Labastide d'Armagnac

Medieval village in the famous Armagnac region

Labastide d'Armagnac in France is considered the pearl of the Armagnac region. This region is best known for the alcoholic drink Armagnac. This is older than, for example, Cognac, but less well-known. You can visit Armagnac farmers near the village and personally taste the drink.

The strong alcoholic drink is named after the Armagnac region. The drink has been made since the 12th century. The distilling process is slightly different to the way Cognac is made. Armagnac is distilled once, with Cognac this is done twice and at lower temperatures. Both distillates are aged in oak barrels. The grapes used are also often the same. Armagnac has an alcohol percentage of 40%, Cognac is the same or sometimes slightly higher.

The Armagnac region is protected; on 6 August 1936 it was given the name AOC, (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée). As a result, only grapes harvested in this area may be used to make Armagnac. These are the regions:

  • Bas-Armagnac
  • Armagnac-Ténarèze
  • Haut-Armagnac

Visiting the village

The church of Labastide d'Armagnac. ©Corno van den Berg

The village of Labastide d'Armagnac is still a medieval village, where time seems to have stood still. Various families have been making Armagnac here for centuries. I went to explore this region and made various excursions in the area.

The name comes from bastide, this is a typical medieval town in the south of France. It has strikingly straight streets with a central square and a church. Labastide-d'Armagnac still breathes the past.

Visit Armagnac makers

Stéphane de Luze of Château de Briat. ©Corno van den Berg

In this region you can visit numerous Armagnac distillers on your tour. Most of them are located around the village of Labastide d'Armagnac. With well-known names such as Domaine d'Espérance, Château du Prada and Château de Briat. You will receive an explanation about the process, the various grapes) and you can taste the Armagnac. It is well worth it.

Notre Dame des Cyclistes

The unique Notre Dame des Cyclistes. ©Corno van den Berg

The Notre Dame des Cyclistes is a special church near the village of Labastide-d'Armagnac. Since 18 May 1959, the old chapel has been dedicated to famous cyclists. He was officially consecrated by the Bishop of Dax. Here you will find more than 600 jerseys from world champions, but also from winners of the Tour de France. The church is literally full of cycling memorabilia.

Read my tips for Notre Dame des Cyclistes

Cycle route La Scandibérique

Taking the Cycle rRute La Scandibérique. ©Corno van den Berg

La Scandibérique is a famous cycling route of thousands of kilometers through Europe. The Pilgrim Route runs from Norway to Spain. It runs also through the Armagnac region. It is a good way to discover this area. I cycled through forests and small villages for a while. You can rent a bike in town and venture out. You can do this on your own, or with a local guide.

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