In the heart of Bazian, the character of the Castelnau has been preserved: the village was laid out as a Castelnau and still has remains of its fortification walls. The château, tower and remains of the former settlement of Saint-Yors offer further insights into the town’s building history.
Château, Tower and Historic Townscapes
The Château de Bazian is protected in its entirety as a historic monument, including the perimeter wall, well and south wing. The present-day building features alterations dating from the 16th and 17th centuries and extends over three levels. Inside, wall paintings from the late 16th to early 17th century have been preserved. The château thus brings together different architectural and artistic periods.
Another testament to the village’s fortifications is the fortified tower of Bazian. It was listed as a historic monument by decree on 1 August 1974 and is one of the last surviving traces of the fortifications. Only the gate tower and a few sections of wall adjoining the east side of the gate remain of the former Castelnau of Saint-Yors. The fortified gate is considered a remnant of the village’s fortifications, probably dating from the late Middle Ages.
The location of Saint-Yors can also be pinpointed precisely: the former Castelnau lies on the left bank of the Mouliaque stream, a few metres north of the château and 1.5 kilometres southwest of the village of Bazian. This location distinguishes the historic settlement from the village centre. In Bazian itself, the origins of Saint-André Church are historically linked to the Castelnau. The heritage also includes a gilded wooden tabernacle dating from the 15th to 16th century. Some old houses retain very old half-timbered elements, adding to the picture of the historic building fabric.
Walking, Cycling and Horse Riding
For a longer hike, the Grand Tour de Bazian offers a clear indication of the time required: Route PR1 is 13 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and takes about three and a half hours. It crosses ridgelines through landscapes dotted with numerous windmills and enters the Touzan state forest. Check trail conditions before setting out. The route combines a defined hiking distance with varied scenery, without necessarily being a circular route.
For an e-bike ride, there is also a named point of reference: the Les Villages Perchés en VAE route reaches Bazian after about 700 metres on a departmental road. This distance refers to that section of road; check road conditions before setting out. For horseback rides and pony rides, La Ferme aux Chevaux offers guided experiences for all levels, by appointment only. Check availability before you arrive.
When looking for hotels for a stay in Bazian, you can plan your day around the activities: the Grand Tour de Bazian takes approximately three and a half hours, while guided rides require an advance appointment. The two activities therefore differ in their stated duration and the need to arrange a time in advance. Check trail conditions or the availability of the riding experience as part of your planning.
Discover more destinations: Vergoignan, Estang, Gensac, Montpézat, Armous-Et-Cau, Bourrouillan, Laujuzan, Magnan.
For the broader travel overview: Gers.
