What to do in the Gers, before the return of the season ?

Discover Gers

Winter is getting long ... This greyish atmosphere brings you down and you need some good ideas to entertain yourself until the arrival of spring... Guide du Gers checked its best plans, and has an energizing selection for you. You will want to go out again, we promise!

YOU WANT TO GO FOR A WALK OUTSIDE

It is raining? So what? Grab a raincoat and walking shoes and off you go for to visit the most beautiful villages in the Gers! There is no better time to visit the most beautiful villages of France than during winter, the light and sunsets are beautiful at the end of the day. Let’s go to Fourcès for example, a fortified village with an unusual circular shape. In the heart of Tanarèze, many hiking paths are waiting for you, the “GR 654” hiking trail passes nearby the village. To feel like you are in the Middle Ages, go to Larressingle and its impressive fortified village! The fortifications immerse you in a different world, inventing a thousand and one stories for the children.

And for the sportiest speed enthusiasts and the beautiful machine lovers, go to Nogaro to do few laps around the track, this is the perfect occasion to learn how to drive... under the rain!

Are you more a sightseeing AND gastronomy type person (to walk you need a full stomach, don’t you?); then go to Aux Portes de la Gascogne . This territory is full of delicacies and is waiting for you to celebrate the white and purple garlic. The great poultry, the delicate dishes prepared with mushrooms and foie-gras. An all of this served with a wine from Côte de Gascogne, for example. Also meet with the producers of the region who will be pleased to present their wines.

Only few weeks left to enjoy the Marchés au gras of Samatan (Foie gras markets) , the markets of the regions are excellent reasons to go for a walk with a picnic basket, fill it with delicacies and tasty bread to be savoured on a countryside tablecloth all year round. Here, as soon as the first sunrays arrive, we eat on the terrace!

The Gers, is also a horse riding land, in Manciet, close to Nogaro, we can recommend the the “Domaine du Passage” Equestrian Centre, which offers horse riding lessons. This is another good reason to come in this beautiful region …to discover the landscape and for the pleasure of being around horses. Do not hesitate to contact the equestrian centres, some offers some trek rides type for the day or for the weekend, depending on your level.

HAVING FUN WITH THE KIDS

All year, the Gers is busy and from mid-March it is the beginning of fairs, festivals and other fun events. Check our diary page to find an event (and check with the Tourist Offices to find about occasional events).

Children like fun and different tourist sites, visit the Musée du Costume (Costume Museum), in Valence-sur-Baïse. Discover also the Ferme aux Cerfs et aux Sangliers (Deers and boars Farm), in le Houga, close to Nogaro.

In Marciac, the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum) is open all year; children love this type of museum triggering their curiosity, making them discover new species, thanks to the use of detailed and informative displays. The Château de Lavarden, will also impress them (be ready to awaken their internal knights!), with its beautiful architecture!

Also recommended, with children, a visit to the Moulin des Marionnettes (Puppets Mill), in Vic-Fezensac offering shows and a puppet making shop (open during the Easter holidays).