Perched above the Gers River in the heart of southwestern France, Auch is a city of genuine historical weight and quiet regional pride. As the ancient capital of Gascony, it carries centuries of culture within its medieval streets, hilltop cathedral and the monumental staircase that connects the upper and lower towns in one of the most dramatic urban sequences in the French Southwest. The Cathedral of Sainte-Marie, a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, houses an exceptional collection of Renaissance stained glass and intricately carved choir stalls that draw visitors from across the country. At the foot of the stairs, a statue of d'Artagnan, the city's most famous son and inspiration for Alexandre Dumas' legendary musketeer, stands as a symbol of Gascon spirit and bravado.