Visit the circular bastide of Fourcès, the jewel of Armagnac

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Fourcès, a Bastide from the Middle Ages

Fourcès is a former castle town, they were called " castelnaus " because they surrounded a fortified castle. Little is known about Fourcès' past. Nevertheless, his seigneury is powerful and Brigitte de Fourcès is a celebrity around the year 1000! She will be talked about in particular during the friction between Gascony and Aquitaine which will end in a bloodbath, during the Battle of La Castelle.

In Gascon, the " castelnau " is a medieval town, that is to say, built around a castle. This term comes from the word " castel ", the castle, associated with the adjective " nau ", new. These “ new castles ” flourished at the end of the Middle Ages, during the period of fortification of the first villages. The stone fortresses are installed on the old feudal mottes. Towns and villages developed inside the fortified enclosures or on the outskirts of the ramparts, under the protection of the lord.

During the Hundred Years War, Fourcès became a border between English Aquitaine and French Armagnac. If the warlike assaults did not get the better of the fortress, it is politics that will bring it down. His castle was unfortunately destroyed in the fifteenth ^century by order of King Charles VII of France. Another castle will therefore be built right next to the original castle motte. This shelters a beautiful shaded place.

The rest of the history of Fourcès is much quieter, preserving its medieval half-timbered houses, set on beautiful arcades. Of bourgeois homes are built in the 17 ^th and 18 ^th century.

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A medieval and unusual gem of Armagnac

Go to the round square of Fourcès, to appreciate its circular plan. It allows you to go around and contemplate the medieval houses of the village and its arcades, while remaining in the shade of its plane trees during the summer. It is the heart of the village. Many festivals and events take place there: Flower market, Marciac in Fourcès, flea market, pétanque competition...

The arcades form the Halles de Fourcès and host small shops and restaurants, where you will enjoy yourself.

• The good idea: Fancy a gourmet stay? Follow us on vacation in Fourcès.

The Château de Fourcès can not be visited, but it houses a charming guest house. On the other hand, you can admire its old stones from the square.

The Saint-Laurent Church has retained its medieval chevet and its Gothic-style bell tower. Its restored stained glass windows are magnificent.

The Clock Tower is a square tower of the ^13th century. It is the old gate of the village.

A bridge of the ^15th century also allows span the Auzoue to enter Fourcès.

On the banks of the Auzoue, the arboretum runs along the old rampart walk.

A guided tour is organized by the Ténarèze Tourist Office.

Activities around Fourcès

Hiking to discover the Auzoue Valley

• To discover the Gers countryside, you can take the Chemins de Compostelle du Gers. The GR654 passes near the village.
• Not far from Fourcès, here is an itinerary in partnership with Cirkwi: The circuit from Condom to the Abbey of Flaran (fr).
  

Visit the surrounding villages

• Larressingle, the " Little Carcassonne of the Gers "
• The fortified bastide of Montréal-du-Gers
• The episcopal city of Condom
• Eauze, a city of pilgrims

Nearby tourist sites

• The Gallo-Roman Villa of Seviac
• The Ancient Capital of Eauze and the Archaeological Interpretation Center of Elusa
• Larressingle Medieval Siege Camp
• Flaran Abbey
• Les Canoës de Beaucaire leisure center on the Baïse

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We hope that these few ideas made you want to discover Fourcès, this atypical bastide, during your next vacation in the Gers.

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