Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The aisles of Etigny occupy the location of an old cemetery in Auch, Gers. In 1613 Antoine de Roquelaure had trees planted there, before successive stewards enriched the site. This place, transformed into a wooded walk, became a majestic public space, reflecting the urban and landscape evolution of the city over the centuries.

Around 1760, the intendant Antoine Mégret d'Étigny undertook major works: construction of the retaining walls to the south and stone steps marking the main entrance. These developments made the site a permanent structure, giving it its monumental character. The statue of d'Etigny, carved by Pierre Vigan, was inaugurated in 1817, accompanied by two lions symbolizing power and justice, as well as fountains adorning the side walls.

In 1947, the aisles were included in the inventory of historic monuments, recognizing their heritage value. Today, the site preserves remarkable furniture, such as commemorative plaques and statues of the esplanade, testimony to its rich history and its central role in local life. The terrace, protected by ministerial decree, remains a significant example of 18th-century landscape art in Occitanie.

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