The must-see hikes in the Gers

A nature destination par excellence, the green hills of the Gers are ideal for walking. Crossed by the famous Chemins de Compostelle, this area is used to welcoming many hikers and offers them a whole range of useful services. The region is also appreciated for its inhabitants, with their authentic character, who welcome you with great generosity.

The Ways of Saint James of Compostela

Among the four pilgrimage routes, two cross the Gers and will take you to Spain. Whatever your motivations, these routes offer you many advantages: well-marked and signposted, accommodation and restaurants nearby, notable tourist attractions, wonderful encounters...

The Via Podiensis, starting from Puy-en-Velay, allows you to visit Lectoure, its medieval heritage and its Ferme des Etoiles, La Romieu and its famous collegiate church, the episcopal city of Condom, the fortified village of Larressingle, Montréal-du-Gers, Eauze and its ancient capital, and Nogaro, renowned for its Landes race.

The Romieu

Lectoure

On the Via Tolosana, starting from Arles and passing through Toulouse, you can stop at Isle-Jourdain and its unusual donkey farm, at Gimont, renowned for its traditional duck-based gastronomy, Auch, the fortified town of Barran and its spiral bell tower, Montesquiou, Marciac, etc.

Near Gimont, Le Grangé is a stopover lodge and an association. This team, passionate about the Way of St. James, will welcome you, help you on your journey and give you tips and good ideas.

Montesquiou

Also

Hiking trails

The Gers is a rural department. Forests, meadows, vineyards... This countryside is easy to explore with the family. The list of walks is so long that choosing is difficult. To avoid making anyone jealous, we'll take you on a loop to discover the Gers territories, in no particular order...

• We start with the natural balcony of the Pyrenees. The Mirande Astarac tourist office will tell you about hikes, paths, trails, lakes, hillsides, etc.
• The one in Condom organizes them by theme: Romanesque art, happy valley, or castle and gastronomy...
• Thanks to the Val de Gers tourist office, you can walk through its hillsides.
• What if we went for a jog in the Adour Valley? In Sarragachies, La Maison de Ninan offers an original tour of its vineyard on an electric scooter.

Panorama in Masseube

The vineyards and valleys of Armagnac are made for hiking. Armagnac Route, vineyard discovery trail, hillside paths, nature trail, there is something to satisfy all your desires on the Nogaro tourist office website. For a change, Nogaro also has an Armagnac rail bike.

• And if you prefer a trip along the water, the Canoës de Beaucaire will take you on the calm waters of the Baïse.
• Are you demanding? The Grand Armagnac Tourist Office website allows for a highly detailed, refined search to ensure a selection that best meets your expectations.
• The Cœur Sud-Ouest site focuses on the discovery of small heritage sites.

The Lavardens vineyards

• At the gateway to Gascony, the Lomagne bastides tourist office has classified the routes according to your mode of transport : on foot, by mountain bike, by electric bike, and even on horseback.
• For a more unusual excursion, lose yourself on the Chemins du Savès : “In the footsteps of the dragon of Saint-Majan”, “foie gras circuit”, “land art”, “Let yourself be told the story of Lombès”…
• Between town and nature, the Gascogne Toulousaine tourist office helps you discover Isle-Jourdain and its surroundings.
• Looking for more? The Coteaux Arrats Gimone tourist office offers its gentle itineraries...

The Romieu between the fields

In the heart of the Gers region, the Auch tourist office lists various routes: GR, by electric bike or even by car. Don't have a bike? No problem, in Auch, Cyclomouv rents bikes and all the appropriate equipment.

The one in Artagnan in Fezensac specializes in fun circuits for families: Randoland.

Enjoy beautiful panoramas here in Castillon Massas

Our tips

• Are you looking for a hiking guide, an association to help? Consult our selection of service providers.
• You might be tempted to go hiking, but carrying all the gear and the kids... is that a bit overwhelming? In Sarrant, Azinet makes life easier with its donkeys ! More information on their website.
• You need a refreshing break ? We'll take you on a tour of the aquatic leisure centers, lakes, and other bodies of water throughout the Gers region.
• For other ideas for outings, sites to visit, activities to do with the family... go to the tourist office page.
• One last one for the road: A bible for hikers, it’s the topo-guide “ The Gers on Foot ”.

You're ready for adventure! Whether you're with family or with other athletes, whether you prefer a leisurely walk or a vigorous run, you're sure to find what you're looking for. All you have to do is put on your shoes or mount your horse: equine, motorized, assisted or not... to explore the Gers region and its most beautiful villages.

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Gers Guide.