MONUMENTAL STAIRCASE
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In the heart of Auch, the 374-step staircase leads up to the cathedral, offering panoramic views of the Pyrenees.
At the bottom of the light-colored steps, you quickly realize that it lives up to its name: monumental, this staircase certainly is. It unfurls emphatically, masterly with its 374 steps and double flights. Completed in 1863, it linked the old town to the new, with a 35 m difference in height and a 30% gradient, making it an unmissable climb! Listed as a historic monument and renovated in 2008, it's undoubtedly one of Auscitaine's finest architectural achievements, with three successive levels where beautiful encounters await you. On the second floor, you'll see a succession of rooftops and a magnificent statue of the most illustrious of Gascon characters, the famous d'Artagnan, born Charles de Batz de Castelmore. Standing tall and dressed in cloak and dagger, he is the work of Michelet. Be sure to look to the right, as the Pyrenees are never truly hidden on a clear day. It unfolds behind the line of hills, while to the left, the town, its streets, the cathedral and the Armagnac tower stand out against the greenery. A fountain in the hollow of the wall awaits you far above, and in front of it, the intriguing Observatory of Time lines the ground. The biblical text of the Flood is engraved here, and while you translate it, you can catch your breath, which, no doubt, will be taken away at the summit. The view is indescribable: from here, you can effortlessly imagine what the city was like in Roman times, and this moment of magic rewards all your efforts to climb this staircase.
You can leave your vehicle on shaded parking, near the Armagnac, a former prison. Behind the Gothic cathedral flamboyant style, you will then admire the monumental staircase that leads to the river. D'artagnan, musketeer du Roy, Charles de Batz, from its Christian name, awaits you proudly, as a real Gascon. The shining under the hat, proud moustache and rapier hidden under the long, it measures, zounds! Poor young man of its state, it is your gifts for the repair the monumental staircase. But never, it will not beg, gleaming with pride! Pigeons do not dare to approach high fonte silhouette.
You will go down the stairs or will prefer " pousterles" , medieval streets, allowing old to go to water river. To chance of these sloping streets, you will cross, the house of King Henry IV. You will remember then, its " the hen pot" , while you stroll with partner or all your lower courtyard... Then, they are for one and all, in front of a feast and feasts worthy of a Gascon!
(Gascon Cassoulet, foie gras Gers, chicken with cream, poultry and pork, melons country.) For pleasure, you will taste, famous Armagnac that will make you have
" the part of Anges".
Casimir. casimir.cas