Top 10 unusual places to visit in the Gers region

Foie gras, Armagnac, d'Artagnan… No, Gers is not just about that! Take advantage of your stay in Gascony to get off the beaten track and discover the hidden treasures of Gers.

10 unusual places to visit in the Gers region

1) Stroll along the botanical trail in Valence-sur-Baïse

With its privileged location on the southern ramparts of the bastide of Valence-sur-Baïse, and its setting of terraced gardens, this natural space is a true curiosity!

It will immerse you in a Mediterranean atmosphere where endemic species such as cacti, fig trees, palm trees, and laurels grow side by side. Informative panels are available to help you identify the more unusual species!

But the unique feature of this garden trail lies in its invitation to discover the legends of the fairies, “las hadas” in Gascon. Around sixty fairy houses and doors, regularly updated, tell you these fabulous local stories that surround the village. A magical family outing !

2) Sleeping in an unusual place in the Gers region

Experience a unique stay in the Gers, a destination brimming with surprises and unusual accommodations. Spend a night in a castle? It's possible! Each more surprising than the last, they welcome you to a Napoleonic- era guest room or a tent pitched in the garden. Nature lovers can drift off to sleep in a yurt, while eco-friendly Gascon farms delight travelers mindful of their carbon footprint.

3) Dive into the heart of Gers' 7th Art

Gers is a popular filming location. Why not follow in the footsteps of Etienne Chatiliez's famous film, "Le Bonheur est dans le pré" (Happiness is in the Meadow), filmed between Vic-Fezensac and Eauze? Or perhaps those of d'Artagnan, one of Gers' most romantic figures? While few films about the musketeer have been shot in his native land, it still retains his spirit and his family home.

4) TASTE THE FAMOUS ARMAGNAC CROUSTADE, A GERSE SPECIALTY MADE IN THE MIRANDAISE CROUSTADE

Have you ever heard of Armagnac croustade? This delicious pastry, made with a perfectly stretched dough, apples, and Armagnac, is a true delight to enjoy for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. In his workshop-boutique, Christophe expertly prepares the traditional recipe, offering your palate a unique tasting experience of local flavors.

5) Feeling very small in front of the Sainte-Marie Cathedral in Auch

With its resemblance to Notre-Dame de Paris, the majestic Sainte-Marie Cathedral in Auch is sure to surprise! For an even more astonishing visit, have fun distinguishing the variety of styles (resulting from a 200-year construction period), look up to spot the Napoleon column commemorating his visit to Auch, identify the 1,500 sculpted figures in the choir stalls, or be impressed by the modern and interactive scenography of the Cathedral Treasury Museum…

6) Marvel at the Armagnac cellars

The Gers region abounds with remarkable cellars, some at least a century old and partially underground, from which emerge the noble , fine, and fragrant eaux-de-vie of Bas-Armagnac. Marvel at the incredible oak barrels and centuries-old stills. You can even visit the region's most beautiful cellars aboard a superb and iconic Citroën 2CV! How original!

7) Experience thrills at Caumont Castle

The Caumont estate boasts two castles, no less! A vast playground for young and old alike. Discover the castle in a new way through the escape game offered and adapted for all ages. It takes place in the castle's dungeons. Beware, your journey will be full of obstacles!

8) Seeing life in blue in Lectoure

How about spending an afternoon discovering a lost ancestral craft : natural fabric dyeing? You can relive the fascinating history of woad, the plant that produces an exceptional blue, with the Bleu de Lectoure workshop. They produce this iconic pigment used in fine arts, decoration, and textiles.

9) Swinging in Marciac

Marciac ? It's that unique little village in the Gers region that comes alive with jazzy sounds every year in the middle of summer. Jazz in Marciac is an internationally renowned festival that brings together the biggest names in the genre. Don't miss these incredible musical performances ! While you're there, take the opportunity to also visit the Pôle des Augustins.

10) Listen to the legend of the cats in La Romieu

In La Romieu, have fun searching for the cats that adorn every street corner, a reminder of the fabulous medieval legend of Angeline's cats who saved the town from famine! La Romieu is a village with a unique charm that promises an unforgettable visit. For those less inclined to explore, a walking tour following in the footsteps of Angeline's cats is available at the tourist office…

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