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 now visited for the surrounding Gascony countryside, foie gras and armagnac. When nearby Auch became the capital of Gers, Lectoure became a much quieter town.
Lectoure was originally the capital of the historic Lomagne region, lying between the rivers Gers and Garonne, that was 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.
Explore Lectoure
Lectoure sits high above the Gers river and as you wander around the town there are many splendid views of the farming landscape below.
It is an attractive town whose centre follows 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.
Between the two there are various other buildings that will catch your attention, including some imposing 18th century townhouses.
The cathedral in Lectoure was built in the 15th century after Louis XI destroyed the previous one, and has a striking tower with a round turret attached to the bell-tower. This was once one of the tallest church spires in France but the higher level was destroyed just before the revolution.
Lectoure tourist office and the town hall are next to the cathedral. The town hall was originally the Episcopal palace, in the 17th century, and in its cellars there is a museum that contains 20 Gallo-Roman altars decorated with sacrificial animals.
Wander down the street below the town hall and you can see the Fontaine Diane. This is 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.
There are various other interesting small towns and villages in this part of Gascony south of Lectoure, such as Fleurance, Condom and Lavardens - although many visitors find the countryside so relaxing they don't venture very far!
You can find more travel ideas in the Gers guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
Photos of Lectoure
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Map of Lectoure and places nearby
Visit near Lectoure with France This Way reviews
Fleurance
The central square with its arcades and traditional market hall are the highlight of a visit to Fleurance
Fleurance guide
Condom
In the town of Condom it is the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre and historic centre that is of interest to visitors
Condom guide
Valence-sur-Baise
Explore the historic centre of the bastide town of Valence-sur-Baise, then visit the Abbaye de Flaran
Valence-sur-Baise guide
Condom cathedral
The cathedral in Condom includes a rood-screen, 15th century doorways and a large cloister among its points of interest
Condom cathedral guide
Dunes
Not well known as a tourist destination, we found Dunes to be very characterful and well worth a visit
Dunes guide
Saint-Antoine
The most unique charateristic in the pretty village of Saint-Antoine are the painted walls inside the church, a very unusual site nowadays although common 500 years ago
Saint-Antoine guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Gers
Tourist classifications for Lectoure
Lectoure is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Lectoure, Condom, Midi-Pyrenees, 32700, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.935, longitude 0.6219
Plan your visit to Lectoure, Gers
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- La Romieu Collegiale St Pierre (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (11 km)
- Jardin et arboretum de Coursiana: remarkable garden (11 km)
- Gramont Chateau: national monument (12 km)
- Blaziert: ville fleurie 4* (12 km)
- Eglise de Saint Martin (Layrac): religious monument (22 km)
- Prieuré de Sainte Marie (Moirax): religious monument (23 km)
- Eglise de Sainte Marie (Aubiac): religious monument (23 km)
- Walibi Aquitaine: theme park (24 km)
- Larressingle: most beautiful village (25 km)
- Beaumont sur l'Osee pont d'Artigues (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (25 km)
- Auvillar: most beautiful village (27 km)
- Agen cathédrale St Caprais (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (30 km)
Market days in Lectoure, France
Regular market(s) are held in Lectoure each Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Lectoure (Francais)