Maignaut-Tauzia – fortified village, historic buildings and PR 29

Maignaut-Tauzia is a former castelnau, or fortified village. For travelers who want to take history and a specific walking route into account when choosing where to stay, the village offers two distinct highlights: historic buildings and the PR 29 walking trail. Its architectural history spans from the medieval castle to a building believed to date from the 19th century; the trail’s distance, difficulty and duration are clearly specified.

Fortified village and architectural history

The entrance to the fortified village is through a gate tower. Of the two original gate towers, only the northern gate remains. The Château de Maignaut was built in the 14th century and modernized between the 15th and 16th centuries. The history of the fortifications and the castle’s several construction phases therefore come together here. The church of Saint-Michel, dedicated to Saint Michael, was built outside the former fortifications after the medieval church adjoining the castle was destroyed.

Chapel and historic monuments

The Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Auloue (Le Canonge) dates from the Romanesque period. Its west façade is crowned by a bell gable with a single opening that houses a bell. The Pigeonnier-octroi et fontaine has a triangular ground plan and is believed to date from the 19th century. The triangular ground plan is a specific feature; the 19th-century date, however, is only probable. By decree of January 15, 2010, the Pigeonnier-octroi et fontaine was designated a historic monument. The ruins of the Château de Tauzia were also designated a historic monument by decree of November 14, 1942. The two decree dates refer to protected status, not construction dates. The bell gable is a façade detail, while the triangular ground plan describes the shape of the building.

PR 29: route and starting point

The PR 29 loop is 11.6 kilometers long, rated moderate, and takes three hours. It starts at the picnic and playground area in Maignaut-Tauzia, passes through the Auloue Valley, and runs along the edge of the historic site of Tauzia, the remains of a Gascon castle. Check the route information again before setting out.

The details answer different planning questions: 11.6 kilometers is the route distance, three hours is the estimated time, and the moderate difficulty rating indicates the stated level of challenge. You can consider each of these three figures separately when planning your walk.

Next to the village church at the starting point is a family recreation area with a children’s playground, table tennis table and picnic area. Before your trip, check whether the facilities will be available for your intended use.

Plan your visit

Maignaut-Tauzia can be visited free of charge all year round. Check the access details before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Leboulin, Castillon-Massas, Saint-Puy, Castelnau-D'arbieu, Giscaro, Montégut-Arros, Montréal, Lamothe-Goas.

For the wider travel overview: Gers.