Labastide d'Armagnac

Bastides, or fortified villages built in the Middle Ages, were constructed in the 13th century by local lords to assert the authority of the King of France. The Bastide d'Armagnac was founded in 1221 on the initiative of the Count of Armagnac. It was a new concept in town planning, with buildings arranged arounda large central square, the heart of the town. King Henry IV liked to visit La Bastide, where he stayed in a house overlooking the Place Royale, where, as tradition would have it, one of his mistresses lived: La maison Malartic. Legend has it that he used this square as inspiration for the construction of the Place des Vosges in Paris.

Once the economic heart of the town, the Place Royale, where the impressive fortress church stands, has retained its arcades and covered passageways where it is pleasant to take refuge in the shade when the summer heat is at its height. Set back from the square, you'll find a beautiful house adorned with the sign "Café du Peuple". Now closed, it was a festive venue in the early 20th century, hosting comedy troupes and French cancan shows. When it closed in 1954, it was the oldest café in France.

To get the most out of Labastide d'Armagnac and the region, visit the Landes d'Armagnac Tourist Office, located in the centre of the village, where you can immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere and stroll through the narrow streets between the stone houses (there's no risk of getting lost) to appreciate the ingenuity of the village's architectural construction.

The fortress church

The imposing size of this 15th-century building is due to the fact that the bell tower was originally the Bastide's keep. Having undergone numerous renovations over the centuries, Notre Dame de l'Assomption church is well worth a visit, not least to admire the superb trompe l'oeil mural covering the chevet wall, painted by the Italian artist Ceroni in 1831. The church is open daily from 10am to 7pm. Guided tours by appointment all year round.

The Bastides Temple

A former Protestant church in the heart of Labastide d'Armagnac, the Temple des Bastides was built in 1607 following the Wars of Religion. Today, the building hosts some very fine contemporary art exhibitions, whose modernity blends perfectly with the historic aura of the place. For further information, call 05 58 44 81 42.

The Cyclists' Chapel

Attention cycling fans who wouldn't miss a stage of the Tour de France for the world! As you leave Labastide d'Armagnac in the direction of the Gers, an astonishing portico adorned with cycles stands out against the bucolic backdrop of the countryside. Beyond the gate is a handsome Romanesque chapel, built on the remains of an ancient Gallo-Roman villa. Nothing out of the ordinary, you might ask? Wait until you see the interior. Since 1959, the chapel has housed an impressive collection of jerseys that once belonged to some of the biggest names in cycling. Poulidor, Mercks, Ocaña, Virenque and Jeannie Longo, their relics rub shoulders with caps and other equipment left there by amateur cyclists. It's a truly unusual sanctuary.

The Armagnac Ecomuseum

The vineyards surrounding Labastide d'Armagnac are the birthplace of Armagnac, considered to be the oldest brandy in France. The first evidence of its use dates back to 1310, so why not take advantage of your stay in Bas-Armagnac to discover the secrets behind the production of this delicious spirit? In the middle of an 80-hectare estate, Château Garreau is home to the wonderful 'Ecomusée de l'Armagnac', where you can learn more about distillation techniques and admire the old tools on display. There's also a shop where you can pick up a bottle of this precious nectar, as well as tasty local products. During the summer months, the ecomuseum also offers a host of events (concerts, tastings, falconry shows, etc.) for all the family.

Prices vary from €6 to €12 per person, depending on the visit. In summer, the museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 7pm, Saturday and Monday from 2pm to 7pm, and Sunday from 3pm to 7pm.

One of the best ways to enjoy the charm of Labastide d'Armagnac is to treat yourself to a good restaurant. At Le Bastignac, located in the arcades of the Place Royale, you can enjoy generous, flavoursome local cuisine. Duck is very much a feature of the menu, so take note! Open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm. And if you prefer a good pizza, head to Pizz Giulietta, in the heart of the Bastide. Open Thursdays from 5pm to 11pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 2am and Sundays from 5pm to 11pm.