On the borders of Lot-et-Garonne and Gers, capital of the Pays d'Armagnac, Condom, also known as Condom-sur-Baïse, will delight epicureans and history lovers.
In the Gascony region, there is a gourmet and cultural event that pilgrims and walkers of Santiago would not miss under any circumstances: Condom. At the crossroads between the Baïse River and the Camps de Saint-Jacques, Condom is an ancient episcopal city, welcoming and important, with an absolutely splendid built heritage and marked by its history. An episcopal city with a rich ancient history, Condom will impress you with the splendour of its monuments, such as its Saint-Pierre cathedral, built during the 14th and 16th centuries. Very well preserved, this former Gothic style bishopric dazzles its visitors with the astonishing splendour of its nave dug by arcades with coloured stained glass windows. Just next to the building, the cloister is really worth a visit: with its immense fountain in the heart of the arcades, this magnificent example of southern Gothic architecture shelters the town hall of Condom, housed in a historical setting that is as splendid as it can be. Then pass by the rue de Charron (the smallest street in the city), to go to the Place du Lion d'Or to admire superb medieval houses from the 13th century, as well as beautiful 18th century residences recognizable by their wrought iron balconies. Walk down Gambeta Street to see the alleys along which the fortifications that protected Condom once stood. The old Carmel, the mansion of Cugnac (a few steps from the market, behind a tall hundred-year-old oak tree), the mansion of Polignac (18th century), the sub-prefecture of the 16th century, the Museum of Sacred Art of Pradau or the Armagnac Museum are to be added to your visit list.
Take time to stroll along the Base: this capricious river, a tributary of the Garonne, once ensured the prosperity of the village and its inhabitants. In the past, there were hundreds of flat-bottomed barges here, which were in charge of transporting barrels of Armagnac for centuries. This is why the Baïse has been known for many years as the "silver river" thanks to the transport of Armagnac.
A land of hiking, Condom-sur-Baïse will satisfy all your sporting desires during your summer stay: flying over the city and the Gers in a hot-air balloon or ULM, horse riding, parachute rides, parachute rides, canoeing on the meanders of the Baïse, walking and fishing on Lake Bousquètara, mountain biking on the green route of Armagnac, boat rides on the river, mini golf... What to delight the whole family.
Finally, the love story between Condom and gastronomy is no secret for anyone, so during your stay in Gers, it will not be uncommon to come across good restaurants, honoring the products of local gastronomy: Armagnac for some, fruits, vegetables and local meats for others, whether you opt for duck gizzards, an apple crust, a delicious duck alicuit with small vegetables, or duck stuffed with foie gras accompanied by prunes in Floc de Gascogne, you will dive into the heart of the culinary traditions of Condom, which has been delighting travellers passing through its walls for centuries now.
