Visit Auch on foot or by bike

Auch is nicknamed " the surprise of the Southwest, " and we can assure you it lives up to its name! Its architecture is remarkable, and its historic center is truly beautiful. It is crossed by the Gers River, and a large portion of the banks is lined with a shaded, natural greenway. A cycle route has been created by the town hall, making it very pleasant to travel there without a car. We'll take you to visit Auch on foot or by bike.

Opening photo © JackF | AdobeStock

Photos from the article: Gers Guide unless otherwise stated

Stroll through the historic center of Auch

Auch is classified as a " Town of Art and History ." Here, you'll see beautiful buildings and ancient stones steeped in a long history dating back to the Gallo-Roman era. The must-see monuments to see during your stroll are:

• The monumental staircase leading to Place Salinis, with the statue of d'Artagna and the War Memorial on the square.
• The Tower of Armagnac.
• St. Mary's Cathedral.
• The old fortifications, still visible on the Rue des Pénitents Bleus.

Stroll through the parks and gardens of Auch

To relax and unwind after a long walk through the city, there's nothing better than a green setting to recharge your batteries. In the parks and gardens of Auch, you'll enjoy the peace and quiet, the sound of birdsong, and the lawns perfect for a nap.

• Couloumé Park is laid out in a very natural English style. It also has a lovely children's playground.
• The Departmental Hotel Park and its remarkable trees.
• The Ortholan public garden is the most unusual with its Moorish pools and 20th century art deco touches.

Cycling along the banks of the Gers

The city of Auch wants to prioritize soft mobility in the city center. It has therefore planned cycle routes to reach the main points of interest:

• The Promenade Claude Desbons is a greenway reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, along the banks of the Gers.
• To reach it, a route takes you from the station towards the river and continues to the Town Hall.
• A second circuit forms a loop in continuity with the first, to vary the pleasures.

Visit the museums in downtown Auch

In this city, renowned for its artistic and historical heritage, there are many museums to visit. We've selected those located in the city center to make getting around easier:

• The Armagnac Tower and its Cathedral Treasure Museum, in reference to its religious heritage which makes it an important stop on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
• The Museum of the Americas on pre-Columbian art.
• The House of Henri IV.

Hiking on the outskirts of the city

Auch boasts a natural environment that lends itself well to hiking. It's also located on the Routes de Santiago de Compostela, which have been developed into long-distance hiking trails. Here are our hiking tips just outside the city:

• In the Bois d'Auch it is accessible by public transport via line E. It is crossed by the Yellow Educational Trail of the Bois d'Auch.
• On the Way of Saint James, taking the GR653 which crosses the town.

• The GR de Pays Cœur de Gascogne links the GR65 to the GR653, forming a loop, passing through Auch.

Fishing in the Gers River

It's not an activity you'd think of in a city, but the banks of the Gers are renowned for being excellent fishing spots. You'll have a wonderful family day out there. On the agenda: a picnic, relaxing by the water, and some delicious fish for dinner! Be sure to get your fishing license beforehand.

We hope we have given you some good ideas to fully enjoy your walking stay in Auch and we wish you wonderful walks in Auch.

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