Arcades, half-timbered houses, and an 80-hectare lake give Cazaubon two distinctive areas to explore: local history and nature by the water. There is also church and thermal history in Barbotan, as well as a route through marshes and forests. If you are looking for accommodation in Cazaubon, these different highlights can help shape your choice of what to do each day: historic buildings, activities at Lac de l’Uby, or a route through the countryside. The following options show what each has to offer.
Local history in Cazaubon and Barbotan
The historic center of Vieux Cazaubon, with its arcades and half-timbered houses, dates back to the 13th century. Cazaubon has also been known as a castle town since that century. PatrimoineTour offers an interactive tour through the historic center and to the commune’s seven churches. The experience is free and available in 50 languages, including Occitan. The Porte d’Uzan is on Rue de la Brèche, in the heart of Cazaubon’s medieval streets. Together, the historic center, tour, and town gate offer different ways to explore the town’s architectural history.
Barbotan also offers historical points of interest. The Church of Saint-Pierre partly dates from the late Middle Ages and was rebuilt in the first half of the 16th century. Its portal has been listed as a monument historique since 1925. The Porte de ville de Barbotan was given this designation by decree on February 16, 1926. These dates refer to two different structures: the church portal and the town gate. Barbotan’s history also includes the thermal spring, which was already used by the Romans in antiquity. The thermal spa specializes in rheumatology and phlebology. Architectural history, sacred architecture, and thermal history thus stand alongside one another as distinct themes.
Water and nature at Lac de l’Uby
Lac de l’Uby is part of the Vallée de l’Uby natural area, covers 80 hectares, and has a remarkable surrounding environment with terrestrial, ornithological, and aquatic fauna. This natural setting adds a distinctive landscape perspective to the leisure activities available at the lake. Stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boating, and canoeing are offered at the Parc de Loisirs du Lac de l’Uby. The three activities offer different ways to enjoy the water: paddle yourself, take a pedal boat, or go canoeing.
Supervised swimming in a 700 m² pool is offered at the park in July and August. If this is a particular focus of your visit, check the latest information on this seasonal offering in advance. Lac de l’Uby is also the venue for various sporting events, including the Régates de Cazaubon. If you are interested, it is worth checking the dates before your trip so you can include a possible event day in your plans.
A route through marshes and forests
The Chemin de Tavernes et du Marais offers a different landscape experience. The route runs between marshes and forests along the border between the Gers and Landes départements. The options therefore differ markedly in character: historic sights in the town, water sports and seasonal swimming at the lake, or a route through a border landscape. You can plan your days according to whether you want to focus on architectural history, activities by the water, or the landscape along the route.
Discover more destinations: Mérens, Lupiac, Montpézat, Pavie, Castelnavet, Solomiac, Saint-Mézard, Simorre.
For the broader travel overview: Gers.
