Le Houga: History, Church Art and Nature

Le Houga combines a history of medieval settlement with church art, remembrance and leisure activities by the lake. Rue du Prince Noir, several religious buildings and the Fontaine provide different historical reference points; the memorial trail and the Arènes de course landaise add further points of interest. By the lake, outdoor activities and its seasonal importance to wildlife take centre stage. When planning a trip, visitors can choose between architectural history, local remembrance and outdoor activities.

Settlement History and Saint-Pierre

Le Houga is associated with the medieval settlement form known as the Castelnau, a concentration of residential settlements that developed between the 11th and 13th centuries. Rue du Prince Noir partly follows the route of the former circuit around the once-enclosed settlement. The settlement form and the street layout thus offer two concrete ways to explore the town’s history.

The church of Saint-Pierre was consecrated on 19 October 1880. Its remarkable stained-glass windows depict biblical scenes and were created by renowned master glassmakers of the late 19th century. The romantic organ was built by Magen Jules in 1879 and restored in 1988; it is also listed as a historic monument. Saint-Pierre is one of three religious buildings in Le Houga used as concert venues each year. The specific programme may vary.

Other Churches and Their Furnishings

Saint-Paulin in the hamlet of Saint-Aubin has Gothic main masonry dating from the 15th century. Its furnishings include a polychrome and gilded wooden altarpiece depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary and Saint Paulinus. The structure, colours and figures depicted each add a different emphasis. The church of Saint-Laurent de Toujun has Romanesque features and five Romanesque-style windows. Its altar, painting of the Virgin and Child, and the decoration on the door to the side chapel, however, date from the late 17th century. Here, the Romanesque character can be contrasted with the later-dated furnishings.

Memorial Trail and Course landaise

The memorial trail in Le Houga follows in the footsteps of civilians and resistance fighters over four stages. Each stage is marked by an information panel, giving the trail its distinct structure. At the Arènes de course landaise, the focus is on the design of the arena: it is set in a natural amphitheatre and has a rectangular arena with chamfered corners. It is designed for the game and the moves of the écarteurs and coursières. The practice of Course landaise has been documented in Le Houga since the second half of the 18th century. The memorial trail and arena thus represent different aspects of the town’s history.

The Fontaine and the Lake

The Fontaine in Le Houga was built in the second half of the 19th century. It is located about 100 metres beyond the Saint-Pierre cemetery; below it is the basin of the washhouse.

The lake in Le Houga is a 28-hectare body of water. Its natural character makes it a seasonal refuge for waterfowl and other animals. Visitors can walk, run or cycle around the lake. There is also a pétanque court, a fitness trail and children’s play equipment. The circuit and other facilities offer different ways to spend time by the lake.

Sunday Market

The Sunday market offers fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, olives, cheese, grilled food, honey, wine, local products and oysters. Decorative wall tapestries and cosmetic products are also available. Market times and vendors may change; check the latest information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Vic-Fezensac, Duffort, Crastes, Larressingle, Escornebœuf, Marsolan, Arrouède, Gensac.

For the regional travel overview: Gers.