Armagnac

It is said that Armagnac is France’s oldest spirit, born of three elements from different cultures: vines from the Romans, pot-stills from the Arabs, and casks from the Celts.

The Armagnac appellation (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée – Designation of Origin) covers three départements. In the Landes there is bas-armagnac, in the Lot-et-Garonne, Ténarèze armagnac and in the Gers, haut-armagnac.

The Eco-museum of La Bastide d’Armagnac in the Landes will tell you everything about the tools used, the grape varieties, and the aromas of prune, quince and vanilla that Armagnac takes on as it ages – and of course you can taste it to see for yourself.

Not far from this charming fortified town, another local curiosity is worth seeing - Notre-Dame de Géou, renamed Notre-Dame des Cyclistes on 18 May 1959. Stained glass, cycling jerseys and rare pieces decorate this 11th-century chapel, which has become a sanctuary dedicated to cycling.

On the way, several estates will welcome you for a visit, notably the Domaine Départemental d’Ognoas, in Arthez-d’Armagnac. Here, the oldest pot-still in Gascony distils 800 hectolitres of wine, to make 150 hectolitres of Armagnac.

This eau-de-vie then ages for 10 to 40 years in oak barrels made on the estate. There is also an experimental farm, La Gaube mill, and the Manoir de Tampouy to complete this showcase of the Landes area.

Lou floc, meaning “bunch of flowers” in Occitan, is a recipe dating back to the 16th century, combining young Armagnac and fresh grape juice.

White or rosé, Floc de Gascogne is drunk chilled as an aperitif and is also used in the composition of famous delicacies such as fresh foie gras, either fried or terrine, lamb, desserts… It adds a delicious ray of sunlight!