Castex-d'Armagnac: Nature, Horses and History
Accommodation in Castex-d'Armagnac
Castex-d'Armagnac combines designated natural areas with traces of a fortified past and activities involving horses and donkeys. This offers several ways to plan your trip: you can focus on nature and landscapes, explore the history of the village or plan specific activities. Armagnac tastings are also available locally.
Natural areas and habitats
The commune is part of the Natura 2000 site “Réseau hydrographique du Midou et du Ludon”. The site covers 329.34 hectares of alluvial woodland with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior. This area figure describes the habitat within the protected site, not the size of the commune. It places Castex-d'Armagnac in a broader ecological context: the site’s name refers to the river network of the Midou and Ludon, while the designated alluvial woodland identifies a specific habitat.
The commune is also included in the continental ZNIEFF type 2 site “Réseau hydrographique du Midou et milieux annexes”. The Natura 2000 site and the ZNIEFF are different designations; both highlight the connection to the Midou network. For travellers interested in landscapes and habitats, these designations and the named alluvial habitat offer specific points of reference.
Château, fortifications and church
The Château de Castex is a 19th-century château, built on the site of a medieval fortified castle. The elevated former fortification of Castex-d'Armagnac is surrounded by old defensive walls; traces of the former moats are also visible in the village. Together, the château, walls and moats reveal different aspects of the village’s history: the later château and the remains and features associated with the older fortification.
The church, too, has a history that reaches further back: it was rebuilt using 14th-century remains. The church also houses an icon of Notre Dame du Perpétuel Secours, dating from the 12th century, which is venerated there. The two dates refer to different elements of the church: the remains used in its reconstruction and the icon.
Activities involving horses and donkeys
The Centre Ă©questre Glaris offers several options. The 30-minute rides take place on ponies or donkeys and are available either self-guided or with an escort. Guests can also learn how to care for ponies, horses and donkeys. Private riding lessons on Shetland ponies, ponies and horses are available for older guests. The options therefore differ in format: the rides have a set duration, while learning to care for the animals and taking private riding lessons offer different focuses. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, check the booking arrangements before travelling.
Armagnac tastings
Armagnac Baronne J. de Saint Pastou offers free Armagnac tastings at the estate. This adds an Armagnac-related activity to the nature, history and riding options. Check the arrangements for visits before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Maur, Sarcos, Saint-Élix-Theux, Callian, Monfort, Jégun, Séailles, Berdoues.
For the broader travel overview: Gers.
