The Gers occupies a privileged position equidistant from Agen, Toulouse, the Pyrenees and the forests of the Landes. Discover the Renaissance cathedral of Auch with its remarkable stalls and stained glass windows. Superb old residences line the narrow streets and steep staircases (the typical pousterles) that run down to the banks of the Gers, which have been converted for walking.
Head north to admire the colossal Château de Lavardens, which overlooks the former military capital of the Counts of Armagnac. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Vic-Fezensac, famous for its festivities and markets. Then there is the charming little spa town of Castéra-Verduzan, nestled in the Aloue valley.
A territory full of curves
Following the course of the Baïse River, you will come across the Cistercian abbey of Flaran and Condom with its majestic Gothic cathedral. As evidenced by the beautiful mansions, the town was enriched by the trade of Armagnac brandy, exported by boat.
In the surrounding area, succumb to the charm of Larressingle, the smallest fortified town in France, and the superb bastides of Fourcès and Montreal. Overlooking the vineyards, the Château de Cassaigne was the former summer residence of the Bishops of Condom. While in Saint-Puy, at the Château de Montluc, the precious liqueur of Pousse-Rapière is made.
Further east in Lomagne, the bewitching city of art and history of Lectoure is built on a promontory overlooking the Gers valley. Admire the ramparts, the cathedral, the mansions, the flowery gardens and the panoramic terraces. Thanks to pastel, the tanneries produced the famous blue of Lectoure.
The fortified collegiate church of La Romieu (14th) is of exceptional size. On the plain, you will reach the arcades of the bastide town of Fleurance, then the half-timbered buildings of Saint-Clar, the garlic capital of the Gers. The Château de la Cassagne (17th) houses a spectacular Knights of Malta Hall.
Campsites in the Gers
Among about sixty campsites in the Gers we propose for your holidays in Gascony the campsite Lac de Thoux St-Cricq *** located in Thoux, the campsite Le Talouch **** located in Roquelaure or the Lac des 3 vallées ***** in Lectoure, where you will enjoy a magnificent water park.
Gastronomy and panoramas
To the south-east of Auch, go to the octagonal bell tower of Gimont, the stronghold of croustade and foie gras, then to L'Isle-Jourdain and its astonishing museum telling the story of 5 centuries of bells. The old fortified town of Samatan is famous for its foie gras markets. The fortified cathedral of Lombez watches over a beautiful group of half-timbered brick houses. The imposing red church of Simorre and the Renaissance houses of Saramon also deserve your attention.
The south of the Gers is just as attractive. Discover the epic of the local hero, d'Artagnan and his musketeers at the Lupiac museum. Towards Plaisance and Beaumarches, overlooking the Adour valley, a cornice multiplies the viewpoints over the snow-covered Pyrenees, as well as from the top of the 43 m high keep of Bassoues.
Finally, go back up through the heart of the Armagnac vineyards to the proud medieval tower of Terres d'Armagnac, the rescued Nogaro and its car circuit, and then to the springs of Barbotan-les-Thermes.