THE GERS IN THE CINEMA, IN BOOKS, FAMOUS GERS PEOPLE

“Des enfants dans les arbres” (Children in the Trees), by Roger Boussinot, Robert Laffont Editions. A touching novel which takes place during the German occupation, in a small village in the Gers. 

“Pierre Dulong, La prière du guérisseur”, (Pierre Dulong, The Healer’s Prayer) by Patrick Caujolle, Le Pas D'oiseau Editions. A book about a character of the Gers, a sixty-year old man who goes from being a farmer to being an exorcist/healer and finally, the mayor. It's a comedy, written by a policeman/writer from Toulouse, who knows the area very well. A lovely story and an interesting character to meet! 

“Rien de plus, sauf elle, la vie” (Nothing more, except her, the life), Victoire de Montesquiou, Palais Editions. An autobiographical novel written by Victoire de Montesquiou, daughter of a Duke and a descendant of D’Artagnan. This book is full of anecdotes, great encounters and an old world charm.  

TOURISt books on the GERS

Discover our tourist books, recipes books and also a few original books about the Gers department. Either before or after your visit, make sure to read about the Gers!

For heritage enthusiasts, to learn everything about the monuments and buildings in the Gers, we recommend: “Eglises, châteaux et fortifications du Gers oriental du Moyen-Age à la Renaissance” (Churches, castles and fortifications in the eastern Gers from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance), by Jean Bonnefous and Raoul Deloffre, Atlantica Editions.

Département du Gers, de F.-J Bourdeau, Editions Res Universis. For people who like preciseinformation, this book relates the history of the municipalities and hamlets of Gers, from their origins to the middle of the 19th century. 

“Les Mystères du Gers” (The mysteries of Gers) by Patrick Caujolle. For those who like reading stories about the people and events of a department, this is a book which tells you about the characters and important events of the Gers: crimes, anecdotes, adventures, religion ... this is a book which covers all these topics. 

“Le Bonheur est en Gascogne Gourmandises et Saveurs” (Happiness is in Gascony, delicacies and flavours) by Sylvia Robert, Editions CPE. This is a beautiful book, describing the flavours of Gascony and the Gers. 

Do you like beautiful books with photographs? “Le Gers: un bonheur dévoilé”  (Gers: An Unveiled Happiness) by Rose-Marie Richard-Caprice and Michel Carossio, Editions Gypaète.

This book has pictures and words which illustrate the heritage of this department, with all its charm and character. 

Do you fancy local recipes and specialities, rich, comforting dishes, gastronomic and traditional ideas? Check this book out:“Recettes paysannes du Gers” (Gers Traditional Country Recipes) by Marc Béziat, Editions Du Curieux, Collection des Recettes Paysannes. 

“Le Guide Vert Pyrénées Toulouse Gers Michelin”: a must have book! A well-organised guide and a practical size to carry in your pocket. It includes maps, addresses and information to help you organise your trip. This guide is especially good for those looking for walks and strolls.  

“Le Petit Futé Gers Gascogne”: another must have! This book will show you the monuments to visit, activities to do, accommodation to stay in. (Get the most recent version). There is also a pocket version available. 

“Le Gers ... a pied” (Gers…on foot), Editions Topo Guides. This a a beautiful, detailed guide book showing hiking trails from the Fédération Française de Randonnées. See the Gers in a different way by exploring its less well known heritage and taking your time.

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For hikes towards Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, here are a few guides to help you, see our article here. 

“Miam-miam-dodo section 1” (eat and sleep guide) from Lauriane et Jacques Clouteau, Editions du vieux crayon. The guide is updated each year; get the latest edition for the most up-to-date information. 

The Editions Ouest France offers 2 guides for cycling the two 2 routes of Saint Jacques de Compostelle crossing the Gers: La voie d'Arles a vélo sur les chemins de Compostelle (The Arles route by bike on the roads to Saint Jacques de Compostelle), Sur les chemins de Compostelle: La Voie du Puy à vélo, (roads to Saint Jacques de Compostelle: the Puy route by bike by Marie-Hélène and Pierre Costes.)

Les chemins de Saint-Jacques dans le Gers, (The roads to Saint-Jacques in the Gers), from Georges Courtes - Editions Sud-Ouest. 

Famous people in GERS 

D'Artagnan is, of course, the most famous of the Gersois. Charles de Batz de Castelmore was born around 1615 in Casltermore Castle near Lupiac. He was a cadet from a noble family; he was like many second sons of Gascony families at that time and was sent to be in the service of King Louix XIII. The famous author Alexander Dumas made him famous, his stories are an ode to adventure! See our article on the Musketeers 

The Bogdanoff brothers, TV show makers, essayists and scientific caricaturists, were born and raised, for the most part, in the Gers. 

The fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac lives in Loubersan Castle for part of the year. The castle belonged to his family in 1420 and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac finally bought it back in the 1990s.  

Michel Sarran is a chef who was born in the Gers. He learnt his skills in the Landes area and opened a Michelin starred restaurant in Toulouse. A true Gascon!

The French businessman Jean-Luc Lagardère was born in the Gers, but he soon moved to the capital for his business.

The Gers is said to be the new naturerefuge of the stars... Especially in Lomagne nearby Lectoure ... Could little Toscany become the new Saint-Tropez?