Rurality and nature in Le Gers

Gers is a so-called " rural " department. That is to say that most of the towns and villages have fewer than 2,000 inhabitants and the economy is mainly focused on agriculture. The low population density here is synonymous with a good quality of life and welcome in the context of tourism.

The Gers is also a territory where nature is at the center of all concerns. It offers the Gers a large part of its assets and gives it its attractiveness : relaxing and very beautiful landscapes, with the Pyrenees as a backdrop. A rich terroir from which come a large part of the taste and culinary successes, cherished by visitors. The Gersois quickly understood this and with the deployment of a cultural and tourist policy goes hand in hand a policy of promoting heritage and respect for the environment.

Long live Gers!

Gers, a department that is truly 100% nature and heritage!

The 10 advantages of a rural territory

The Gers is a generous land, where agriculture has benefited, for a very long time, from the favorable and mild annual climate. When traveling in the Gers, you will be able to enjoy all the advantages of a rural territory, for example, following our top 10.

1. Taste farm products directly from the producer

You can enjoy delicious, fresh foie gras from small, animal-friendly farms. All the duck specialties and vegetables from the open ground and fresh from the fields await you.

2. Visit wineries, breweries and manufacturing plants

Gers is also the land of vines ! The large wine-growing areas are everywhere, but particularly in the north and north-west. What do we drink? Armagnac of course, but also Côte de Gascogne, Côte du Condomois, Saint-Mont, Madiran, Floc de Gascogne...

3. Travel without traffic jams, all year round, even in the height of the season

The roads of Gers are beautiful and pleasant to use. Even on the outskirts of towns, traffic flows smoothly. From hills to valleys, you discover a sumptuous bell tower or even the Pyrenees mountain range at more than 180°! Moreover, when you want to stop, you can always find a parking space ! Free, most of the time...

4. Have picnics in magical places

There are many nature and leisure bases in the Gers. Interpretation trails await you to discover the fauna and flora. Playgrounds for children, with picnic tables, are present in the Gers region. Campervan areas are also common, with all the amenities. Even in the heart of Auch, you will always find a park to relax in.

5. Talk to the locals

The Gascons are very welcoming and not stingy with conversation! When you walk through the door of a shop or a museum, on the terrace of a café, or at an isolated producer, there is always this warm spirit that surrounds you. Discover the Gascon to familiarize yourself with local customs...

6. Browse the most beautiful markets in the region

Don't miss the exceptional fat markets of Samatan and Gimont. The producers' markets, in summer, are an opportunity to meet locals and taste all the specialties. To fill your basket, look at our market calendar and don't hesitate to stock up on colors and flavors.

7. See animals: cows, geese, ducks, donkeys, pigs, horses...

Most of the time free or happy in their fields, the animals of Gers accompany you on your vacation. The educational farms pamper the animals and teach you what care they need. The stables and equestrian tourism clubs allow you to tame a horse during a ride. Finally, visit the farms where the animals are raised for the manufacture of food products. This is an opportunity to see the entire transformation process and buy products from respectful breeding.

8. Take advantage of landscaping and natural features

Lakes, rivers to dip your feet in, woods to walk in, paths for hiking... The Gers is a real countryside, full of wildlife and trails to explore. It is an important territory of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Apart from this holy walk, there are many marked trails to discover on foot or by bike.

9. Find accommodation on a human scale, independent or in contact with the population

Far from the gigantic hotels and impersonal resorts, the charm of the Gers is also found in its small Occitan residences made available to holidaymakers. The guest houses of character, the cottages in cut stone, in bricks in the Toulouse style, in the heart of the pousterles of Auch are just waiting for you!

10. Always a reason to party

A rural destination is synonymous with celebrations ! There are many events in the Gers. Gastronomic festivities, Landes races, patronal festivals, music concerts... In a jovial, good-natured spirit, with people, but not too many... Just enough to have fun without being jostled... The party in the Gers is in full swing !

Eco-tourism in the nature of Gers

The Gers has long been banking on fair, ethical and sustainable tourism development. This means that the preservation of natural heritage goes hand in hand with economic expansion. Sustainable tourism means providing tourists with the means to discover the territory in good conditions for its preservation. Working towards sustainable tourism makes it possible to set up labels and distinctions to promote the work of those who are involved in the preservation of natural spaces.

• For example, discover the 15 towns and villages labeled Green Stations.
• Take a stroll through the sites of the European Natura 2000 network, which identifies sensitive environments where protected species of flora and fauna are found.
• For your accommodation, choose unusual accommodation, a campsite with the Clef Verte, Accueil Paysan, Gîte Panda or Ecolabel labels.
• To buy food, go to organic farms or organic stores. Go pick your own vegetables and fruits at the farm!
• On the leisure side, you will not be short of nature activities, with animals or sports activities, in the countryside.
  

Orientation table of Valence-sur-Baïse