The Town of Condom: More Than Just a Funny Name
Nestled among the rolling hills and vineyards of Gascony in southwestern France lies the charming town of Condom. And yes, you read that correctly, Condom is actually the name of a real French town. As you can imagine, the name tends to elicit some giggles and double-takes when visitors first encounter it. But beyond the humorous moniker lies a long and fascinating history just waiting to be explored.
According to local lore, Condom was founded by a Roman senator named Condatomagus who established a military encampment there in the 1st century BCE. As the tiny settlement grew over the years, it became known as Condatomagus, eventually morphing into the modern-day name of Condom. These days, Condom is best known as the capital of the Armagnac region, home to the beloved Armagnac brandy. The town’s many cellars and distilleries produce the smooth, oak-aged spirit which has been crafted there for centuries. In fact, medieval monks originally began distilling Armagnac in the 12th century, long before cognac was ever created.
Beyond booze, Condom is also proud of its lovely medieval architecture, like the soaring Gothic cathedral and the stately mansions built by 18th-century bishops and governors. The town’s small population of just over 7,000 residents makes for a quiet, peaceful atmosphere far removed from major cities. Let’s talk about the people of Condom for a moment. As you can probably guess, they’ve heard all the jokes before. “Does everyone there practice safe sex?” “Do you get a lot of tourists asking silly questions?” “Does the town sell souvenir condoms?” Yes, yes, and of course! The good-humored people of Condom let all the wisecracks roll off their backs.
In fact, their town’s wacky name has become a source of pride. Back in 2017, Condom elected a local winemaker named Jacky Lasserre as its honorary “chief condom officer” because if anyone can handle the endless jokes with grace, it’s them!. The residents do host an annual Fête du Préservatif (Festival of the Condom) each October to celebrate their unusual legacy. The streets fill with music, costumes, laughter and more than a little cheekiness.
While Condom does get lots of giggles from first-time visitors, most come to genuinely appreciate the slow-paced local lifestyle. Exploring the countryside on two wheels, stopping to sample Armagnac straight from the cask, ending long dinners on the outdoor patio with lively conversation under the stars. This quirky community has far more depth than just an unusual name. Past the playful puns lies history, culture and the real heart of Gascony. Everyone can let their inner child have a little harmless fun, but when you look closer, you’ll find the soul of Condom has a lot more to offer.
