Armous-Et-Cau: History, River and Ténarèze

Armous-Et-Cau can be understood through several specific themes: the Église Saint-Martin and its older building materials, the Midour and the route of the Ténarèze, and local activities related to horse riding and farm produce. Its historical references range from the prehistoric origins of an ancient route to 19th-century building history. For planning purposes, the market’s listed Tuesday hours and the horse-riding activities mentioned are also of interest.

Church and landscape

The present-day Église Saint-Martin dates from the 19th century and was built using stones from the former churches of Armous and Cau. The church in Armous-Et-Cau also houses a listed “croix d’autel”: a carved, gilded wooden sculpture from the 17th century. This object has been protected since May 3, 1985. The church building and the altar object therefore date from different centuries: the Église Saint-Martin is from the 19th century, while the sculpture is from the 17th. A route description updated on May 22, 2025, highlights the beautiful view of the surrounding countryside from the Église Saint-Martin.

The Midour and the Ténarèze

The Midour rises in Armous-Et-Cau and is a 105-kilometer-long river in Gascony. In the village, it follows the route of the “Route de César,” also known as the Ténarèze. The Ténarèze is an ancient route of prehistoric origin that connected Bordeaux with the central Pyrenees without the need to cross bridges or fords. For centuries, it was an important route for cross-border exchange and transhumance. The term refers to the seasonal movement of herds between grazing areas. The comparison highlights two geographical scales: the Midour is directly connected to Armous-Et-Cau through its source, while the Ténarèze, as a route, links Bordeaux with the central Pyrenees. In the 12th century, Armous and Cau came under the authority of the Gers-based abbey of La Case-Dieu.

Market and produce

An event listing updated on June 20, 2025, lists the farmers’ market at the GAEC de Barrotes farm for the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027, as a year-round Tuesday event from 5 to 7 p.m. If the market fits your plans, check the schedule again before visiting.

An entry about direct sales from GAEC de Barrotes, updated on November 20, 2025, lists calves raised with their mothers and beef, as well as wheat flour and naturally leavened sourdough bread.

Horse-riding activities

A tourism listing updated on June 1, 2026, lists trail rides and classical riding at Au grand galop in Armous-Et-Cau. It also includes children’s games and an introduction to pony riding. The listing thus distinguishes riding activities from the options specifically intended for children; you can consider these as different focuses when planning.

For the broader travel overview: Gers.