Top 10 authentic activities to do in the Gers

Gers is a department in southern France, nestled in the heart of Gascony. Located in the western part of the Occitanie region, Gers offers an incredibly lush and natural setting, attracting visitors with its landscapes and gastronomy. Authenticity, generosity, and conviviality are the perfect words to describe Gers, renowned for the kindness of its inhabitants and the finesse of its specialties. Discover 10 authentic activities to enjoy in Gers, and let yourself be charmed by its colorful meadows and rolling hills.

Cover photo: The village of Lavardens.

The must-see activities in Gers

1 - Taste foie gras in all its forms

The Gers region is often associated with duck, its culinary emblem. A true Gers tradition, Gers duck is sold with the IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) label, making it a delicacy of choice and quality. Raised by passionate producers, it is prepared in many ways to delight every palate. Magret, foie gras, confit, gizzard —duck has more than one trick up its sleeve and surprises the taste buds with its delicate texture and fragrant flavor. Visit the markets or go directly to the farm ; the people of Gers will be delighted to introduce you to their specialty.

2 - Cycle along the Armagnac greenway

Hop on your bike for a ride through nature on the Armagnac Green Way. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, there's something for everyone on this 20-kilometer route winding through forests, heathland, and farmland. Cycle through this verdant haven from Condom to Lagraulet-du-Gers for a relaxing day out with family or friends. Castles, churches, leisure parks, and former train stations await discovery along this pleasant route following a former railway line. Escape to this unique setting and be sure to stop and admire the magnificent landscapes of the Gascon hills.

3 - Visit an Armagnac wine cellar

A getaway to Armagnac means visits and tastings in a cellar, where Armagnac is the signature product. This golden spirit, a grape brandy aged in oak barrels, is the pride of the producers who welcome visitors year-round. Want to learn everything about this precious beverage ? Visit the Armagnac Ecomuseum to appreciate the work in the vineyards and the different distillation methods presented at the still museum. A must-see is "La Flamme de l'Armagnac" (The Flame of Armagnac), which takes place from the end of October to the end of January, once the harvest is complete. These are truly convivial moments cherished by the locals of Gers, as producers and villagers gather around the stills of various estates for a unique experience of meeting, culture, and discovery.

4 - Visit Lupiac

Charming village perched at an altitude of 243 meters, Lupiac was the birthplace of d'Artagnan, the most famous of the musketeers. You can't miss his presence upon arriving at the central Place d'Artagnan, where his first equestrian statue stands. With its arcaded houses, open galleries, and 16th ^- century church, explore this picturesque village surrounded by five private castles, including Castelmore, where d'Artagnan spent his childhood. Follow in the footsteps of the musketeers in this town of character in the heart of Gascony.

5 - Discover Eauze

Less than an hour from Auch in the Gers department, Eauze is known as the capital of Armagnac. This medieval town in southwestern France is renowned for its bullring and bullfighting competitions. Discover a rich historical past where leisurely strolls are a delight. With its Saint-Luperc Cathedral, private castles, local crafts, and fortified towns (bastides), this authentic town holds many surprises. Don't miss the Domus de Cieutat in Eauze, an interpretation center in the heart of the ancient city of Elusa that immerses you in the history linking the Villa de Séviac, the archaeological museum, and the Domus de Cieutat.

6 - Partying in the Gers

Summer is the perfect time to experience the Gers region, surrounded by welcoming and cheerful villagers. From music festivals and village fairs to Landes-style bullfighting, the Gers is lively all year round. Don't miss the Marciac Jazz Festival, the Armagnac Music Night, the farmers' markets, or the summer harvest in August. Fans of brass bands gather every year at the largest brass and percussion gathering in Condom to dance to the rhythm of Gascon traditions. The Gers is also the land of bullfighting, where Landes-style bullfighting and bullfights thrill sports enthusiasts and fans of the sport. Immerse yourself in the arenas and take part in the region's unmissable attractions.

7 - Walking the Way of St. James to Montréal-du-Gers

Montréal-du-Gers is renowned as one of the most beautiful villages in France to discover on the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago). Whether your journey is religious or simply to enjoy a beautiful hike, the pilgrimage allows you to stop in charming villages like Montréal-du-Gers, one of the first bastides (fortified towns) of Gascony. Explore a typical medieval town with a rich heritage. Fortified walls, half-timbered houses, stone arcades, and narrow streets —this village nestled among vineyards offers a magnificent and colorful spectacle on the Way of St. James.

8 - Discover the fabulous Pastel of Lectoure

Lectoure, a hilltop town in the north of the Gers department, is brimming with historical sites such as the Gothic Saint-Gervais Cathedral and the castle of the Counts of Armagnac. The medieval capital of the Lomagne region, it preserves the precious secret of the pastel blue that made its reputation in the 16th century. Derived from the yellow plant *Isatis tinctoria*, this exceptional blue was a sign of wealth and was used to color textiles and decorative items. Since 1994, this unique, artisanal expertise has once again found a place of honor in the heart of Lectoure, an essential stop on the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago).

9 - Visit the castles of Gers

Gers is an inexhaustible source of heritage, boasting 82 castles listed by the French Heritage Museum. Towers, keeps, and stone bricks —the castles of Gers are emblematic of the region. Some house vineyards, others art centers, or are surrounded by magnificent parks filled with trees and flowers. Discover the historical riches of southwest France through sumptuous castles, such as the Château de Caumont, the Château de Lavardens, or the Château de Larressingle.

10 - Stay in a bed and breakfast in the Gers

Gers is a welcoming and authentic region offering a wide range of accommodation options. Come and meet the generous locals who warmly welcome you into their homes for a cozy night in a bed and breakfast. With verdant landscapes, local shops, water parks, and breathtaking views, you can choose the atmosphere that best suits your needs for a comfortable stay in Gers.

The visit is already over, but it leaves behind lovely memories in the heart of the Gascon countryside. With hikes, tours, tastings, and festivities, you'll soon want to return to the Gers to discover the top 10 authentic activities not to be missed.

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