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Auch (French pronunciation: [ᴐʃ] ; Gascon: Aush [ˈawʃ]) is a commune in southwestern France. Located in the region of Occitanie, it is the capital of the Gers department.

Key Information

Geography

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Localization

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OpenStreetMap
Topographic map
Auch and its surrounding communes
Auch and its surrounding communes

The commune of Auch is located in the arrondissement of Auch and in the Gers valley, roughly in the centre of the Gers département. Auch is 69 kilometres (43 miles) west of Toulouse, the capital of the Occitanie region, and 74 kilometres (46 miles)from Montauban, 63 kilometres (39 miles) from Agen, 92 kilometres (57 miles) from Mont-de-Marsan, 86 kilometres (53 miles) from Pau and 62 kilometres (39 miles) from Tarbes, the capitals of the neighbouring départements. It is 162 km from Bordeaux, 390 kilometres (240 miles) from Marseille and 409 kilometres (254 miles) from Lyon, the capitals of the neighbouring regions, and 595 kilometres (370 miles)south-west of Paris.[3]

The commune covers an area of 7,248 hectares (17,910 acres).[4]

Surrounding communes

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Auch borders thirteen other communes: Barran, Castillon-Massas, Castin, Duran, Lasséran, Leboulin, Montaut-les-Créneaux, Montégut, Ordan-Larroque, Pavie, Pessan, Preignan and Roquelaure.

Geology and relief

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Auch has a minimum altitude of 115 metres (377 ft) and a maximum of 281 metres (922 ft). Its average altitude is 198 metres (650 ft), while that of its town hall is 134 metres (440 ft)[5] The town and its surroundings have a hillside landscape.[6]

The commune covers an area of 7,248 hectares (17,910 acres), making it the third largest in the département.[7]

Centred on the middle Baïse valley, Armagnac is distributed along an east-west axis between Eauze and Auch. It includes Fezensac and Vic.

The commune is located in seismicity zone 1 (very low seismicity).[8]

Hydrography

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Auch's drainage systems, road networks and street network.

The Gers, a tributary of the Garonne, flows through the town and divides the city between the upper town, on the left bank, the site of the medieval city built on a hill where most of the ancient monuments are to be found, and the lower town, built on the plain on the right bank. The upper town is linked to the banks of the Gers by the medieval "pousterles", typical narrow streets with steep inclines, and by the monumental staircase inaugurated in 1863. The north of the town is also watered by the Arçon and Talouch rivers, tributaries of the Gers.

The lower town was devastated on several occasions (1897, 1952 for the most significant river overflow) before the course of the Gers was recalibrated following the 1977 floods in Gascony.[9]

Transportation

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Auch is well connected to nearby cities and towns such as Agen, Toulouse and Tarbes by Routes Nationales and by train to Toulouse.[10]

Climate

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Climate data for Auch (1991–2020 averages, extremes 1985–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 20.9
(69.6)
25.2
(77.4)
27.8
(82.0)
29.4
(84.9)
33.7
(92.7)
39.4
(102.9)
39.6
(103.3)
42.6
(108.7)
38.0
(100.4)
34.2
(93.6)
26.5
(79.7)
21.8
(71.2)
42.6
(108.7)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 10.2
(50.4)
11.7
(53.1)
15.3
(59.5)
17.8
(64.0)
21.5
(70.7)
25.4
(77.7)
27.8
(82.0)
28.2
(82.8)
24.8
(76.6)
20.0
(68.0)
13.9
(57.0)
10.8
(51.4)
18.9
(66.0)
Daily mean °C (°F) 5.9
(42.6)
6.6
(43.9)
9.6
(49.3)
12.1
(53.8)
15.8
(60.4)
19.5
(67.1)
21.6
(70.9)
21.8
(71.2)
18.4
(65.1)
14.6
(58.3)
9.3
(48.7)
6.4
(43.5)
13.5
(56.3)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 1.6
(34.9)
1.5
(34.7)
3.9
(39.0)
6.5
(43.7)
10.1
(50.2)
13.6
(56.5)
15.4
(59.7)
15.4
(59.7)
12.0
(53.6)
9.1
(48.4)
4.7
(40.5)
2.1
(35.8)
8.0
(46.4)
Record low °C (°F) −20.0
(−4.0)
−13.6
(7.5)
−10.5
(13.1)
−4.4
(24.1)
−0.8
(30.6)
2.6
(36.7)
7.3
(45.1)
3.6
(38.5)
2.5
(36.5)
−3.5
(25.7)
−10.5
(13.1)
−12.4
(9.7)
−20.0
(−4.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 62.0
(2.44)
45.8
(1.80)
49.5
(1.95)
64.2
(2.53)
72.9
(2.87)
58.6
(2.31)
55.1
(2.17)
56.2
(2.21)
53.0
(2.09)
55.8
(2.20)
64.1
(2.52)
58.6
(2.31)
695.8
(27.39)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 10.2 7.9 8.7 10.0 10.0 7.7 6.9 6.6 7.6 8.8 10.4 9.6 104.4
Mean monthly sunshine hours 89.2 115.0 167.5 180.3 200.7 213.4 239.5 231.4 203.3 152.1 98.7 84.9 1,975.9
Source: Météo France[11]

History and population

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Auch is a very ancient town, whose settlement was noted by the Romans during their conquest of the area in the 50s BC. At that time, it was settled by an Aquitanian tribe known to the Romans as the Ausci. Their name for the town was Climberrum[14] or Elimberris.[15] This has been tentatively etymologized from the Iberian iltir ("town, oppidum") and a cognate of the Basque berri ("new"), although another Iberian settlement in Granada recorded by the Romans as "Iliberi" probably had no contact with proto-Basque speaking peoples.[16] The Romans renamed the town Augusta Auscorum or Ausciorum ("Augusta of the Ausci"). Augusta Auscorum was one of the twelve civitates of the province of Novempopulana (Gascony) and became the provincial capital after the 409 destruction of Eauze by the Vandals.

The common term Augusta was eventually[when?] dropped and the name evolved into the modern Gascon Aush and French Auch.

In 732, during Abdul Rahman's advance towards Bordeaux in the Umayyad invasion of Gaul, the town was supposedly heavily shifted across the river to much of its present site to falter destruction.

The town became the seat of a Catholic archdiocese which lasted until the French Revolution. Its archbishops claimed the title of Primate of Aquitaine, Novempopulana, and Navarre.

Sites of interest

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Notable people

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Auch was the birthplace of:


See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Auch is a commune and the prefecture of the department in the Occitanie region of southwestern , serving as the historic capital of .
Situated on and around a hill on the west bank of the Gers River, approximately 80 kilometers west of , the city covers an area of 72.5 square kilometers and had a population of 24,115 inhabitants as of 2024.
The origins of Auch trace back to , with settlement by the Celtic tribe of the Ausci, who established a known as vicus on the site's elevated terrain.
The Romans conquered the area in 56 BC and later founded the colony of Augusta Auscorum under Emperor , naming it after him; it became a key administrative and commercial center in the province of Aquitania, featuring a forum, , temples, baths, and an amphitheater.
During the , Auch emerged as a religious hub under the Archdiocese of Auch, which held metropolitan status over much of southwestern , and it served as the seat of the Counts of until the 15th century.
The city's most iconic landmark is the Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic and begun in the late and completed in the 17th, featuring intricate Flamboyant Gothic portals, stained glass windows, and an organ case classified as a historic monument.
Auch is also renowned for its connection to the fictional character d'Artagnan from ' novels, inspired by the 17th-century musketeer Charles de Batz-Castelmore, a local native; a bronze statue of him stands prominently in the main square.
Other notable sites include the Musée des Jacobins, one of France's oldest public museums founded in 1793 and housed in a former Dominican convent, showcasing art, , and collections with a focus on the due to historical links with the .
Economically, Auch anchors the Grand Auch Cœur de Gascogne agglomeration community, promoting agriculture in the Armagnac region famous for its brandy production, foie gras, and vintages, while tourism draws visitors to its preserved medieval old town, weekly markets, and position along the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route.
The city maintains a vibrant cultural scene, with events like choral festivals and rugby traditions tied to the local RC Auch Gascogne club, reflecting its role as a gateway to rural Gascony.

Geography

Location and Administrative Boundaries

Auch is situated in southwestern at the geographic coordinates 43°38′47″N 0°35′08″E. The commune spans a total area of 72.48 km², with elevations ranging from 115 m to 281 m above and an of 198 m. As the of the department within the Occitanie region, Auch serves as the administrative center for the department, overseeing local governance and services. The commune forms part of the Grand Auch Cœur de Gascogne agglomeration community, which encompasses 34 communes and has a population of 41,293 residents as of January 2024. This intercommunal structure fosters coordinated development across the area, centered on . Auch borders 13 neighboring communes, including Pavie to the south, Barran to the east, and Lahitte-Toupière to the west, integrating it into a broader network of rural and urban settlements in the department. Positioned 69 km west of and approximately 595 km southwest of , Auch benefits from its central location within , of which it has historically served as the capital since the . The surrounding landscape features hilly terrain on the west bank of the Gers River, which bisects the city and distinguishes the upper town (Haute-Ville), encompassing the medieval core, from the lower town (Ville Basse).

Geology, Relief, and Hydrography

Auch's geological foundation consists primarily of sedimentary rocks from the Tertiary era, particularly formations within the Basin, featuring and layers that contribute to the region's karstic features and aquifers. These rocks, including prominent banks visible near the city, underlie the local terrain and support resources, with marls adding to in surrounding areas. Protected ecological zones, such as the ZNIEFF type II "Coteaux du Gers" encompassing hillsides around Auch, safeguard these formations' biodiversity, while former extraction sites like the Saint-Cricq highlight historical limestone quarrying that exposed Tertiary strata now valued for their floral and faunal diversity. The relief of Auch is characterized by a hilly landscape with moderate slopes, rising from the Gers River valley to the commune's highest point at 281 meters above . This undulating , shaped by of the underlying sedimentary layers, influences local drainage and vegetation patterns, with steeper inclines on the river's banks. Urban development has adapted to this hillside setting, notably through the 19th-century Escalier Monumental, a grand staircase of 374 steps descending 35 meters to link the elevated historic upper town to the lower riverside areas. Hydrographically, the Gers River serves as the principal waterway, stretching 175 kilometers from its source on the plateau before joining the , and it bisects the city of , forming a natural divide between its historic core and peripheral zones. Key tributaries, including the Arçon and Talouch rivers, flow northward into the , enhancing the basin's network and contributing to seasonal water flows. The river's regime poses flood risks, historically managed through levees and post-event reinforcements following major inundations like the 1977 event, which prompted enhanced riparian protections.

Climate and Transportation

Auch experiences an with Mediterranean influences, characterized by mild temperatures and moderate throughout the year. According to data from the station at Auch-Lamothe, the average annual temperature for the period 1991–2020 is 13.5°C, with mild winters where frost is rare and summers that are warm but not excessively hot. Annual averages 695.8 mm, distributed relatively evenly across the seasons, though slightly higher in spring and autumn, contributing to lush vegetation and supporting agricultural activities in the surrounding department. The city's transportation infrastructure emphasizes regional connectivity, primarily through road and rail networks linking it to nearby urban centers like . The main road access is via the Route Nationale 124 (N124), which provides a direct route to , approximately 80 km away, facilitating daily commutes and freight movement. While Auch lacks a major highway passing directly through it, the A62 autoroute is accessible nearby via exit 7 near , offering faster travel options to and further afield. Rail services are operated by the TER Occitanie line, connecting Auch station to Toulouse-Matabiau in about 1 hour 30 minutes with multiple daily , promoting efficient for passengers and limited freight. For air travel, the Aéroport Auch-Gers (also known as Auch-Lamothe aerodrome) serves and small , with a renovated 1,900-meter accommodating private flights, , and occasional events like air shows, though it does not support commercial passenger services. Recent efforts to enhance sustainable mobility include the launch of the Auch Velo'c service in August 2025, providing 50 electric bikes available through a free-floating rental system across 10 stations in the city, encouraging eco-friendly short-distance travel and reducing reliance on cars for urban commuting.

History

Ancient and Roman Origins

The region around modern Auch was inhabited during the by the Ausci, an Aquitanian tribe whose language showed affinities with ancient Basque, distinct from Celtic tongues spoken further north. Archaeological excavations at the of La Sioutat, located near Roquelaure in the department, reveal this settlement as a major center for the Ausci, featuring defensive structures and artifacts indicative of proto-urban occupation from the late La Tène period onward. The pre-Roman settlement, known as Elimberris or Elimberri—possibly deriving from Basque roots meaning "new town"—served as the tribal capital, with evidence of fortified hilltop habitats and trade networks linking to broader Aquitanian communities. Following Julius Caesar's campaigns in during the 50s BCE, the Romans integrated the Ausci territory into the province of Aquitania, renaming the settlement Augusta Auscorum in the late 1st century BCE to honor Emperor and signify its status as the capital of the Ausci. This transformation elevated Augusta Auscorum to one of the nine principal cities (civitates) of , the southwestern subprovince, where it functioned as an administrative and economic hub along the Via Aquitania, a key Roman connecting to via . Urban development included a forum, temples, , and elite residences with mosaic floors, as evidenced by excavations uncovering luxurious 3rd- to 5th-century near the ancient river terrace; remnants of public structures, such as possible theater foundations, underscore its role as a cultural center. At its peak in the 2nd–3rd centuries CE, the supported a estimated at around 9,000 to 10,000 inhabitants, reflecting its prosperity through , , and in the fertile basin. By the 4th century CE, Augusta Auscorum transitioned into a Christian center, with the establishment of a bishopric documented in ecclesiastical records, marking the shift from pagan Roman administration to early Christian governance. The city's stability ended with barbarian incursions during the empire's decline; in 408 CE, swept through Aquitania, sacking settlements in the region, including passages through Augusta Auscorum that disrupted its infrastructure. A decade later, in 418 CE, the under King were federated by and settled in southwestern , establishing their Kingdom of and exerting control over the area around Auch until their defeat by the at the in 507 CE, during which the city likely faced further raids and transitional violence.

Medieval and Early Modern Periods

Auch emerged as a prominent in the , with the first historically attested bishop being the poet Saint Orientius, who served during the first half of that century. The diocese, established amid the Christianization of , became the metropolitan see of , overseeing a vast territory in southwestern . By the medieval period, the archbishops of Auch wielded significant temporal power, leading to prolonged conflicts with secular lords, particularly the counts of from the 12th to 15th centuries. These disputes, exemplified by the encroachments on episcopal lands during the tenure of Archbishop Guilhem de Montaut (1122–1170), highlighted tensions between ecclesiastical authority and feudal nobility in . The construction of the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, one of southern France's finest Gothic structures, spanned from 1489 to 1662, reflecting the city's enduring religious centrality despite regional strife. The profoundly impacted Auch, as English forces under , conducted a devastating in 1355 through Armagnac territories, laying waste to surrounding areas while sparing the city itself due to its status as church property. This raid, part of broader Anglo-Gascon operations from to , underscored Auch's strategic position in contested Gascon lands. Seat of the dukes of during the , the city navigated feudal rivalries while maintaining its role as a spiritual hub. In the early , Auch's ties to the kingdom of influenced its political landscape, as regional lords like the counts of forged alliances with Navarrese royalty amid shifting Pyrenean dynamics. The Wars of Religion in the brought further turmoil, including a brief occupation of the city in 1569 by Huguenot forces under , count of Montgomery, during the third , though Auch largely remained a Catholic stronghold. Under Cardinal Richelieu's administration in the , urban expansion enhanced the city's infrastructure, supporting its growth as a regional center. The of 1789 abolished the archbishopric's privileges, suppressing its temporal powers and reorganizing church structures amid national secularization.

19th Century to Present

In 1800, Auch was designated as the prefecture of the newly created department following the administrative reorganization under Napoleon Bonaparte, solidifying its role as the administrative center of the region. The arrival of in the marked a significant infrastructural advancement, with the Bordeaux-Toulouse line extending to Auch by 1864, facilitating trade and connectivity for the agricultural economy dominated by production and cereal cultivation. This period also saw population growth, reaching approximately 13,000 inhabitants by 1901, driven by improved transportation and regional stability. However, the late brought challenges from the crisis, which devastated vineyards across southwestern , including the , prompting a shift toward resistant rootstocks and diversification in local . The 20th century tested Auch's resilience through the impacts of the World Wars. During World War I, the city contributed significantly to the war effort, commemorated by a monument honoring local soldiers who fell in the conflict. In World War II, Auch fell under Vichy French control and later German occupation, experiencing rationing and resistance activities typical of occupied southern France. Postwar recovery included suburbanization trends starting in the 1950s, as urban expansion accommodated returning populations and economic modernization, with new residential areas developing along the Gers River valley. A tragic event occurred on January 4, 1971, when a gas explosion destroyed a five-story apartment building on Rue Masséna, killing 14 people and injuring eight others, highlighting vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure. Entering the , Auch's urban structure evolved with the formation of the Grand Auch Cœur de Gascogne agglomeration in the early , promoting intercommunal cooperation for services and development across 42 communes. The city's surged to 24,115 by 2024, reflecting steady growth and attractiveness as a regional hub. Recent initiatives include cultural festivals such as the annual Fêtes de l'Armagnac celebrating local heritage. Additionally, EU-funded projects under the have supported sustainability efforts, including green energy retrofits and biodiversity preservation in the valley.

Demographics

The population of Auch reached a historical peak of 23,258 inhabitants in , driven by post-war and economic expansion in the region. Following this high point, the city experienced a steady decline, attributed to and out-migration, dropping to 21,838 by 1999 and further to 21,545 in 2006. A gradual rebound began in the early , with the population rising to 22,825 by 2022, reflecting renewed attractiveness as a regional center. This recovery accelerated recently, with estimates placing the total at 24,115 as of January 2024, incorporating recent arrivals; this remains the current legal population as of November 2025, pending results from the ongoing annual . Recent population growth has been fueled primarily by net in-migration from surrounding rural areas in the department, offsetting a negative natural balance due to low birth rates and an aging demographic. The annual growth rate averaged 0.9% from 2016 to 2022, with migration contributing 1.4% annually while the natural increase was -0.5%. A sharper uptick occurred around 2020–2021, with growth nearing 2.3%, linked to trends and regional relocation during the period. The median age is indicative of an aging structure common in rural Occitanie. In 2022, Auch's was 315 inhabitants per km², concentrated within its 72.48 km² area. The broader encompassed 24,977 residents in 2020, expanding to 26,222 by 2022 at a of 253 inhabitants per km². Projections based on Occitanie regional trends suggest the commune's could approach 25,000 by 2030, sustained by continued migration despite demographic challenges.
YearCommune PopulationAnnual Growth Rate (%)
198223,258-
199921,838-0.6 (1990–1999 avg.)
200621,545-0.2 (1999–2006 avg.)
202222,8250.9 (2016–2022 avg.)

Social Composition and Housing

The population of Auch is predominantly French-born, reflecting the low immigration rates typical of the rural Gers department. The gender ratio is nearly balanced at 0.89 males per female, with 10,766 men and 12,059 women recorded in . Households average 1.8 persons, underscoring a structure oriented toward smaller family units amid an aging demographic. A significant 33.4% of the population is over 65 years old—the highest proportion among major age groups—while only 13.6% are under 15, highlighting a high elderly presence that shapes community priorities around retirement and healthcare support. Socially, Auch fosters a -oriented , where couples with children represent about 30% of family households, and single-parent families make up roughly %, indicating a mix of traditional and modern structures. The for residents, "Auscitains," evokes this close-knit identity rooted in Gascon heritage. stood at 5.7% in the Auch basin in 2023, below the national average and stable amid regional economic influences like and services; this rate supports a focus on local initiatives to maintain cohesion. Housing in Auch totals 13,843 units as of , with 88% serving as primary residences in an urban-rural mix that includes compact city-center apartments and expanding suburban developments. Ownership rates are 43.7%, lower than the national figure due to the prevalence of rentals in this mid-sized urban setting, while social (HLM) constitutes 16% of the stock, managed by entities like the Office Public de l'Habitat du to address affordability. The average price per square meter for existing properties hovered around €1,700 in -2023, reflecting moderate demand and initiatives to promote accessible amid suburban growth linked to broader trends in the .

Economy

Primary Sectors and Agriculture

Agriculture forms the backbone of the economy in the Gers department, where Auch serves as the administrative center, with farming activities utilizing a significant portion of the region's land. The department's rural landscape supports extensive crop cultivation and rearing, contributing substantially to local markets in Auch. Key staples include and sunflowers, which dominate field crop production alongside and fruit orchards. Livestock farming is equally prominent, particularly in and . The leads in production, specializing in and liver, with over 4 million ducks and 130,000 geese raised annually across the department. This output benefits from the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for Duck Foie Gras from South-West , established in 2000, which encompasses production. Cattle farming focuses on the Blonde d'Aquitaine breed, yielding beef known for its quality. Viticulture plays a vital role, especially for brandy, with the hosting the majority of the appellation's approximately 1,800 hectares of vineyards spread across , Ténarèze, and Haut-Armagnac sub-regions (as of 2024). The Haut-Armagnac area, centered around Auch, features clay-limestone soils suitable for grape varieties like Baco and Ugni Blanc, protected under the Armagnac AOC designation. Approximately 700 Armagnac-producing farms operate in the , many of which supply fresh produce and specialties directly to Auch's markets and cooperatives. Forestry remains limited, covering less than 10% of the department's land, primarily with oak species used in barrel-making for Armagnac aging. Oak woodlands in Gascony provide staves for traditional oak casks, supporting the brandy industry. Mining activities are minor, confined to gravel and sand extraction from legacy quarries, such as those operated in the Montreal area. Sustainability efforts are gaining traction, with covering 107,049 hectares (including in-conversion) in the as of 2024, representing one of France's highest shares of organic acreage. This growth includes conversions in and vineyard operations, bolstered by EU subsidies for producers to maintain sustainable practices on approximately 300 hectares near Auch. Agro-forestry initiatives integrate trees into crop and pasture lands, enhancing and on select farms.

Services, Industry, and Employment

Auch's economy features a mix of light and service-oriented activities, with industrial zones supporting local production. The Zone d'Engachies, the largest industrial and artisanal area in the city spanning approximately 55 hectares adjacent to the Mouliot zone, hosts around 157 enterprises engaged in various light industries, including and mechanical components. These zones, particularly those to the north of Auch, collectively support about 125 companies and nearly 1,500 jobs in and related sectors. Food processing remains a key industrial pillar, tied to the region's agricultural heritage, with prominent in the department. In 2023, Armagnac sales reached 3.7 million bottles, reflecting a 10% increase, though for the 2023-2024 campaign yielded the equivalent of 3.9 million bottles (+46% from prior year). Local distilleries process grapes into this traditional brandy using artisanal column stills. Additionally, the sector benefits from proximity to , with at least 11 Gers-based companies acting as subcontractors for major players like and Thales, providing components and services in and . Services dominate Auch's non-agricultural economy, bolstered by its role as the of the Gers department, hosting administrative bodies such as the and regional courts that employ workers. Retail is a major employer, exemplified by the in Auch, which contributes to the local commercial landscape alongside other outlets in zones like Le Grand Chêne. supports services, with the Auch Tourist Office recording 38,540 visitors in 2023, drawn to cultural sites and events, sustaining hotels and related businesses across the agglomeration. Employment dynamics in Auch reflect a stable labor market, with the bassin d'emploi reporting an rate of 5.9% in the fourth quarter of 2023, lower than regional averages and indicating resilience in service and sectors. The active in the area totals around 12,000 individuals, with 59% of 2024 projects anticipated to be difficult due to skill mismatches, particularly in industry and services. Economic development initiatives include expansions in industrial parks like Engachies and EU-supported projects aimed at sustainable , contributing to the Grand Auch Cœur de Gascogne agglomeration's overall economic output.

Government and Politics

Local Administration and Governance

Auch operates under a municipal council composed of 35 elected members, responsible for deliberating on local affairs and electing the from among its ranks. The current is Christian Laprébende of the Socialist Party (PS), who was re-elected in 2020 for a six-year term ending in 2026. As the of the department is located in Auch, it serves as the primary state administrative center, while sub-prefectures handle arrondissement-level matters, including in . The city's 2024 budget totals approximately €48 million for its principal operations, emphasizing financial autonomy through annual voting by the council. Local policies prioritize , including the expansion of electric bike-sharing services launched in summer 2025 with 50 bikes across 10 stations to promote eco-friendly mobility in the city center. is guided by the Plan Local d'Urbanisme (PLU), a strategic document approved in 2012 and revised multiple times, which regulates , , and development to support sustainable growth over the next decade; since 2023, competence has shifted to the Grand Auch Cœur de Gascogne agglomeration. Social services are delivered through the Centre Intercommunal d'Action Sociale (CIAS), which provides support for vulnerable populations, including aid, counseling, and home assistance programs. In recent initiatives, the coordinated the 2024 population census from January 18 to February 24, surveying 8% of households to update demographic data for policy planning. Additionally, the city participated in the October Rose health campaigns in 2024, partnering with local health centers to raise awareness about through events and information drives.

International Relations and Policies

Auch maintains twin town partnerships to foster cultural and economic exchanges. It has been twinned with in , , since 1990, promoting youth exchanges, cultural events, and collaborative projects in areas like heritage preservation and local governance. Additionally, Auch established a partnership with Calatayud in , , in 2009, emphasizing shared Mediterranean heritage through joint festivals, educational programs, and initiatives that highlight historical ties. Beyond formal twinnings, the city engages in decentralized cooperation with Nisporeni in , where it supported the construction of a canteen, and Zinder in , aiding the development of a fruit and vegetable processing facility to boost local economies. As part of the European Union's rural development framework, the Pays d'Auch territory, encompassing Auch, participates in the LEADER program through the Pôle d'Équilibre Territorial et Rural (PETR) du Pays d'Auch, which coordinates local action groups to fund innovative projects addressing rural challenges such as and community infrastructure. At the regional level, Occitanie provides funds for heritage preservation, supporting Auch's designation as a Pays d'art et d'histoire, which enables initiatives to enhance architectural sites and public awareness of local history. In 2025, Auch received a state grant from the Fonds Vert pour l'accélération de la transition écologique dans les territoires (FVATE) to launch Auch-Vélo'c, a free electric bike-sharing service with 50 bikes, aimed at promoting green urban mobility and reducing emissions. Auch's international ties extend to through its inclusion on the Routes of in , a ; the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie serves as a key stop on the Via Tolosana pilgrimage route, drawing global visitors and supporting related cultural policies. The city also implements refugee integration programs, including the Centre d'Accueil de Demandeurs d'Asile (CADA) operated by France Terre d'Asile, which provides housing and administrative support for asylum seekers, and initiatives by the REGAR association focusing on employment and social inclusion. These efforts culminate in events like the Semaine de l'intégration des étrangers primo-arrivants, held annually in the department with activities in Auch to aid newcomers' adaptation.

Culture and Heritage

Architectural and Historical Sites

Auch's architectural heritage is epitomized by the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture constructed between 1489 and 1680 on the site of an earlier Romanesque church. Measuring 100 meters in length and 40 meters in width, the cathedral features two 44-meter-high towers and a Renaissance-style façade added in the late 17th century, blending late Gothic elements with emerging classical influences. Classified as a historic monument, it forms part of the World Heritage-listed and stands as one of the last major Gothic cathedrals built in , reflecting Auch's medieval prominence as the capital of . Inside, the cathedral's choir stalls, crafted in the , comprise 113 high and low stalls adorned with over 1,500 intricately carved figures depicting biblical scenes, saints, and allegorical motifs, representing a profound iconographic ensemble unique in French ecclesiastical art. The organ, installed in 1860 by renowned builder , enhances the space with its Romantic-era symphonic design, featuring multiple manuals and stops that support both liturgical and improvisational . These elements underscore the cathedral's role as a cultural and spiritual landmark, drawing visitors to its detailed woodwork and acoustic richness. The Monumental Staircase, completed in 1863, serves as a vital link between Auch's upper historic quarter and the lower town along the River, descending 35 meters over 374 stone steps in a series of double flights and landings. Designed in a neoclassical style, it facilitates pedestrian access while offering panoramic vistas of the valley and, on clear days, the distant , symbolizing the city's 19th-century urban development amid its hilly topography. At its base stands a bronze statue of d'Artagnan, commemorating the Gascon musketeer's local ties, further integrating the structure into Auch's historical narrative. Among other notable sites, the Tour d'Armagnac rises 40 meters southeast of the cathedral as a 12th-century medieval tower originally built as a to assert the archbishop's judicial , later serving as an repository and site of incarceration during periods of unrest. The Musée des Amériques, housed in the former Jacobin convent established in the early , repurposes the Dominican friars' buildings—once including a —for its collections, preserving the site's Gothic architectural framework while adapting it for modern exhibition purposes. Narrow medieval alleys known as pousterles, steep and terraced passageways derived from posterns in the old fortified walls, weave through the upper town, providing access to the river and evoking daily life in medieval Auch with their stepped, enclosed design. The Hôtel de Ville, constructed in the in neoclassical style under the influence of d'Étigny, features elegant proportions and public spaces that highlight the era's administrative ambitions, including an Italianate theater within its interior. Auch's commitment to heritage preservation is evident in its designation as a Pays d'Art et d'Histoire in 2012, a label renewed and expanded in 2023 to encompass the broader Grand Auch Cœur de Gascogne territory, promoting guided explorations and educational programs focused on its architectural legacy. The city boasts over 20 sites classified as historic monuments, ensuring the safeguarding of structures from medieval towers to ensembles against urban pressures. This status fosters public appreciation of Auch's layered history, from its Gascon roots to its Enlightenment-era transformations.

Festivals, Arts, and Gastronomy

Auch's cultural landscape thrives through a series of vibrant festivals that highlight its commitment to performing arts and international influences. The CIRCa festival, an international contemporary circus event established in 1988, takes place annually in October and attracted 27,460 paying spectators in 2023 across multiple venues in the city, featuring multidisciplinary performances, artist residencies, and professional gatherings under circus tents. The Éclats de Voix festival, held in June, celebrates vocal arts with a program of opera, jazz, a cappella, and cabaret performances over ten days, attracting growing audiences each year since its founding in 1998. In 2025, Auch is scheduled to host "Auch fête le Japon" on November 21, an evening event organized by the city and partners to showcase Japanese culture through workshops on calligraphy and bonsai, exhibitions of kimonos, film screenings, and a traditional meal. Complementing these, the Dia de los Muertos celebration occurred on October 31, 2025, at the Musée des Amériques-Auch, transforming the museum into a nocturnal tribute to the Mexican Day of the Dead with artisan encounters, performances, and thematic displays. The city's artistic scene is anchored by dedicated venues and institutions that foster creation and exhibition. The CRI'ART serves as a key music venue in Auch, functioning as a hall, space, and residency hub that supports emerging artists through programs in , rock, and other genres, with a capacity for intimate gatherings and larger events. The Musée des Amériques-Auch houses France's second-largest collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including approximately 8,000 items from , Zapotec, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations, displayed in a renovated historic building to emphasize cultural exchanges between the and . These spaces often host residencies and temporary exhibits, contributing to Auch's role as a regional center for artistic innovation. Gastronomy in Auch reflects Gascon traditions, with a focus on robust, locally sourced flavors experienced through markets and tastings. Weekly markets, held on Thursdays along the Gers River and Saturdays in the historic center, offer fresh produce, cheeses, and specialties like from regional producers, drawing locals and visitors for direct engagement with Gascon bounty. tastings are a staple, available at wine merchants and cellars such as Le Comptoir de Tistou, where visitors sample aged brandies distilled from local grapes, highlighting the spirit's fruity and complex profile central to the region's heritage. Iconic Gascon dishes like , a hearty of , white beans, , and simmered for hours, embody the area's rustic and are commonly prepared in homes and restaurants. The Route des Vins d', passing near Auch, invites exploration of vineyards and distilleries, combining wine and tastings with scenic drives through Gascony's rolling hills.

Education and Infrastructure

Educational Institutions

Auch maintains a robust network of educational institutions serving its of approximately 24,000 residents as of 2024. is provided through 16 public schools, including both maternelles and élémentaires, which collectively enroll around 1,500 students, with about 600 in early childhood programs and 900 in elementary levels. These institutions focus on foundational skills in a supportive environment tailored to young learners in the department. At the secondary level, Auch hosts four main collèges: the public Collège Sadi Carnot, Collège Mathalin, and Collège Salinis, alongside the private Collège Oratoire Sainte-Marie. These schools serve students from ages 11 to 15, emphasizing core subjects like , languages, and sciences, with options for sections such as European classes or adapted programs for students with at Collège Salinis. For upper secondary education, the city features several lycées offering general, technological, and professional tracks. Key institutions include the public Lycée Le Garros, a polyvalent establishment providing general and technical streams with approximately 800 students, and the Lycées Pardailhan complex, which combines general and professional options for around 1,350 pupils, including BTS programs in management and commerce. The Lycée Beaulieu Lavacant specializes in agricultural and rural services, while the private Lycée Oratoire Sainte-Marie offers general and technological paths with about 280 students. Overall, Auch's secondary schools enroll roughly 3,922 students across public and private options. Complementing traditional schooling, the École Intercommunale des Sports provides extracurricular activities for children aged 6 to 11 every afternoon, focusing on physical education, team sports, and introductory artistic pursuits to promote holistic development. This intercommunal program utilizes municipal facilities and is managed by Grand Auch Coeur de Gascogne to ensure accessibility for local youth. Higher education in Auch is anchored by the Institut Universitaire de Technologie (IUT) of the , which offers three-year Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie (BUT) programs in Génie Biologique (with pathways in and food industries), Gestion des Entreprises et des Administrations, and Hygiène, Sécurité, . The campus also provides a Licence Professionnelle in Génie Géomatique pour l'Aménagement du Territoire and integrates professional training options, including alternance apprenticeships. An antenne universitaire supports for adults, contributing to a total of over 1,400 students and apprentices in post-secondary programs across the site. Facilities include specialized labs for biotechnologies and , fostering partnerships with local industries. Additional educational support includes the NATIF association, which facilitates language integration for non-French speakers through Français Langue Étrangère (FLE) courses and cultural exchange programs, aiding newcomer adaptation in the community. Vocational training emphasizes , with the CFA agricole du Gers and EPL Auch offering certifications from to levels in agricultural management, production, and rural services, preparing students for regional employment in farming and sectors.

Public Services and Utilities

Auch's public utilities are managed through a combination of local syndicates and national providers, ensuring reliable access to essential resources for its residents. primarily draws from the River, which serves as a key source for potable water production in the region, treated at local facilities before distribution by Veolia Eau 32 across the city's network. Electricity distribution is handled by Enedis, the national grid operator responsible for the department, maintaining infrastructure that supports both urban and rural connectivity. falls under the Grand Auch Cœur de Gascogne agglomeration, with selective collection programs emphasizing ; in 2023, the department achieved an average of 83 kg of household packaging and paper recycled per inhabitant annually, exceeding the Occitanie regional average. coverage reaches approximately 95% of households in Auch, driven by ongoing optic rollout under the Gers Fibre initiative, aiming for 100% departmental coverage by 2025. Public services in Auch prioritize healthcare, social support, and access to foster resident well-being. The Centre Hospitalier d'Auch en Gascogne (CHAG) serves as the primary healthcare facility, offering 487 beds and places across , , and other specialties, including emergency care integrated with SAMU 32 for rapid response. Social aid is coordinated through the Centre Intercommunal d'Action Sociale (CIAS) du Grand Auch, which provides counseling, assistance with administrative procedures, and support for vulnerable populations, including home care services. Libraries, such as the Médiathèque du Grand Auch Cœur de Gascogne, offer public access to books, digital resources, and cultural events, while centers host local activities and integration programs. Infrastructure enhancements in Auch emphasize green spaces and to improve . The Parc du Couloumé, spanning 5 hectares, functions as an urban with playgrounds, walking paths, and natural areas, promoting recreation and . Sustainable initiatives include the progressive replacement of street lighting with LED systems, with nearly 300,000 euros allocated for 2025 to upgrade energy-intensive fixtures, reducing consumption and environmental impact. Residents can access many public services digitally via the demarches.auch.fr portal, which streamlines administrative tasks like permit applications and utility registrations.

Notable People

Historical Figures

Charles de Batz de Castelmore d'Artagnan (c. 1611–1673), born in the Château de Castelmore at Lupiac in the Gers department near Auch, was a Gascon nobleman who rose to prominence as a captain in the French Musketeers of the Guard under Louis XIV. Joining the Musketeers in 1640 after service in the French Guards, he participated in key campaigns during the Fronde civil wars and later distinguished himself in the War of Devolution, earning a reputation for bravery and loyalty. Appointed captain-lieutenant of the Musketeers in 1658, d'Artagnan led the elite unit until his death on June 25, 1673, while leading an assault during the Siege of Maastricht in the Franco-Dutch War, where he was struck by a musket ball. His exploits inspired the fictionalized protagonist in Alexandre Dumas' 1844 novel The Three Musketeers, cementing his legacy as a symbol of Gascon valor tied to the Auch region's historical identity. Louis Thomas Villaret de Joyeuse (1750–1812) was a French admiral born near , who commanded the during the and later under . He is known for his role in the Croisière du Grand Hiver (1794–1795), a major naval campaign against British forces. Dominic Serres (1719–1793), born in , was a French-born painter who became a prominent marine artist in . He served as to King George III and was a founding member of the Royal Academy, specializing in naval scenes from the Seven Years' War.

Modern Notables

Éric Carrière (born 24 May 1973 in ) is a retired French professional footballer closely associated with Auch through his formative years, having developed his skills at the local club CS Auch from 1981 to 1992 before progressing to professional levels. Playing primarily as an attacking midfielder, he amassed 333 appearances in across clubs including (1995–2001), (2001–2004), (2004–2008), and (2008–2011), contributing to league titles with Nantes in 2000–01 and Lyon in 2001–02 and 2003–04. Carrière also represented the France national team in 10 matches between 2001 and 2004, scoring five goals, and was named Player of the Year in 2000–01. Christian Laprébende has served as mayor of Auch since October 2017, succeeding Franck Montaugé who stepped down due to cumulative mandate restrictions under French law; as of 2025, he remains in office but has announced he will not seek reelection in 2026. A member of the Parti Socialiste, Laprébende, aged 65 at the time of his and a retired territorial technician, previously held roles as deputy mayor for major projects (2008–2014) and first overseeing , , heritage, roads, and accessibility (2014 onward), in addition to serving as a counselor for the Auch-1 canton since 2015. His administration emphasizes enhancing residents' , fostering , preserving , and maintaining close , building on ongoing urban development initiatives. He was reelected in the first round of the 2020 municipal s, securing a strong mandate in the socialist stronghold of Auch. Jacques Fouroux (1947–2005), born in Auch, was a renowned French player and coach. Known as "Le Nanard," he captained the national team to a Grand Slam in the 1977 Five Nations Championship and later coached to the 1981 Grand Slam, becoming a legendary figure in French rugby. The Lycée Le Garros, a prominent educational institution in Auch, has nurtured numerous athletes through its sports programs, contributing to regional and national competitions in disciplines such as rugby and athletics. Additionally, the CIRCa national circus arts center has elevated local talents, influencing a new generation of circus performers and directors who blend traditional and innovative techniques in international festivals.

References

  1. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Page:Dictionary_of_Greek_and_Roman_Geography_Volume_I_Part_1.djvu/356
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