Top 10 authentic activities to do in the Gers

Gers is a department in the south of France nestled in the heart of Gascony. To the west of the Occitanie region, the Gers offers an incredible green and natural setting, and attracts with its landscapes and its gastronomy. Authenticity, generosity and conviviality are the appropriate terms to define the Gers, renowned for the kindness of the inhabitants and the finesse of its specialties. Discover the 10 authentic activities to do in the Gers, let yourself be seduced by its colorful meadows and rolling hills.

Opening photo: AdobeStock Rustamank The village of Lavardens

1 Taste foie gras in all its forms

The mention of the Gers often rhymes with duck, the culinary emblem of the region. A true Gers tradition, Gers duck is sold with the IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) designation which makes it a choice and quality dish. Raised by passionate producers, it is available in several forms to delight all palates. Breast, foie gras, confit, gizzard, duck has more than one trick up its sleeve and surprises the taste buds with its finesse and fragrant taste. Visit the markets or directly at the farm, the Gersois will be delighted to present their specialty to you.

2 Cycle along the Armagnac greenway

Hop on your bike for a ride in the countryside on the Armagnac greenway. Sportsman or amateur, everyone can find their way on a course of around twenty kilometers between forests, moors and agricultural land. Pedal in a cocoon of greenery from Condom to Lagraulet-du-Gers for a relaxing day with family or friends. Castles, churches, leisure parks and old train stations can be discovered along a pleasant route along an old railway line. Escape to a unique setting and don't forget to take breaks to observe the magnificent landscapes on the Gascon hills.

3 Visit a winery in Armagnac

A getaway to Armagnac is synonymous with visits and tastings in a winery, where Armagnac is the signature product. A wine brandy aged in oak barrels, the golden liquid is the pride of the producers who welcome you with pleasure all year round. Do you want to know everything about this precious beverage? Visit the Armagnac ecomuseum to appreciate the work of the vines and the different distillation methods presented at the still museum. The moment not to be missed is “the Flame of Armagnac” which takes place from the end of October to the end of January, once the harvest is over. True moments of conviviality adored by the Gersois, producers and villagers gather around the stills of various properties for a unique moment of meeting, culture and discovery.

4 Visit Lupiac

A charming village perched at an altitude of 243 meters, Lupiac was the birthplace of d'Artagnan, the most famous of the musketeers. You cannot miss his presence when arriving at the central Place d'Artagnan where his first equestrian statue is erected. House with arcades, open gallery, 16th century church, visit a picturesque village surrounded by 5 private castles including that of Castelmore, where d'Artagnan spent his childhood. Follow in the footsteps of the musketeers in a town of character in the heart of Gascony.

5 Discover Eauze

Less than an hour from Auch in the Gers, Eauze defines itself as the capital of Armagnac. A medieval city in the southwest of France, it is renowned for its arenas and bullfighting competitions. Discover a rich historical past where mystery walks are a pleasure. Saint-Luperc Cathedral, private castles, local crafts and bastides, the authentic city has many surprises in store. Don't miss the Domus de Cieutat in Eauze, an interpretation center in the heart of the ancient city Elusa which immerses you in the history that links the Villa de Séviac, the archaeological museum and the Domus de Cieutat.

6 Partying in the Gers

The summer season is ideal for enjoying yourself in the Gers, among welcoming and cheerful villagers. Music festivals, village festivals or Landes races, the Gers is lively all year round. Don't miss the Jazz Festival in Marciac, the musical night in Armagnac, the farm markets or the summer harvests in August. Banda enthusiasts join each year at the largest gathering of brass and percussion instruments in Condom to move to the rhythm of Gascon traditions. The Gers is also the kingdom of cattle games where Landes races and bullfighting delight lovers of sports games and bullfighting. Immerse yourself in the arenas and take part in the unmissable attractions of the region.

7 Walk on the way to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle in Montréal-du-Gers

Montreal-du-Gers is reputed to be one of the most beautiful villages in France to discover on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Whether the approach is religious or to enjoy a beautiful hike, the pilgrimage allows you to stop off in charming villages such as Montréal-du-Gers, one of the first bastides in Gascony. Stroll through a typical medieval town with a rich heritage. Fortified enclosures, half-timbered houses, stone arcades and narrow streets, the village in the heart of the vineyards offers a magnificent colorful spectacle on the way to Santiago de Compostela.

8 Discover the fabulous Pastel of Lectoure

Lectoure, a town perched in the north of the Gers, is full of historic sites such as the Gothic Saint-Gervais cathedral or the castle of the Counts of Armagnac. Medieval capital of Lomagne, it retains the precious secret of pastel blue which made its reputation in the 16th century. Derived from the yellow plant “Isatis Tinctoria”, this exceptional blue is a sign of wealth and can be used to color textiles and decorative elements. Since 1994, this unique and artisanal know-how has found a place of choice in the heart of the town of Lectoure, an essential stopover on the way to Santiago de Compostela.

9 Visit the Gers castles

The Gers is an inexhaustible heritage resource with 82 castles listed by the Musée du Patrimoine de France. Towers, dungeons and stone bricks, the castles of the Gers are emblematic buildings of the region. Some host wine estates, others art centers or are surrounded by magnificent parks with trees and flowers. Discover the historical wealth of the southwest through sumptuous castles, such as the castle of Caumont, the castle of Lavardens or the castle of Larressingle.

10 Staying in a bed and breakfast in the Gers

The Gers is a welcoming and authentic region that offers many accommodation options. Come in contact with generous inhabitants who offer you their doors with kindness for a cozy night in a guest room. Green surroundings, local shops, aquatic facilities and breathtaking views , it's up to you to choose the atmosphere you prefer for a comfortable stay in the Gers.

The visit is already over, but leaves beautiful memories in the heart of Gascony nature. Hikes, visits, tastings and festivities, you will quickly want to return to the Gers to discover the top 10 authentic activities not to be missed.

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