Visit Saint-Gaudens

What to do in Saint-Gaudens? If you are passing through the town and want to discover it, here is how to organize your visit! Welcome to the Comminges!

Saint-Gaudens, Comminges, Pyrenees

Saint-Gaudens? Just 1 hour from Toulouse, Pau, and Lourdes… Still not sure?! Well, imagine France, the Pyrenees, halfway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean; the gateway to our beautiful Pyrenees is right here in Saint-Gaudens, a town in the Comminges (here is a map to help you).
A lovely balcony overlooking this mountain range that we never tire of watching! Le Cagire and the Pic du Gar are our landmarks every morning and are always topics of conversation!
From here, cyclists radiate out to the Pyrenean passes well known from the Tour de France: Aspin (66km – approx. 1h), Port de Balès (68km – approx. 1h30), Tourmalet (87km – approx. 1h20).
Whether you like it or not, this paper pulp factory shapes the landscape and feeds the imagination of local artists!

Did you know?
The Pyrenees, this vast mountain range, is dominated by Aneto, the highest peak in the chain.

Visit the town and discover its history

Historically and culturally, the town is in the Comminges region, corresponding to the former County of Comminges, a district of the province of Gascony.
In the heart of the old town, one monument impresses with its dimensions and its imposing bell tower. History and architecture enthusiasts won’t be mistaken: the Collegiate Church, dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Gaudens, is a true masterpiece of Romanesque art, built between the 11th and 12th centuries. Renowned as one of the most beautiful churches on the Way of Saint James, it is one of the symbols of Saint-Gaudens.

Digital tour (1h30): free – a walk in the form of a quiz. Scan the QR code in front of the Tourist Office

The legend of Gaudens

In the 5th century, Euric, the Visigoth king of Toulouse, sent troops to the Comminges region to destroy all those who refused Arianism. One day, his soldiers met a thirteen-year-old shepherd boy, Gaudens. Despite their insistence and threats, the child refused to renounce his Christian faith. One of the soldiers then seized him and cut off his head. And then, a miracle occurred: young Gaudens stood up, took his head in his hands, and walked toward Mas Saint-Pierre. He only stopped once he reached the town, where the church doors opened by themselves and closed behind him. The horsemen pursuing him could not enter. Shortly after, in memory of this young martyr, Mas Saint-Pierre took the name Saint-Gaudens.

Saint-Gaudens, a cultural town

During the day or in the evening, we love to enjoy the town’s cultural venues

Art & Figures of the Central Pyrenees Museum
Circuit du Comminges Museum
Jean Marmignon Theater
Intercommunal Media Library
Contemporary Art Center – Saint Jacques Chapel
Exhibition halls
Le Régent Cinema

The Saint-Gaudens way of life!

You will certainly hear the singing accent of the Commingeois people, who love to sit on a terrace at the first ray of sunshine. There are many local specialties that you will find in various shops in town (milk-fed veal, spit cake, local cheese, fouasse bread…)

Open-air markets on Thursdays and Saturdays
Gourmet hall to discover regional products to enjoy on-site or to take away
Tourist office shop: 100% local products
Eat on the terrace

Get back to nature just a stone’s throw from the town center

Lake Sède is fed by the Garonne; we love to watch the reflection of the mountains there. You can reach it on foot from the town center (approx. 4km – safe path).