Cathédrale Sainte-Marie d'Auch
Rising above the Gers valley on a limestone bluff, Auch's UNESCO-listed cathedral is one of the finest Gothic buildings in southwest France, its twin towers visible for miles across the sunflower-dusted plains. Inside, 113 Renaissance choir stalls carved by sculptor Jean de Beaujeu and 18 monumental stained-glass windows by Arnaud de Moles make this a jaw-dropping artistic treasure chest.
The Windows & the Choir
The 18 stained-glass windows created between 1507 and 1513 by Arnaud de Moles are considered among the finest Renaissance glass in Europe, their warm jewel tones flooding the nave with amber and crimson light on sunny mornings.
The 1,500 figures carved into the oak choir stalls between 1529 and 1554 range from biblical prophets to mythological satyrs — a Renaissance sculptor's free-wheeling imagination given full rein. Budget at least 30 minutes just for this section.
Pick up the free laminated guide at the entrance to identify the key narrative scenes; without it, the sheer density of imagery can feel overwhelming.
Climbing the Tower
A separate ticket lets you climb the north tower for a sweeping panorama over the Gers département — terracotta rooftops, the winding river and, on clear days, the first white peaks of the Pyrenees on the southern horizon.
The staircase is steep and narrow, so wear sensible shoes; the platform at the top has a low railing and the views are genuinely vertiginous and spectacular.
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