The 10 must-see places in the Gers

Wondering what to do in the Gers? What are the best activities to do there? Where to go to see the most beautiful places in the region? Where to find the most exotic natural sites? What are the coolest villages to visit? We take you to discover the 10 must-see places in the Gers.

Photos of the article © Guide du Gers unless otherwise stated

1) Sarrant, one of the most beautiful villages in France

Sarrant is ranked among the most beautiful villages in France for its medieval heritage. Its cobbled streets from the Middle Ages are remarkable. The monuments to see in Sarrant are its 14th century town gate, adorned with a medieval tower, and the church of Sarrant. You can climb to the top of the tower to admire the 15th century Foliot Clock. Sarrant hosts, during the summer, an Illustration Festival, which highlights talented local artists and their works.

2) Montreal-du-Gers

Montréal-du-Gers is a commune, located on the Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, on the border between Gers and Lot-et-Garonne. The village is a former Gallo-Roman oppidum. The only vestige of this period that you can still visit is the Villa Seviac. Subsequently, it was transformed into a Medieval Bastide. You can still admire the surrounding fortifications, the arcaded halls, the medieval streets and half-timbered houses, and many other 13th century monuments. It is also a stage of pilgrimage. The GR654 allows you to make beautiful walks in the surroundings.

3) Lavardens

Lavardens is near Auch. It is an old Castelnau. That is to say a castral village, located around a fortified castle. In the case of Lavardens, the 12th century castle is no longer visible today, but its ruins have been restored to build a beautiful residence in the 17th century. Finally, it was transformed into an artistic center and now houses temporary exhibitions. The village, meanwhile, has retained some typical streets of this time, carrelots, and a watchtower.

4) Flaran Abbey

In the town of Valence-sur-Baïse, the Abbey of Flaran is a medieval monument with a turbulent history. Its architecture is a remarkable example of Cistercian art. Witness to the 100 Years War, sold to the Revolution, undergoing multiple transformations over the centuries, it has a long past to tell you about. Since the 2000s, its old stones have served as a setting for an artistic centre. You will see a permanent collection with various works, from a gift from the illustrious collector: Simonow. At its feet, spreads a magnificent garden, on the banks of the Baïse, ideal for relaxation and walking.

5) Larressingle

Larressingle is an old fortress from the Middle Ages. Its very beautiful fortifications have given it the nickname of “Little Carcassonne of the Gers”. This medieval bastide is one of the most beautiful villages in France. It is also a stage on the Ways of Santiago de Compostela, which has a very interesting religious heritage . During the summer, its "siege camp" offers all kinds of activities, to discover the art of war, while having fun.

6) The Romieu

La Romieu is a village steeped in “legend”. You will probably see many cats there, living or sculpted, and that's normal. The legend of Angeline and her cats marked the village and it has become a tradition to provide them with food and lodging. The village is on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Do not miss to contemplate its magnificent Collegiate Church, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a starting point for hiking on the GR652. If you are more of a walker than a hiker, you will find what you are looking for in the Jardins de Coursiana.

7) Eauze

Eauze is the ancient Gallo-Roman city of Elusa. A sumptuous Gallo-Roman Domus has been unearthed. An interactive visit awaits you. As a preamble, you will watch a 3D film to better understand this period of history, as well as the 10 years of archaeological excavations that have made it possible to unearth these fabulous remains. Then you enter the museum, where a dazzling collection of ancient objects and small treasures will reveal to you the life of the inhabitants of Elusa! To go further in the discovery of this distant past, go to the Villa Séviac, near Montreal-du-Gers.

8) The Bassoues dungeon on the castle route

The village of Bassoues is a place steeped in history. If Pope Innocent VI had this imposing keep built, it was to protect his Basilica. The two monuments of the 14th century, of Gothic architecture , really deserve to linger in this charming medieval village. In the keep of Bassoues, you will discover beautiful rooms, preserved as originally. A staircase of nearly 200 steps leads you to the top of the tower. From its height of 43 meters, the 360° panorama of the surrounding region is breathtaking!

Photos credit @ Mirande Astarac Tourist Office

9) Lake Uby

Located between the towns of Cazaubon and Barbotan-les-Thermes, Lac de l'Uby benefits from a preserved environment in the middle of the forest. In winter, you will enjoy beautiful hikes on its forest paths. During the summer, it comes alive and adorns itself with an aquatic leisure center. You can practice water sports here. Swimming and fishing are also permitted here. An equestrian center offers horseback riding in the forest.

Like a felling for Jazz and wine...

The Guide du Gers recommends a getaway to Marciac, royal bastide and Citée du Jazz. Every summer since 1978, the Jazz in Marciac Festival has been held, welcoming the greatest musicians on the planet, gathered in this little corner of paradise between mountains and wine-growing plains. Because it is also the wine that makes the reputation of the region, with 8 prestigious, old appellations that perfectly accommodate the succulent Gersoise and Gascony gastronomy.

L'Astrada, an Art and Territory subsidized hall, offers an eclectic program all year round and for all tastes: dance, circus, theatre, classical music and Jazz of course! To discover the city at your own pace, follow the "Marciac la creative, itinerary bis" route: a poetic walk through the bastide, its art galleries and craftsmen, punctuated by 15 contemporary works of art.

This selection of unmissable sites in the Gers is obviously not exhaustive and you will make great discoveries on site. But we leave you a few surprises for your next vacation in the Gers.

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