Description:

Geography and climate

Condom is a small city in the Gers department of south west France, midway between Agen and Auch.

The climate is mild in the winter and hot and dry during the summer months with yearly average temperature of 15 ºC.

Tourism

The tourism trades on Condoms connections with Armagnac and the city has a museum dedicated to the "eau de vie".  The other significant site of interest is the Cathedral of Saint Pierre and specifically its cloisters.  History apart, the city has decided to use its name rather than try to ignore it.  Every year an exhibition of prophylactics is staged and there is a condom museum chronicalling the history of the "preservatif".

The cathedral, which dates back to 1507, is a magnificent building but it has taken its fair share of damage over the years.  Some of the stained glass is original but most were replaced in the 19th century in the style of Arnaut de Moles's windows at Auch.  The cloister, dating from 16th century, is now used by the toursit office.

The Armagnac Museum is located on Place Lannelongue, near to the cathedral and has an exhibits explaining the process of Armagnac producrion.  It is open all year but times vary depending on the season.

The city is also on the Way of St Johns pilgrimage route from Le Puy to Santiago de Compostela and makes an excellent base for exploring the surronding villages.

Economy

The city became prosperous through the export of Armagnac along the Baise, but agriculture is now the mainstay, as for much of the Gers.

Transport

Toulouse-Blagnac is the closest airport and is easily accessed via the A62 motorway, but if you want to avoid the tolls and not in a hurry, there are plenty of scenic N and D roads.  By train, there is an SNCF station in the city and a regular bus service. 

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