Visiting the Gers with the family

The Gers is a rural region. It's an ideal family destination for a countryside vacation. Peace, quiet, and relaxation are all on the menu... But even younger visitors want to have fun. So, if you're wondering how to keep the kids busy? What to visit in the Gers with the family? We'll give you our best ideas for family activities to delight both young and old.

Photos from the article: Gers Guide unless otherwise stated

1) Go back in time in the Châteaux of Gers

The Gers castles that are most suitable for families are:

• The Renaissance Château de Caumont: treasure hunt, escape game in the castle's underground passages, interactive game, concert, flea market, await you.
• The Château de Termes-d'Armagnac for its reconstructions of daily life in the Middle Ages.
• The Medieval Fortress of Larressingle and its medieval siege camp, to discover the art of war, while having fun.

2) Stroll through the parks and gardens of Gers

The most fun and educational parks in Gers for children are:

• La Ferme des Étoiles is a wooded and flowery park near Lectoure. Located in the heart of the Gers countryside, the site is unspoiled and dimly lit. You'll enjoy exceptional astronomical observations during its evening events, meals, and workshops. It has been ranked by the Guide du Routard as one of the 8 best sites in the world for observing the universe!
• The Jardin de La Nourrice in Aubiet is a leading site for permaculture. Workshops are held to introduce families to its agricultural principles and the benefits of combining vegetable gardens and forests.
• The Jû-Belloc Artpiculture Garden is a green space dedicated to biodiversity. An interpretive trail has been created with fun and educational workshops for families to enjoy.

3) Hiking with the family

The easiest hikes with children are:

• The Armagnac Green Route winds through the wine-growing valleys around Condom. It's paved and has gentle gradients. It's ideal for outings with strollers or small bikes!
• The Monferran-Plavès Forest Discovery Trail allows you to discover the heart of the Gers.
• Randoland in the footsteps of the dragon of Saint-Majan takes you near Lombèz, at the gateway to Gascony.

4) Cycling on the roads of Gers

For families, it's best to choose quieter, well-maintained roads with flat terrain. Here's a selection of family bike rides in the Gers:

• The Armagnac Green Route is a former railway line. It is popular with hikers and cyclists alike.
• For a different kind of cycling experience, try the Vélorail de l'Armagnac, near Nogaro.
• The Baïse Valley Cycle Route shows you the small heritage of Gers: mills and locks, on the program.
• Starting from L'Isle-Jourdain, the former A380 transport route has been transformed into a greenway. With no elevation changes, it's a great option for families.

5) Navigate the Baïse

The Baïse is a tranquil river nestled in a natural setting. Les Canoës de Beaucaire rents canoes and points you in the direction of the best spots to observe the local flora and fauna at your leisure. Spend a magical day or moment on the water...

Photo © The Canoes of Beaucaire

6) Have fun at the aquatic leisure centers

The most famous leisure centers in Gers are:

• The Aignan leisure center is surrounded by forest. A treetop adventure course allows you to gain height and admire the lake. It's an ideal site for nature lovers.
• The Castera-Verduzan leisure center has large inflatable structures for family fun.
• The Gondrin leisure park features large swimming pools, water games for the little ones and giant slides for the older ones. A delight for the whole family!

7) Show children wild and domestic animals

Between educational farms and animal parks, you have the choice:

• La Ferme Au Galauzoue, in Lagraulet-du-Gers, is an equestrian center that offers baby ponies from age 2! Younger children will also have their first encounter with the farmyard animals.
• The Raptor Park reveals the life of these amazing birds to you during magnificent shows.
• More unusual, don't miss an encounter with animals from the other side of the world, at Vallon des kangourous, near Saint-Clar.

8) Learn as a family in museums

The most fun and lively museums in Gers are:

• The Gallo-Roman city of Elusa , the ancient capital of Gers, offers an interactive tour of the Domus de Cieutat. If you're interested in this period, head to the Villa Séviac, near Montréal-du-Gers.
• The Public School Museum, in Saint-Clar, for a return to the school of yesteryear.
• The d'Artagnan Museum in Lupiac reveals all the secrets of this iconic figure, from the daily life of a royal musketeer to Alexandre Dumas' novel.

9) Visit the most beautiful villages

The most popular villages for children:

• Lavardens and its Puppet Mill.
• La Romieu to tell children the legend of Angeline's cats.
• The Bastide of Montfort for its audio-guided tour led by the town's inhabitants in the form of puzzles to solve.

10) Do wine tourism

We don't often think about it, but wine tourism can be an unusual idea to please children and adults alike. A country stroll through the vineyards, discovering the local area and regional specialties, original family games... There's no doubt you'll be surprised:

• At the Château Viella Estate, you'll enjoy the Jardins d'Auré with its vegetable garden, scented garden, and flower-filled pergola. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wine-growing region.
• Domaine d'Uby is home to European pond turtles. Children can observe these protected animals while you enjoy a tasting of Côtes de Gascogne wines.

You're now ready for a successful family vacation in the Gers!

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