What to do in Gers in autumn?

Summer's coming to an end and you're already dreaming of planning your next autumn getaway? How about a trip to the Gers? To tempt you, we're sharing our 10 best ideas for enjoying the beautiful late-season days in the Gers. Rain or shine, it doesn't matter! You'll see, it's impossible to be bored in the Gers this autumn.

Opening photo: The village of Barran in autumn

10 unmissable activities to discover in the Gers this autumn

1) Walking the Camino de Santiago in the Gers region

The Gers region has a history particularly marked by spirituality. Since the Gallo-Roman occupation, sites dedicated to ancient cults have been established along the Gers River. Later, Christian religious communities were founded, marking this territory with stages on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Even today, the Gers lies on the main pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The essential stops in the Gers are:

• Flaran Abbey ;
• The episcopal city of Condom ;
• La Romieu, a legendary village ;
• Eauze, a charming town for pilgrims ;
• Montréal-du-Gers...

2) Visit Auch, the capital of Gers

Auch is much more than an administrative capital. Its history is etched into the walls of its beautiful monuments, and its historic center is truly worth a visit. A stroll through the upper town, around the Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a Gothic and Renaissance masterpiece whose stained-glass windows and carved wooden choir stalls are veritable treasures, is a must. A UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, it serves as a reminder that Auch has been a stop for many pilgrims.

To reach the lower town, one takes the grand monumental staircase, dominated by the statue of d' Artagnan, the local son. Wandering through the narrow streets, the pousterles (those typical passageways of the city), and past the half-timbered facades, one discovers a city best explored on foot, at one's own pace.

Crossed by the Gers river, Auch is also surrounded by natural spaces and dotted with gardens, offering pleasant nature breaks in every season. Enjoy a stroll along the riverbank or a relaxing moment in the shade of the trees between sightseeing.

3) Dreaming in the castles of Gers

Gers is a fertile and rich region. It has been highly coveted throughout the centuries. Many lords sought to conquer this land and built impressive fortified castles there. Over time, some have remained in their original state, while others have evolved into sumptuous Renaissance-style residences.

• The Medieval Siege Camp of Larressingle ;
• The Dungeon of Bassoues ;
• The Tower of Termes d'Armagnac ;
• The two castles of Caumont, one medieval and the other in the "Renaissance" style of the 16^th century.

4) Discover the typical fortified towns of Gers

Bastides are typical of the Lomagne region in the Gers department. Built on ancient " Castelnaux," castle mounds topped by a defensive tower, they are representative of Gascon architecture from the Middle Ages to the 12^th century. We visited the most beautiful bastides in the Gers for you:

• Fleurance in 3 emblematic locations ;
• The circular bastide of Fourcès, a jewel of Armagnac ;
• Listen to the guide and discover the bastide of Monfort ;
• Mauvezin: A discovery walk between the upper and lower towns...

5) Learn about the history and traditions of Gers in museums and tourist sites

Gers is a region steeped in tradition, set in a rural environment with an authentic atmosphere. It offers you the opportunity to take time to recharge your batteries in the heart of nature. But it also boasts a heritage rich in history.

• Elusa: Ancient Capital, visit a Gallo-Roman Domus ;
• The d'Artagnan Museum ;

• The Archaeological Museum of the Treasure of Eauze ;
• The Cork and Cork Stopper Museum...

6) Stroll through the most beautiful villages of Gers

The Gers region is very popular with lovers of old buildings, not only for its numerous castles, but also for its very old villages and towns. Most have managed to preserve their charming heritage over time, with chapels, wash houses, fountains, and more. Furthermore, the region is emblematic of the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) and boasts a very interesting religious heritage. We recommend:

• Sarrant, one of the most beautiful villages in France ;
• Lavardens, classified among the "Most beautiful villages of France" ;
• Larressingle, the little Carcassonne of Gers ;
• Lectoure: from the Roman city of Lectora to the craft of Bleu...

7) Sample the gastronomy of Gers

Land of ducks and vineyards, Gers is a paradise for food lovers. Here, food is an art of living: foie gras, duck breast, duck confit and comforting garbure (a hearty vegetable and meat stew) grace the plates of inns and restaurants, while farmers' markets abound with local produce to take home.

As for drinks, we toast with fruity white wines from the Côtes de Gascogne, Floc de Gascogne as an aperitif, and finish the meal with Armagnac, the oldest brandy in France, which is best discovered during a visit to a vineyard. A wonderful way to extend the exploration of the region through its flavors.

8) Visit the Armagnac cellars

Autumn is harvest season, and the Gers is a renowned wine region. In the vineyards, you can learn about oenology and taste delicious wines that perfectly complement the hearty dishes of Gers. But the Gers terroir has another delicacy to discover: Armagnac! To finish off a rich and flavorful meal, nothing beats a digestif, to be enjoyed in moderation, of course… Here are our favorite estates to help you better appreciate Armagnac:

• An Armagnac of excellence and boldness: Château Arton ;
• Château de Salles: winegrowers, harvesters and producers of Armagnac ;
• The Joÿ Estate...

9) Hiking in the forests of Gers

Far from the image of simply a land of vineyards and sunflowers, the Gers also invites you to explore the great outdoors. Between its hills and oak woodlands, you'll find numerous marked trails, accessible to all levels, perfect for families or groups of friends. In the shade of the trees, the coolness is welcome on sunny days, while autumn offers warm colors and a peaceful atmosphere. Some routes even intersect with the paths of the Camino de Santiago, for a hike that feels like a journey back in time. A perfect way to recharge, far from the hustle and bustle, before setting off on the next leg of your journey.

10) Take a bike tour of Gers

To explore the Gers region in "slow tourism" style, there's nothing better than hopping on a bike. This way, you'll cover greater distances and enjoy the scenery as you travel to tourist sites. The terrain is easy, even for families with children. Our favorite cycling routes are:

• Following in the footsteps of the Counts of Armagnac ;
• Vic-Fezensac via the Route D'Artagnan ;
• Auch - Pessan by bike ;
• Historical and natural heritage north of La Romieu...

We hope this top 10 will allow you to fully enjoy your autumn stay in the Gers.

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