Sustainable and responsible tourism in the Gers

Whether you call it " responsible tourism," " ecotourism, " or "slow tourism," the principle is the same. It's about traveling while respecting the region you're visiting: its culture and traditions, its heritage and history, its landscapes and environment...

To help you, we offer alternative accommodations and small structures, such as rural cottages, farm stays, and guest rooms, to experience the soul of this beautiful country with its inhabitants. We take you to producers' or farmers' markets, to enjoy wine tourism in the vineyards, and to shop in designer boutiques, to meet these farmers, winemakers, and artisans, passionate about their work and their land. We offer you a selection of tourist sites that promote values of ecology, ethics, and sustainable development. Finally, we tell you about the best practices of the eco-tourist...

Opening photo: Sustainable tourism in Gers - Photo © Vouvraysan AdobeStock

Best practices for slow tourism in the Gers

Living in the present moment, meeting authentic people, appreciating the sweetness of life, and letting yourself be carried away by opportunities... But it goes far beyond that! Being a responsible and respectful tourist is also key. This could be a definition of slow tourism. But in practice and in action, it's also about being aware of your impact on a region during your vacation. Here are some actions you can take:

Avoid destinations that are too far away and favor micro-tourism;
Use environmentally friendly modes of transport;
Choose alternative and responsible accommodation;
Collect your waste systematically and sort it conscientiously;
Pay attention to the environment: where you walk and what you might trample on, what you pick up or fish for...

Find out more: Our article on Slow Tourism in the Gers.

Did you know: What is micro-tourism ? It's the act of going on vacation, but staying close to home. The goal is to avoid costly transportation, but also to promote local sites and products. This way, you'll get to know the area around your home better and have the opportunity to visit it several times, in different seasons, to appreciate all its facets.

Choose accommodation with an eco-label

Accommodation with an eco-label guarantees that your vacation is environmentally friendly. Among other things, renewable energy is favored, accommodations are equipped with water-saving systems, your waste is properly sorted, the cleaning products used are eco-friendly, and you'll eat seasonal, local, or locally sourced produce.

Our selection of responsible accommodation:

Lassenat, an eco-guest house in Gascony, has been awarded the “ Environment” certification by Clévacances.
La Ferme de la Patte d'Oie welcomes you to its farm where agroforestry and agroecology are practiced.

Find out more: Browse our selection of independent gites in the Gers.

Travel in “ Soft Mobility ” mode

You're paying attention to your carbon footprint, and there's no point in wasting your driving credits on a high-energy vacation. Slow tourism is for you! We've taken a look at the most eco-friendly modes of transportation and the cities that prioritize soft mobility:

If you're staying in a village or small town, exercise by walking for short distances. Also, consider using country lanes and forest trails to reach nearby towns.

Find out more: The must-see hiking trails in the Gers.

Use your bike for medium distances. Bike paths in cities, greenways on the outskirts, cycle routes... These have been designed to improve coexistence between cars and bikes and allow you to travel around the region in maximum safety.

The most beautiful bike rides in the Gers.

The good idea: Rent an electric bike from Auch Tourisme.

For intercity travel or travel within large cities, public transportation is ideal. Trains, buses, the metro, and trams are available for a small fee in most major cities and their outskirts. Everything is designed to be explored on foot. Plus, you'll have more time to admire the monuments, while being eco-friendly!

Stroll through the beautiful, unspoiled villages of Gers and the Green Resorts

It's not just cities that have grasped the importance of environmental issues. To preserve their environment and heritage, villages are also receiving certifications to highlight their efforts in terms of mobility, energy, recycling, and more. Here are the municipalities classified as "Green Stations" in the Gers:

Hiking in a “Grand Site de France”

The "Grands Sites de France" (Great Sites of France) are natural spaces managed according to sustainable development principles. Their flora and fauna are protected. Aquatic and terrestrial environments are monitored for the survival and well-being of the animals that live there. The landscapes are preserved to offer you exceptional views, without any inappropriate construction. The following municipalities in Gers are among the "Grands Sites de France":

Auch and Marciac, the city of Jazz, have the “Grand site Midi-Pyrénées” label.
Valence-sur-Baïse along the river, the medieval Bastide of Montréal-du-Gers, the Episcopal City of Condom and Flaran and its remarkable abbey are part of the “Armagnac, Abbey and Cities” territories.

Visit eco-responsible tourist sites

Do you want to visit responsible tourist sites that respect the ecological values you hold dear? Promote more responsible tourism? Consume intelligently with tourism stakeholders who are working to protect their local environment? You can rely on the " NF Environnement Certification for Visiting Sites ." Also note that the Grands Sites de France protect natural spaces as well as monuments and tourist areas within their territory.

The good idea: Have fun at the Medieval Siege Camp.

Larressingle, the little Carcassonne of Gers.

Discover the local produce at the Gers markets

The market is the heart of a village or a city neighborhood. It's a place of life, imbued with the history and culture of the region. You'll hear the lilting southern accent as you chat with its inhabitants. You'll feel the fervor and love of this land from its farmers and producers. You'll delight your taste buds by tasting their local products. You'll soak up the atmosphere of the country by participating in their festivals and customs...

Find out more: The markets of Gers.

The good idea: Visit the Thursday market in Saint-Clar, the capital of white garlic from Lomagne.

Enjoy delicious Gers products in restaurants

Eating seasonal, local, and locally sourced products is a way to ensure you're taking care of yourself and your health, while preserving the environment and supporting a local economy. In short, you're becoming a part of slow tourism!

The Auberge du Vieux Pressoir to taste the good products of the Ferme L'Bufala

Read our article on the gastronomic specialties of Gers.

Wine tourism in the Gers

Wine tourism is a new form of tourism that opens up the estates and vineyards of the Gers to a wider audience. Strolling along the wine-growing hillsides, yoga in the vineyards, wine-themed escape games, food and wine pairings for extraordinary meals... There's something for everyone! It's far from simple wine tasting. You'll discover ancient crafts, innovative techniques, a fragile vineyard to protect, and passionate and fascinating people...

Learn more about the wines and spirits of Gers!

Promote local crafts

Favoring local crafts when shopping has multiple benefits. By making this choice, you'll promote a local economy and encourage the establishment of new businesses in the region. You'll also discover unusual or traditional items. And above all, you'll treat yourself and your loved ones. Here are our top shopping tips:

Find out more using our directory of Gers artisans.