Visit of Sarrant, one of the most beautiful villages in France

Visiting the Gers at the gates of Gascony? Discover Sarrant, an unmissable medieval bastide, a very pleasant stopover. Classified among the "Most beautiful villages in France", this village of character is worth a look. Very original in its circular shape, it has managed to preserve its historical and heritage heritage, which is now well valued. Come for a walk in this typical little village of the Gers.

A bit of the Middle Ages

The heart of the village has not yet been reached, but you are already transported to another era. Indeed, when you see the Tour Porte you will quickly understand that the pretty Sarrantaise city has managed to preserve and enhance its heritage remains as it should.

This fortified tower marks the entrance to the medieval era and to the heart of the village of Sarrant. Massive and imposing, it is quite characteristic of the defensive buildings built during the Middle Ages. It has undergone some small modifications over the centuries. His biggest transformation will drawbridge was replaced by a stone bridge in the early 19^th century. Another notable change: the ditches. They were filled in and sown with plane trees which now surround the village. However, at the level of the overall structure of Sarrant, nothing has changed. And if you are observant, you will notice that the portcullis, which closed the entrance to this fortified castle village, is still in place!

To take advantage of a very pretty view, cross the few steps of the tower. From up there, you dominate the village and overlook the tiled roofs. You will have a good overview of the half-timbered and corbelled houses, typical of medieval constructions.

Medieval houses: the historical heritage of the Sarrantais

Enjoy your (small) rise in the bowels of the tower to see the clock foliot, dating from the 15^th century, which was found in the attic in the tower.

If you are new to subjects specific to watchmaking, you will learn that this type of clock works thanks to an oscillating pendulum, the foliot, whose oscillation is maintained by a wheel which turns under the effect of a weight, this is called the horizontal oscillator. The foliot clocks were very imprecise and had to be reset every noon using a sundial, not practical! Then came, thanks to Galileo in particular, the pendulum clock. It will be much more precise than its big sister, the foliot clock.

Going down, stroll through the alleys of Sarrant. The houses are mainly present around the church and in the heart of the city, they are arranged around the alleys in a rounded shape, like a snail!

Another specificity: the shimmering colors of the facades. Here, we love color, we know how to combine it and give style to our home. During your walk, you will feel this atmosphere specific to artists, creators, a sweet blend of serenity, plenitude and freedom.

Stroll through the colorful alleys of the medieval city

Sarrant, village of Illustration

It was in 2014 that the first illustration festival took place in Sarrant. A real success, both from a national and international point of view, the village took the opportunity to ride the wave, develop this dynamic and make it grow. So much so that it is now known as “Sarrant, Village de l'Illustration®”.

The animations and exhibitions are numerous. And the proposals are diverse and varied. To find out more, you can go to the famous Librairie-Tartinerie, a veritable Sarrant institution, or to the Maison de l'illustration. The artists' studios are also open for free. Do not hesitate to go there and go directly to meet the artists and creators.

The alley plaques are also illustrated by several artists

Thus ends our article on the incredible village of Sarrant. Hoping that you like this atypical city and that you fall under the spell of this pretty Gers territory.

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Article and photos prepared by Charline Prod'Homme for the Guide du Gers