エスパのおすすめツーリングルート

The Baïse River Discovery Trail is very pleasant and very bucolic. The Baïse has been a communication and navigation route since the Middle Ages. Barges (gabarres) or bachots (bachots) traveled down the river to Agen, transporting agricultural goods, wheat, wine, Armagnac, timber, and more. Twenty-one locks are located along its length. Today, it is used by unlicensed boats and converted barges. You will pass Flaran Abbey, a superb Cistercian building founded in 1151 and very well preserved. This trail along the Baïse is very well laid out; I even found dry toilets just before Valence-sur-Baïse, next to a picnic area. Bravo again!

Condom, a former episcopal city crossed by the Baïse River, is renowned for its Saint-Pierre Cathedral and its Armagnac-related past. In front of the cathedral stands the famous statue of the Four Musketeers (D'Artagnan and his companions), a tribute to Alexandre Dumas' novel and the famous captain's Gascon roots.

Accessible and fairly hilly route. For a first timer, it's quite good for warming up.

Pretty chapel, and space designed for a comfortable stop (tables, shelters, toilets, etc.). When I was there, the chapel was closed. Find out about the opening dates if you want to see the interior.

For the arcaded square in front of Saint Luperc Cathedral and the small streets in the surrounding area.

I am truly more than surprised to find this church. But in the country that hosts the "Tour de France", which is so important beyond its borders, there must be a place of worship like this.

On May 18, 1959, cycling world champion André Darrigade left his jersey, thus starting a tradition. In summer, the church is open in the morning and afternoon. In autumn, unfortunately, it is only open in the afternoon from 3 p.m., so we were unable to visit.

No crocodiles swim here 😂