Away from busy roads and fashionable resorts, the Gers, also known as "Little Tuscany", is a sublime region with the Pyrenees mountain range as a backdrop. Nature lovers discover marvellous landscapes, lovers of old stones enjoy the preserved historical sites and the most beautiful villages in France, gourmets make gourmet stops in the four corners of the department, families set off on trails for unforgettable hikes or take advantage of the many water activities. In addition, the authenticity of the region and its inhabitants, descendants of the "Cadets de Gascogne", including the famous Charles de Batz-Castelmore dit D'Artagnan.

A capital city with the charms of Gascony

Auch, the historic heart of Gascony, deserves a stop, especially for its Sainte-Marie cathedral. It is undoubtedly one of the largest and richest cathedrals in France. Started in 1489, its construction took two centuries. Three masterpieces are to be seen absolutely: the one hundred and thirteen choir stalls, a gigantic work of flamboyant gothic style, carved in oak by master huchiers. More than 1,500 carved figures illustrate the Bible, secular history, mythology and legendary history. Finally, Arnaud de Moles's eighteen glass canopies, spread over ten chapels, astonish by the density of the colours and the finesse of the design. The other curiosity is the monumental staircase, opened on the hillside in the 19th century, which links the lower town and Place Salinis with its breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. It takes courage to climb the 370 steps cut by three successive landings, the last of which houses the statue of Charles de Batz (D'Artagnan)

Taking the time to stroll through the medieval alleys is a good way to soak up Gascony before setting off to discover the other departmental pride and joy. Among the jewels of the Gers, Flaran Abbey, founded in 1151, is one of the best preserved in the South-West. The monastic buildings and gardens, in the heart of the park, are a perfect illustration of a Cistercian ensemble from the 12th century, which was reworked until the 18th century. In the original ecclesiastical architecture, La Romieu, located on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, stands out for its magnificent 14th century collegiate church, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The church, with its fortress-like appearance, is impressive from afar, while the particularly elegant cloister allows one to admire its arcades and slender knife-blade pillars. Unless you're out of breath, climb to the top of the tower for the breathtaking view. Opposite this imposing building, the Coursiana Gardens pleasantly extend the visit of the collegiate church and the village. Stroll through the arboretum with its 700 species from the 5 continents, bask in the English garden before moving on to the medicinal plant garden and finally the small family vegetable garden

On the road to Santiago de Compostela

Believers and non-believers alike have been setting out on the roads to Santiago de Compostela for some years now; the former in reference to their religion, the latter to discover France in a different way, at a different pace, far from the beaten track and most often in communion with nature. Rare are those who make the pilgrimage in one go. On the other hand, there are many who make the pilgrimage, once or several times a year. The two roads that cross the Gers, the Chemin du Puy and the Chemin d'Arles, have largely contributed to the construction of the region, and the important towns that mark out these two itineraries as well as their heritage bear witness to this. The monuments were built to give a setting worthy of their renown to the remains of the most venerated great saints. Numerous and varied relics enriched the treasures of these prayer centres and pilgrims came to venerate them until their final fulfilment in Compostela. The Chemin du Puy enters the Gers at Saint-Antoine-Pont-d'Arrats

The small church still preserves an "arm of justice" with its relic of the saint. We also find the imprint of the Antonines and their efforts to feed the pilgrims thanks to the mill on the Arrats and house them in their commandery. All this is still standing, while the bridge itself is now a ruin. Lectoure, Condom, Eauze, Nogaro are important stages of this route marked by cathedrals or simple churches, remains of hospitals, bridges and even paths transformed into small or large roads

The road from Arles arrives at Pujaudran, with its bridge of Saint-Antoine, remains of the Antonins, as does the bridge of Monlezun a few dozen kilometres further on. Then it crosses Isle-Jourdain, Gimont, passes Auch, Montesquiou and Marciac to reach Béarn. UNESCO has just classified these treasures as world heritage, not only the roads to Santiago de Compostela in general, but also certain sections of the Chemin du Puy, including the one that links Lectoure to Condom, with all the monuments that line it, the collegiate church of Saint-Pierre de la Romieu, the Artigue bridge, as well as the cathedral of Sainte-Marie d'Auch

A gastronomy full of flavour

How can one evoke the Gers without mentioning the products which have made its reputation? It is one of the main departments producing fattened poultry. Geese and ducks are part of the landscape and seem to be its true emblem. They are transformed into foie gras, pâtés, duck breasts, confits, etc. Other specialities include croustade or pastis gascon, a pastry where the proportion of armagnac and aromas varies according to the recipes. But garlic should not be neglected. With less than 4,000 hectares, the canton of Saint-Clar in Lomagne is France's leading producer. Another flagship product is armagnac, which has largely contributed to the region's gastronomic reputation. This brandy must be aged for at least three years before being marketed. Floc de Gascogne is another local speciality. A blend of grape must and Armagnac, it is somewhat similar to Pineau des Charentes and exists in white or red. It is best enjoyed chilled, as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to foie gras or melon. Finally, the wines of the Côtes de Gascogne, the Madiran Pacherenc de Vic-Bilh, the Côtes de Saint-Mont or the Côtes du Condomois, deserve to be discovered. Mostly produced by small producers, they have complex and seductive aromas. They are festive and fruity wines. In the image of a region that one never tires of..

Smart Info

When? All year round, but spring and autumn are adorned with beautiful colours reminiscent of the Indian summer. In the summer, the sun is practically guaranteed.

Get there. By car, by bus, by plane (Toulouse is the nearest airport) or by train, everything is possible

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