Castéra-Verduzan developed in a valley on the banks of the Auloue, near two springs: one is sulphurous, the other ferruginous. The town’s character also includes a thermal centre, historical landmarks and leisure activities. A stay can therefore have a variety of focuses: the thermal centre’s facilities and treatments, the town’s history, or activities on the water and by bike. When planning your trip, it is worth weighing up these themes individually rather than combining them into a fixed itinerary.
Thermal Centre and Springs
The thermal centre in Castéra-Verduzan is approved to treat both disorders of the mouth and tongue and digestive complaints. If you are planning to visit for treatment, check the medical services and approvals again before making plans. The centre also has a spa, a swimming pool and a hammam. Availability may vary by season, so confirm in advance which facilities will be available during your stay.
The La Renaissance spring is described as sulphate-, calcium- and magnesium-rich and is recognised for its beneficial effects. This brings different aspects of the thermal theme into focus: for the centre, the approved treatment areas and facilities are important; for La Renaissance, it is the stated mineral composition and effects. Free guided tours of the ODOST–BUCCOTHERM® laboratory are also offered. Ask in advance whether a tour will be available during your visit.
History in Vieux Castéra and the Commanderie
A 17th-century cross in Vieux Castéra is easily reached via a path north of the church. It has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 4 February 1927. For safety reasons, the interior of Vieux Castéra church is not open to visitors. When planning, it is therefore helpful to treat access to the cross and a visit to the church interior as separate considerations.
The Commanderie was built from the 12th century onwards as a Templar commandery and later became a commandery of the Hospitallers, also known as the Knights of Malta. Its history therefore began earlier than that of the cross. This chronological comparison spans the order’s history, which began in the Middle Ages, and a monument from the 17th century, without equating the two historical subjects.
Swimming, Skatepark and Cycling
The Base de Loisirs – Lac in Castéra-Verduzan offers swimming and has a skatepark. These are two different ways to enjoy this leisure area: you can focus your visit on swimming or on the skatepark. If you plan to swim, check the latest opening information in advance. Castéra-Verduzan’s leisure area holds the Pavillon Bleu label. As environmental labels can be renewed or changed, check on site whether the designation is still current.
Another option for getting active is the 26 km cycling loop from Castéra-Verduzan to Valence-sur-Baïse, which starts at the town hall. The named starting point and route length give this option a clear framework. You can treat the cycling loop as a focus in its own right, alongside the leisure activities in town, without automatically combining it with a visit to the water or historic sites into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Pauilhac, Gensac, Lias, Seissan, L'isle-Jourdain, Fleurance, Homps, Labastide-Savès.
For the overview of the wider area: Gers.
