Éauze

The Musee Archeologique (Musee du Tresor d'Eauze) houses one of the most important Roman hoards ever found in France. In 1985, a collection of 28,000 coins, jewellery, and precious objects from the 3rd century was discovered in the town. The museum displays the finds alongside other archaeological material from Roman Elusa. It is a small museum but the quality of the objects is extraordinary, particularly the gold jewellery and the sheer volume of coins. A reminder that this quiet corner of Fran

The central square of Eauze is lined with stone arcades and surrounded by cafes, shops, and half-timbered buildings. The square hosts a weekly market (Thursday mornings) that fills the arcades with local produce, cheese, charcuterie, and wine. The Cathedrale Saint-Lupercq sits at one end. The atmosphere is that of a small French market town going about its business, which is exactly what it is.

A 15th-century Gothic cathedral with a distinctive fortified bell tower. The interior has some fine stained glass and a spacious nave. The cathedral is named after Saint Lupercq, the first bishop of Eauze, who was martyred in the 3rd century. Get your credential stamped here.

Eauze is the capital of Armagnac, and several producers in the surrounding area welcome visitors for tastings. The tourist office can direct you to nearby distilleries. Armagnac is aged in local oak barrels, and the best examples have extraordinary complexity. Even a brief tasting of three or four ages (VS, VSOP, XO, and a vintage) will give you an appreciation of how the spirit develops over time. The youngest will be fiery and fruity. The oldest will be smooth, deep, and unforgettable.

Eauze has the best services between Condom and Aire-sur-l'Adour. There is a pharmacy, ATMs, a supermarket, and a medical centre. If you need to restock supplies, deal with blisters, or replace gear, do it here. The next town with comparable services is Nogaro, about 20 km ahead, but Eauze has a wider range of shops. The stages through the Gers are not remote, but the smaller villages between the towns have limited infrastructure.