I didn’t have much expectations from visiting the town of Auch as I hadn’t heard that much about it. I was therefore so nicely surprised by this place! In terms of architecture and history, of its views and town life.
The city is built on a hill near the River Gers. It is lovely walking along the river, on a promenade lined by trees, and observing kayaks passing and ducks swimming or drying under the sun.
The centre of Auch has kept many buildings from Middle Ages and Renaissance. I particularly enjoyed going up and down the ‘pousterles’, which are steep and narrow medieval lanes with steps that enabled the inhabitants to fetch water from the river whose bed was closer then. The cathedral Sainte-Marie is gorgeous and has great views over the town and the river. From the cathedral, a long staircase (374 steps) goes down to the river, passing by several landings, a fountain, an engraving of a biblical text, and a bronze statue of d’Artagnan, who was born in the area.
Auch, I will come back to you very soon!