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 ? 1 hour from Toulouse, Pau, Lourdes… Still not?! Well, imagine France, the Pyrenees, halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, the gateway to our beautiful Pyrenees, here is Saint-Gaudens, capital of Comminges.
A lovely balcony overlooking this mountain range that we never tire of observing! The Cagire and the Pic du Gar are our landmarks every morning, and the talk of the town!
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).

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 commune is part of the Pays de Comminges, corresponding to the former county of Comminges, part of the province of Gascony.
In the heart of the old town, one monument impresses with its size and imposing bell tower. Lovers of history and architecture will not be mistaken: thechurch, a 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 route to Santiago de Compostela, 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, Visigoth king of Toulouse, sent troops into the Comminges region to destroy all those who refused Arianism. One day, his soldiers came across a thirteen-year-old shepherd named Gaudens. Despite insistence and threats, the boy refused to renounce his Christian faith. One of the soldiers seized him and cut off his head. And then the miracle happened: young Gaudens stood up, took his head in his hands and headed for Mas Saint-Pierre. He didn’t stop until he reached the town, where the church doors opened of their own accord and closed behind him. The horsemen pursuing him were unable to enter. Shortly afterwards, in memory of this young martyr, Mas Saint-Pierre took the name of 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
LieuZaide

Art de vivre à la Saint-Gaudinoise!

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…)

Guide to tastes and flavors in Comminges

Open-air markets on Thursday and Saturday mornings
Gourmet market to discover local products to eat in or take away from Tuesday to Sunday
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).