Discover the castles of the Gers

Opening photo credit © Lilian Dunogue

The castles of the Gers are witnesses to a tumultuous past. Crossed by the “Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle”, this agricultural and wine-growing region is coveted and attracts powerful and wealthy families. They built castles and beautiful homes there. It is also the birthplace of the “Compagnie des cadets de Gascogne”. These incredible adventures therefore began in the Gascon castles. We take you to discover this architectural heritage, meet these passionate and warm owners and guides, who will tell you the great history and the little anecdotes of this beautiful country.

Visit the castles of the Gers

Larressingle castle

To get you in the mood, we suggest you visit the village of Larressingle beforehand. Its nickname "little Carcassonne du Gers" is well deserved. Surrounding wall and fortification, towers and curtain walls, masterful entrance gate and medieval houses… You are immersed in the heart of the Middle Ages.

Then you enter a medieval siege camp, on the grounds of the fortified castle of Larressingle. It is a real initiation into the "Art of War". You will learn how to hold a seat; use a war machine: Catapult, stone rock, odds and ends or trebuchet…; shooting with a bow or a crossbow and many other activities...

Lavardens castle

The castle sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the bastide of Lavardens . The stroll in the medieval streets of the village allows to admire old stalls, transformed into houses, and a beautiful church with its tympanum in mosaic.  At the top of the village, you reach the fortress from the 12th century. In addition to free visits to the various rooms, this art center houses exhibitions and concerts.

Caumont Castle

The Domaine de Caumont has two castles, a park and an orangery. The Renaissance castle of the 16th century is accessible by guided tour. There are also many activities: treasure hunt in the park , escape-game in the underground passages, interactive game, concert, flea market, depending on the period. The old castle is reserved for private events or exhibitions.

Castle and tower of Termes-d'Armagnac

The castle of Termes-d'Armagnac offers a fun and instructive stroll to the superb panorama, offered from the top of its high tower. Each space is dedicated to an aspect of daily life in the Middle Ages, thanks to reconstructions and animations.

Miramont-Latour Castle

An unusual and authentic visit awaits you at the Château de Miramont-Latour. Many architectural elements tell the story of the castle from the thirteenth century to the present. It is the owner who brings you into his home. The originality lies above all in its incredible collection of old agricultural tools. It occupies about ten rooms of the building. Each piece is unique and has been carefully found and enhanced by this passionate collector!

sérillac castle

This castle from the 13th century, was restored in the Renaissance, but it still has many points of architectural interest, from different eras. It is a little-known and intimate visit that is offered to you. You are accompanied by the owner, who would like to bring this castle back to life and know how to transmit his love for the place.

Tour d'Armagnac in Auch

The tower of Armagnac is a former prison of the 14th century, later used to store the Episcopal archives. The lower room now houses the Cathedral Treasury and can be visited during the tourist season. The floors are not accessible to the public.

Plieux Castle

Built on a motte, Castle Plieux was regularly occupied and renovated over time, with great food in the sixteenth century. The guided tour allows you to see the main areas of this house, still inhabited. It also offers its exceptional setting to contemporary art exhibitions, currently paintings by Jean-Paul Marcheschi, and cultural events.

Flamarens Castle

Castle Flamarens is typical of the architecture of the thirteenth century Gascon. It experienced the 100 Years War and this period of its history is well documented in the guided tour. It is open to the public during the summer holidays. You can also rent it for a wedding or any other event.

Sainte-Mère castle

This is a Gascon castle of the thirteenth century. It is in ruins because it has lost its cover and its floors. One can nevertheless admire its characteristic facade. The tourist office organizes a few visits a year to tell you about its history and see it from the inside.

Chateau Comtal de Lectoure

The former castle of the Counts of Armagnac was transformed in the eighteenth century hospital. The ruins of the fortifications of the Middle Ages are used today as decoration for a village of second-hand dealers and artists.

Castelmore castle in Lupiac

Castelmore Castle was built between the 10th and 12th century. But it's early 17th century it takes its pedigree. Its walls saw the birth of the famous d'Artagnan. It is a private residence, which is occasionally accessible during Heritage Days.

Episcopal Palace of Condom (Armagnac Museum)

Inside the ancient episcopal city of Condom is the Armagnac Museum. These are dependencies that offer a fun frame a monumental wine press of the 19th century. Around this centerpiece, spaces show the techniques of Armagnac production, from viticulture to distillation, including cooperage.

The wine and historic châteaux

Viella Castle

The Château de Viella is a beautiful 18th century residence in the heart of a wine estate. Visits and activities showcase oenology, gastronomy and the Gers region. The gardens of Aure replace the vineyard in its environment and allow fun and educational walks. To enjoy the charm of the place for longer, you can stay in a guest room or in a gîte.

Monluc castle

The castle of Monluc has been a site inhabited since the Neolithic era, which has gone through the ages by evolving, according to the needs of its time. For five generations, it has been an Armagnac vineyard, which has produced a regional specialty: “Pousse-rapière”. The owners tell you their story during a guided tour of the cellars and the estate, by reservation.

Cassaigne castle

The cultivation and wine making is an ancient tradition at Castle Cassaigne, since it was built in the 13th century in the middle of the vineyard. This beautiful country house has often been coveted and therefore restored over time. During a free visit, you can admire its 16th century cuisine , but also its cellar and its park.

This is the end of our walk to discover the beautiful castles of the Gers. We hope that these beautiful homes, steeped in history, have made you dream and made you want your next romantic or family getaway in the region.

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Guide du Gers.