Lectoure

Visit Lectoure, Midi-Pyrenees

Lectoure is a small town in the Gers department of the Midi-Pyrenees, north of Fleurance and east of Condom. Once an important stopping point on the pilgrimage route to Saint Jacques de Compostelle, Lectoure is nowadays more visited for the surrounding Gascony countryside, foie gras and armagnac.

Lectoure was originally the capital of the historic Lomagne region, lying between the rivers Gers and Garonne, that was once the base of the counts of Armagnac. In 1472 Louis XI entered the town on false promises and proceeded to kill the count and damage the town. When nearby Auch became the capital of Gers, Lectoure became a much quieter town.

Explore Lectoure

Lectoure sits high above the Gers River and wandering around the town there are many splendid views of the farming landscape below.

It is an attractive town whose centre runs down one main street with a pretty hospital and the town’s thermal (spa) station at one end and the Cathedral of Saint Gervais and Saint Protais at the other.

The cathedral is 15^th century, built after Louis XI destroyed the previous one and has a striking tower with a round turret attached to the bell-tower.

Next to the cathedral is the tourist office and town hall. The town hall was originally the Episcopal palace, in the 17^th century, and in its cellars there is a museum. The museum contains 20 Gallo-Roman altars decorated with sacrificial animals.

Wander down the street below the town hall and there is the Fontaine Diane - a natural spring inside a little gothic building that at one stage provided the source of water for an active tannery industry in the town. Diana's Fountain dates back to roman times, though much of the structure that you see now dates from the 13th century and later.

Elsewhere as you explore Lectoure you will see a good number of interesting stonework and attractive buildings, including some large 18th century mansions. One of these, once the Hotel de Castaing, is now the Hotel Restaurant de Bastard and looks very pleasant.

Attractions nearby

A short distance to the east of Lectoure you can visit the Chateau de Gramont, an attractive and carefully furnished small castle.

Photos of Lectoure (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Lectoure: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*; Recommended detour town (plus beau detour);

Suggested places to visit near Lectoure, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Auvillar 27km; Villeneuve de Mezin 29km; Agen 30km; Puymirol 31km; Fources 32km; Mezin 32km; Vic Fezensac 32km; Auch 32km; Nerac 32km; Montreal-du-Gers 34km; Poudenas 35km; Barbaste 37km; Montjoi 38km; Castelsagrat 38km; Laroque-Timbaut 40km; Moissac 42km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Lectoure

Lectoure tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin et arboretum de Coursiana - remarkable garden (11km) : Blaziert - ville fleurie 4* (12km) : Eglise de Saint Martin (Layrac) - religious monument (22km) : Eglise de Sainte Marie (Aubiac) - religious monument (23km) : Prieuré de Sainte Marie (Moirax) - religious monument (23km) : Ordan-Larroque - ville fleurie 4* (30km) : Cathédrale Saint Caprais d'Agen (Agen) - religious monument (30km) : Abbaye de Saint Maurin (Saint-Maurin) - religious monument (37km) :

French version: see Lectoure (Francais)