Circuit Paul Armagnac
Location
Nogaro, France
Current Local Time
Track Info
Circuit Paul Armagnac - Nogaro, France
Historic permanent circuit in rural southwest France - known for technical racing, Easter competition and major car, motorcycle and truck events
When was the track built?
Motor racing around Nogaro began with the Rallye de l'Armagnac in 1953. Because the event used public roads, organisers Robert Castagnon and Paul Armagnac began searching for a safer permanent home.
Unused land beside Nogaro airfield was secured in 1959, and the new circuit held its first race in October 1960. Its original shape was partly inspired by Sebring in the United States, where Paul Armagnac had previously competed.
Why is it named Paul Armagnac?
Paul Armagnac was a local racing driver and an important supporter of the circuit project. After he died during practice at Montlhéry in 1962, the Nogaro venue was renamed in his honour.
The circuit was enlarged several times as racing cars became faster. It reached its present 3.636 km car length in 1989, while new pits and team facilities opened in 2007.
What's the circuit like?
- Technical rather than extremely fast: Frequent braking and acceleration reward a well-balanced car and consistent driving.
- Long back straight: The aerodrome section gives powerful vehicles space to build speed before a major braking zone.
- Tight final sector: Several slower corners sit close together, making traction and accurate positioning especially important.
- Flat and exposed: There are few major hills, but wind and rapidly changing weather can still affect grip and braking.
What races here?
- French GT and touring cars: Modern GT4 machinery, one-make sports cars and production-based racing cars appear during major meetings.
- Formula 4: Young single-seater drivers traditionally begin the French championship season at Nogaro.
- French Superbikes: The national motorcycle championship brings Superbikes, Supersport machines and junior categories.
- Racing trucks: Heavily modified trucks compete in short races and are limited in speed for safety.
- Historic and club racing: Classic cars, track days and national amateur categories keep the circuit active throughout the year.
Major events and traditions
- Coupes de Pâques: Held around Easter since 1968, this is Nogaro's best-known car-racing weekend.
- French Superbike Championship: Nogaro helped launch the championship's predecessor in 1981 and remains a regular venue.
- Grand Prix Camion: Racing trucks have headlined a popular annual festival since 1994.
- Grand Prix de Nogaro: A historic meeting that now commonly features classic cars and national championship races.
- Classic Festival: A large celebration combining historic track demonstrations, displays and owners' gatherings.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Official outright race record: 1:20.160 - Alessandro Zanardi in a Reynard Formula 3000 car, 1991.
- Formula 3 race benchmark: 1:22.226 - Romain Grosjean in a Dallara, 2007.
- Sports-prototype benchmark: 1:23.906 - Beppe Gabbiani in a Dome prototype, 2003.
- Modern motorcycle benchmark: Records now use the shorter motorcycle configuration introduced in 2024.
The circuit uses different car and motorcycle layouts. Testing, qualifying and race laps also take place under different conditions, so their times should not be compared directly.
Why go?
Nogaro offers a traditional French club-circuit atmosphere, with spectators much closer to the cars and teams than at many larger international venues. The compact site also makes it possible to move between several viewing areas during a meeting.
Its rural Gers location adds local food producers, relaxed paddocks and nearby Armagnac country to the experience.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight: Best for race starts, pit stops, grid activity and the finish.
- École hairpin: Good for heavy braking, overtaking attempts and cars accelerating from a slow corner.
- Aerodrome straight braking zone: Best for appreciating top speed and late-braking battles.
- Final corners: Watch drivers fight for traction before returning to the start-finish straight.
- Paddock: Useful for seeing the vehicles, drivers and repair work when public access is included.
Circuit Paul Armagnac is beside the town of Nogaro in the Gers department. Driving is normally the simplest way to reach the rural venue, with access commonly taken from the A65 motorway. Entrances, grandstands, shuttle services and paddock access vary between events, so check the latest organiser information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Circuit Paul Armagnac (Nogaro)
Circuit Paul Armagnac is in Nogaro in the Gers region of south-west France. Driving is the easiest way to visit, but public transport is possible: regional buses stop in Nogaro around 1.4 km from the circuit.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is the simplest way to visit Nogaro, particularly if you are staying elsewhere in the Gers or arriving from an airport.
- From the A65: use Exit 6 towards Aire-sur-l'Adour, Nogaro, Auch and Agen.
- From Auch: head west towards Nogaro through the Gers countryside.
- From Pau: travel north towards Aire-sur-l'Adour before continuing to Nogaro.
- Navigation: search for “Circuit Paul Armagnac”.
Save the address as 275 Avenue André Diviès, 32110 Nogaro, France.
Train & bus
Nogaro does not have an active railway station, but the regional bus network makes visiting without a car possible.
- liO 934: runs between Auch and Aire-sur-l'Adour and stops at Nogaro-Hôpital.
- To the circuit: the Hôpital stop is approximately 1.4 km away, around a 17-minute walk.
- From Toulouse: travel towards Auch, then connect with the 934 towards Nogaro.
- Mont-de-Marsan: the nearest SNCF station is around 40 km away; a taxi is the simplest onward option.
Check the latest liO timetable before travelling, particularly for the return journey after racing finishes.
Flying in
Pau Pyrénées Airport is the nearest airport listed by the circuit, at approximately 60 km.
- Pau Airport: the closest option if suitable flights are available.
- Tarbes-Lourdes: approximately 70 km away.
- Toulouse & Bordeaux: both are around 140 km from the circuit but offer a much wider range of flights.
- Rental car: normally the easiest option from any airport.
Parking & motorhomes
The circuit provides free parking around the venue, making driving straightforward for most spectators.
- General parking: access to the circuit parking areas is free.
- Motorhomes: Parking P3 is specifically reserved for campervans and motorhomes.
- Large events: follow temporary signs and marshals because individual car parks may use different entrances.
If you plan to stay overnight in a motorhome, check the rules for your individual event before travelling.
Where to stay
Nogaro itself is the easiest base, particularly if you want to walk or take a short taxi ride to the circuit.
- Nogaro: closest to the track, with hotels, guesthouses and restaurants.
- Aire-sur-l'Adour: useful if you are approaching from the A65.
- Auch: farther away but provides more transport connections and accommodation.
Understanding the circuit
Paul Armagnac is an important part of French motorsport history and was the country's first purpose-built permanent racing circuit.
- Opened: 1960.
- Length: 3.636 km.
- Turns: 14.
- Events: GT racing, French Superbike, historic racing, truck racing and numerous club meetings.
The circuit is compact enough that spectator areas, paddock facilities and parking remain relatively easy to navigate.
Race-day tips
- Arrive early: local roads become much busier during major meetings such as the Easter Cups.
- Check admission: several smaller 2026 motorcycle events have free spectator entry.
- Wear comfortable shoes: expect grass and walking between viewing areas.
- Prepare for the weather: most spectator areas are outdoors.
- Bring hearing protection: particularly for children.
- Save the address: 275 Avenue André Diviès, 32110 Nogaro, France.
For a first visit, driving is the easiest plan. Without a car, the liO 934 bus to Nogaro-Hôpital followed by the short walk to the circuit is a practical alternative.
Bus timetables, parking areas, admission and event access can change. Check the official Circuit Paul Armagnac and liO information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Circuit Paul Armagnac (Nogaro, France)
Circuit Paul Armagnac - often simply called Nogaro - is a long-established French racing circuit surrounded by the vineyards and rolling countryside of Gascony. Cars, motorcycles and racing trucks all compete here, while Armagnac producers, medieval villages, lakes and Roman history make the surrounding Gers region worth exploring between race days.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Armagnac Vélorail: Pedal along a disused railway line from Nogaro on an electrically assisted rail bike. The roughly 13 km return journey passes through quiet Gascon countryside.
- Lake Uby: Near Cazaubon and Barbotan-les-Thermes, this large lake has seasonal swimming, paddling, pedal boats and other family activities.
- Larressingle Medieval Siege Camp: Children and adults can discover medieval siege machines and try activities involving replicas such as catapults and trebuchets.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- Eauze Treasure Museum: See an important collection of Roman coins, jewellery and objects discovered locally, with displays introducing the area's Gallo-Roman past.
- Villa of Séviac: Explore the remains of a large Gallo-Roman villa known for its surviving mosaic floors.
- Flaran Abbey: This restored Cistercian abbey now houses heritage and art exhibitions inside its historic buildings.
Eat & drink around Nogaro
- Armagnac: The region gives its name to France's famous grape brandy. Many producers offer visits or tastings - arrange a non-drinking driver if travelling by car.
- Floc de Gascogne: A local aperitif made from fresh grape juice and Armagnac that is commonly found around the Gers.
- Gascon food: Look for duck, foie gras and croustade, a traditional flaky pastry dessert often filled with fruit.
Get outdoors between race days
- Armagnac countryside: Quiet roads through vineyards and farmland make the area enjoyable for relaxed cycling and country drives.
- Lake Uby: The 80-hectare lake works well for walking, paddling and a slower afternoon away from motorsport.
- Open track evenings: On selected summer dates, Nogaro opens the circuit without engines so visitors can walk, run, cycle, skate or use scooters on the racing surface.
Summer afternoons can become hot and exposed, so carry water and sun protection for longer outdoor activities.
Easy day trips if you're extending your stay
- Larressingle: Walk around this tiny fortified medieval village, then combine it with the nearby siege camp.
- Eauze: Discover the Roman heritage, town centre and Armagnac culture of one of the area's main towns.
- Barbotan-les-Thermes: A traditional spa town that combines thermal bathing with nearby Lake Uby.
- Flaran Abbey: Pair the abbey with a countryside drive through the villages and vineyards of northern Armagnac.
Good to know during race weekends
- Check which event you are attending: GT cars, superbikes, trucks and historic racing create very different schedules and spectator arrangements.
- The circuit is busier than the town: Nogaro is small, so major weekends can put pressure on nearby accommodation. Booking ahead is sensible.
- Driving is the practical choice: Attractions are spread across rural Gers, and public transport is limited compared with major French cities.
- There is more to see than racing: The surrounding region is strongly associated with Armagnac, food and historic villages, making an extra day worthwhile.
- Bring hearing protection: Racing cars, motorcycles and trucks are extremely loud at close range, particularly for children.
Race schedules, spectator access, track activities, attraction opening hours and tasting arrangements can change - check current information before travelling.