Auch, Regional capital in Occitanie, France
Auch is a regional capital in the Gers département of Occitanie and sits on both sides of the Gers River. The old town occupies a hilltop and is marked by steep lanes, while newer neighborhoods occupy the flatter areas.
The Celtiberian Ausci tribe founded the settlement, which grew under Roman rule and was known as Augusta Auscorum. In the eighth century the town moved across the river for safety reasons and became the center of Gascony.
The cathedral holds services and concerts throughout the year, and visitors often spend time examining the detailed carvings on each choir stall. Local residents refer to the riverside promenade as a favorite spot for evening walks, especially during market days when vendors set up near the water.
Several staircases connect the upper old town with the lower neighborhoods by the river, and sturdy footwear helps when walking on cobbled sections. The bridges over the Gers are easy to cross and lead to quieter residential areas on the opposite bank.
The former archbishop's palace now houses an art museum and the département archives, where manuscripts from several centuries are kept. Visitors can view paintings and sculptures from the region in the exhibition rooms, while the archives are accessible only by appointment.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
