Explore Auch – Capital of the Gers: 1.) Visit Sainte-Marie Cathedral: A stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive stained glass windows and its famous grand staircase. 2.) Stroll the Historic Center: Wander through narrow medieval streets and discover local heritage. 3.) Statue of D’Artagnan: Take a photo with the statue of the iconic musketeer, who was born in the region. 4.) Local Market Experience - Gers markets are famous for fresh produce like foie gras, Lectoure melons, cheeses, and local wines. Suggested Market: Fleurance or Seissan

Yes! The 2025 Tour de France is the upcoming 112th edition of the Tour de France. It will start in Lille on 5 July, and will finish with the final stage at Champs-Élysées, Paris, on 27 July. The week of the wedding, there are stages of the Tour de France that will be close-by. While 7/15 is a rest day in Toulouse, on Wednesday, 7/16 there is a flat stage in Toulouse that begins and ends in the city. On Thursday, 7/17 the racers will continue from Auch to Hautacam on a mountain stage. See https://www.letour.fr/en for more information and map at the bottom of this page!

Lunch Options: In Auch - Close to the Cathedral: 1.) Daroles, 2.) Café le France, 3.) Le Neuvième (Hôtel de France), 4.) Le bistrot des halles, and 5.) l’Irish rock café. Alternative Options: Enjoy a meal in a traditional inn to savor Gascony specialties such as garbure (soup), magret de canard (duck breast), foie gras, and croustade (apple pastry). Suggestions: 1.) Le Florida in Castéra-Verduzan, 2.) Auberge des Bouviers in Lectoure

Dinner Options: Share a selection of tapas gascons for a casual evening meal. Auch has a few tapas restaurants such as 1.) CRU and 2.) Pica Pica that can be lovely for a casual Friday evening Drink Recommendations - Relaxing Gascon Aperitif - Enjoy a glass of local white wine (Côtes de Gascogne) or the regional sparkling cocktail Pousse Rapière.

1.) Visit a Local Armagnac Estate or Vineyard: Tour a traditional estate, learn about the distillation process, and enjoy a tasting session. Suggested Estates: a.) Château de Cassaigne, b.) Domaine de Lagajan, or c.) Château de Monluc. 2.) Explore Picturesque Villages - a.) Lectoure: Wander its old streets, visit the ramparts, and explore artisan shops. b.) Lavardens: A village ranked among “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”, with a medieval château often hosting art exhibitions in July 3.) Outdoor Activities Near Auch - a.) Kayaking on the Baïse River: Kayak rentals and guided tours are available 30 minutes from the château but need to be pre-booked. b.) Quad Biking Adventures: Location: Close to Auch, companies like Quad Concept (10 min from Auch) offer guided quad excursions through the rolling Gascony hills and woodlands. They also have paintball and axe throwing. c.) Hiking or Cycling: Explore marked trails with stunning views of the Pyrenees. Options include light hikes around the Sentier des Crêtes near Auch. There are some bike rental companies in Auch. 4.) Evening Markets or Open-Air Concerts (depending on local events) - During summer, many villages host night markets featuring local producers, live music, and a festive atmosphere. Suggestions: Marciac or Fourcès often hold such events on Fridays although a little further away.