Discover Saint-Clar: bastide, market hall and countryside

Saint-Clar overlooks the Arratz Valley and is set amid sunny hills. The bastide and narrow medieval lanes shape the historic character of the town. The chemin de ronde allows visitors to explore the surrounding countryside. Together, the village’s history and landscape offer two different perspectives on a stay in Saint-Clar.

Market hall, market and architectural history

The narrow lanes invite you to explore Saint-Clar. The bastide was founded in 1289. The market hall dates from the 13th century, is listed as a historic monument and is supported by 20 wooden pillars. The market takes place in this hall on Thursday mornings. In this way, the market and the historic building come together as you find your way around the town.

The old church of Saint-Clar is Romanesque and dates from the 12th to the 16th century. The Musée de l'École publique is housed in the village’s former first school. Compared with the market hall, the church’s dating covers a broader period; the museum adds the building’s former use to the area’s architectural heritage. The bastide, market hall, church and school thus offer different historical reference points, rather than reducing the town’s history to a single building or date.

Leisure activities with different conditions

Es Calavès is 2.5 kilometres from Saint-Clar. There is a five-hectare wooded lake there. In July and August, the facilities include a designated swimming area, a sandy beach, two large slides, outdoor playgrounds and shaded picnic areas. Visitors can also rent pedal boats there. The combination of a swimming area, play facilities and picnic areas brings together a range of leisure activities at this lake; the seasonal facilities mentioned are available in July and August.

At the Vallon des Kangourous, visitors can walk across four hectares among free-roaming wallabies. There are also free activities for children and adults, weather permitting. Introductory sessions on boomerangs and didgeridoos take place at 5 pm; presentations about emu life are scheduled for 4 pm, and those about wallabies for 6 pm. Since the activities depend on the weather, it is best to check whether they are taking place before your visit.

The leisure activities have different focuses: at Es Calavès, swimming, play and picnics take centre stage; at the Vallon, walks among wallabies and the activity programme offer other ways to enjoy your visit. Planning conditions also differ: the lake facilities mentioned are available in July and August, while activities at the Vallon depend on the weather.

Garlic as a local highlight

La Maison de l'Ail sells white or purple garlic in plaits. For travellers interested in local produce as well as architecture and leisure activities, this is another specific point of interest. The varieties available may change.

You can explore Saint-Clar through a range of interests: medieval lanes and architectural history, the Thursday morning market, walks in the countryside or leisure activities with their respective conditions. When choosing your travel dates, it is especially helpful to consider the lake facilities and the weather-dependent activities separately.

Discover more destinations: Panjas, Labastide-Savès, Simorre, Peyrusse-Vieille, Tillac, Tournecoupe, Arblade-le-Bas, Cologne

For the broader travel overview: Gers.