Cultural heritage
The Pousterles
The Pousterles
Historical Center
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Want to step back in time? In Auch, the Pousterles (small castles) immerse you in the heart of the Middle Ages, with their secret alleyways and unexpected viewpoints!
Les Pousterles, a journey through time in the heart of Auch
As you stroll through the historic center of Auch, don't miss the pousterles, these charming medieval sloping streets, sometimes with steps, which connect the upper town to the river. Typical of Auch and steeped in history, they take their name from the Latin posterula (postern), designating a small, discreet door in the ramparts.
In the past, these passages allowed residents to get water while also playing a defensive role. Today, they offer a picturesque and unusual setting, perfect for a timeless stroll. There are five in Auch: the Pousterle de l'Est, the Pousterle de Paris, the Couloumats (the pigeons), Las Oumettos (the little elms), and the Vieille Pousterle, the widest and the only one without steps. Walking through these alleys is like discovering a living part of the city's medieval past, in an authentic and charming atmosphere.
