Eauze: Gallo-Roman Heritage and Historic Centre

In Eauze, Gallo-Roman history, a layered historic centre and cycling through the Armagnac hills offer distinct points of interest. When looking for a hotel, consider whether your stay will focus mainly on archaeological sites and collections, or also include time on the Voie Verte de l’Armagnac. The historic themes range from an ancient townhouse to architectural monuments from later centuries.

Gallo-Roman Eauze

The Domus de Cieutat is a 2,700 m² Gallo-Roman townhouse. Its documented areas and features include reception rooms, a small bathing area, and heating and drainage systems. These details give a concrete impression of the size and facilities of the ancient house: alongside formal rooms, its structure also included heating and water systems.

The city’s history also dates back to Roman times. In the 3rd century AD, Elusa became the capital of the Roman province of Novempopulania. ELUSA Capitale Antique is a Gallo-Roman visitor group comprising three associated sites. The Centre d’Interprétation d’ELUSA Capitale Antique is located in Eauze’s former railway station, at the entrance to the archaeological site of the Domus de Cieutat. Interactive features include a film with a virtual reconstruction.

Treasure Hoard and Collections

The Musée Archéologique Le Trésor d’Eauze displays a Gallo-Roman hoard discovered in Eauze in 1985: more than 28,000 coins and around 50 pieces of jewellery and precious objects. The museum’s permanent exhibitions span the period from prehistory to the Merovingian era. This brings two distinct historical perspectives together: the specific Gallo-Roman hoard and a collection that covers a broad range of earlier periods.

The museum’s annual programme includes guided tours, storytelling walks, educational workshops, treasure hunts and introductory archaeology workshops. Specific dates may vary; check them before your visit. When planning, you can decide whether to focus on the collections or also include an activity from the current programme.

Saint-Luperc and the Historic Centre

The former cathedral of Saint-Luperc is now a church. It overlooks the medieval town centre and stands on the site of an earlier Romanesque building. It was built between 1463 and 1591, destroyed during the Wars of Religion in the 16th century, and rebuilt up to the 18th century. This building history encompasses several phases, reflected in the structure’s long development.

The church houses a significant collection of paintings and sculptures, mostly dating from the 19th century. There is also a Neo-Gothic organ dating from 1843. Saint-Luperc was listed as a protected historic monument by decree on 4 January 1945. Eauze’s historic centre also preserves half-timbered houses, remnants of the fortifications, a gate belonging to the former priory, and a hospital chapel. These buildings and remains complement the religious and archaeological themes with insights into the townscape of the medieval and early modern periods.

Cycling on the Voie Verte de l’Armagnac

The Voie Verte de l’Armagnac starts in Eauze at the roundabout near Leclerc. An 8 km section of the route runs between Cazeneuve and Eauze. The route passes through the Armagnac hills and offers varied landscapes. Cycling thus adds another way to experience the surroundings along a signposted route to the historical points of interest. Before setting off, check local signage and route conditions.

Discover more destinations: Troncens, Lombez, Pavie, Vic-Fezensac, Tillac, Labastide-Savès, Riguepeu, Panassac

For the broader travel overview: Gers.