Labastide D’Armagnac

Reaching the Town..
Reaching the Town.. Labastide d'Armagnac is not a destination for visitors in a hurry. However, it rewards those who decide to leave the busy traffic of the major highways crossing Aquitane and meander slowly along the quiet local roads that cross the verdant country side and the forests of the Landes.

Labastide d'Armagnac is situated on the eastern border of the forests which cover the South West of France in a lightly populated rural area. The village is deeply attached to its traditions and cultural identity where the values of slow, quiet living are appreciated, shared and continued by its inhabitants.

Historical background..
Labastide d'Armagnac was founded at the end of the XIII° century by Bernard VI, Count of Armagnac in a period when the region was under British rule. The village, built around the Place Royale, named in honour of the king of England, has maintained it's architectural design and medieval fascination fully intact.

Categorised as a fortified village, constructed around a harmonious village square, bordered by colourful houses, arches, porticos and colonnades, Labastide d'Armagnac is recognised as one the best conserved of all the bastides in the Landes. Legend suggests that Henry of Navarre, after becoming king of France, was inspired by Labastide d'Armagnac to design the Place des Volsges, the well known tourist attraction in Paris. The church of Labastide d'Armagnac, the Chateau of Prada, the chapel of Géou are listed historical buildings and therefore are protected under national heritage regulations.

Population and main resources
The village of Labastide d'Armagnac and its environs extends to some 32 square kilometers with a population of some 700 inhabitants. The majority of the population is of retirement age, although in more recent years the settlement of young, working families is ensuring the longevity of the village. Labastide d'Armagnac lies in the the Bas Armagnac area from which the village draws its name. Its vineyards produce Armagnac, one of the most renowned brandies made following practices passed from generation to generation over the last 700 years. It is a worthy partner to a generous gastronomy centered around typical local products such as fois-gras, confit, magret of duck, garbure, poule au pot, tourtière...

Other points of interest:
Labastide d'Armaganc enjoys the benefit of a " Green Lane " (la Voie verte). This is an eco-touristic trail restricted to pedestrians and cyclists, recently converted from the old railway line abandoned in the early sixties. La Voie verte provides some 30 kilometers of safe cycling and walking for vistors to Labastide d'Armagnac.

The Chapel of Géou, constructed in the XI° century on the ruins of a gallo-roman settlement of the IV° century, is situated 2 kilometers from Labastide d'Armagnac. It is dedicated to Notre Dame des Cyclistes and contains a modest but interesting museum exhibiting old bicycles, shirts, documents and objects given by international cycling champions and local supporters.

Major events:
The historical, architectural and gastronomic inheritance of Labastide d'Armagnac attracts a high number of visitors looking for friendly hospitality, authenticity and simplicity. Local associations are active in organising various traditional, cultural and artistic events throughout the year, which contribute to a quality tourist experience in respect of local values and traditions.

Terroir et traditions, the 1st Sunday of July. Folklore, local traditions and animations. As in days gone by, wild boars are slowly rosted over live coals and are then served, with other typical dishes, in the shade of a palombière built for the occasion in the Place Royale.

L'Armagnac en Fête, the last week-end of October. A large number of local producers present theirs 'crus' of Armagnac and Floc de Gascogne under the porticos of the Place Royale. Demonstrations of the complete cycle of production from the grape harvest to the distillation process, with a traditional alambic operating in real time, are shown during the event. Also available are local dishes, wines, aperitifs, digestifs, as well as other specialities proposed by the members of the « sites remarquables du goût ». The participation of « cittaslow » representatives since last year, has added to the event remarkable success.

During the summer season many other events are organised, including: handycrafts, antiques, culinary markets, a painting competition, artistic exhibitions, concerts and theater performances. For more information call the Tourist Office, Place Royale, 40240 Labastide d'Armagnac, Tel: 00 33 5 58 44 67 56

Cittaslow contacts:

• Alain Gaube, Mayor of Labastide d'Armagnac. 
  Place Royale, 40240 Labastide d'Armagnac, 
  Tel: 00 33 5 58 44 81 06, Fax: 00 33 5 58 44 66 91
  mail: commune-la-bastide-armagnac@wanadoo.fr   
• Giorgio Bonacci, Representative Cittaslow. 
  Place Royale, 40240 Labastide d'Armagnac. 
  Tel: 00 33 5 58 44 86 41, mail: gibo1939@yahoo.fr

Photo coverage: © Labastide d'Armagnac/OT (crédit photo A. Dovifat, D. Dejean, G. Bonacci, B. Flageul)