village of second-hand dealers
• The Royal Tannery
• The General Watchmaking Manufacture
• Lectoure Art and Photography Center
• L'Atelier du Bleu in Lectoure

Activities around Lectoure

Hiking to discover the Lomagne Valley

Lectoure is classified among the "most beautiful detours in France".

• Top tip: A "Circuit City Heart", in partnership with Cirkwi allows you to explore the city at your own pace (fr).
  

You can also walk the Gers countryside on the Chemins de Compostelle.

• Find out more: Read our article on the Routes of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle in the Gers.

If you are looking for a more unusual theme for a walk, go to the Pigeonnier de Soupton, typical of the small heritage of the Gers. You will meet many others on the hiking trails of Lomagne, available at the Lectoure tourist office.

Visit the surrounding villages

• As a priority, the village of Castéra-Lectourois is nicknamed the “Petit Lectoure” because its structure is very similar. To see on site: the ramparts, the ruins of its two castles.
• La Romieu and Angeline's cats.
• Fleurance, a medieval bastide.

Nearby tourist sites

• La Ferme des Étoiles is considered one of the 8 best sites in the world to admire the stars, according to the Guide du Routard. You will be able to feast the eyes and the taste buds during observation dinners, courses or stays.
• At the Vallon des Kangourous (fr), children will love this unusual encounter with animals from the other side of the world...
• In La Romieu, the Jardins de Coursiana are poetic and exotic gardens. It is a place conducive to relaxation.
• In Sarrant, the Azinet allows you to go hiking without getting tired and children will enjoy the ride on donkeys.

We hope that these few ideas made you want to visit Lectoure during your next vacation in the Gers. We just have to wish you wonderful discoveries in this village steeped in history.

Did you like our article? Find others on our Blog "Do it your way". Follow us on the Guide du Gers Facebook page and on Instagram @guidedugers