10 good reasons to go to the Gers

There are many more to mention as the Gers is a pleasant region to travel through. Between good meals and a warm welcome from the Gersois, nature offers lovely escapes on foot or by bike. Prepare your bags, you will want to stay after reading the 10 good reasons to go to the Gers.

Opening photo: Suzanne Plumette AdobeStock

The 10 good reasons to come to the Gers!

1. Taste Gerçoise specialties
2. Visit the beautiful villages of the Gers
3. Stroll through the Gers markets
4. Go walking on the paths of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle
5. Take bike rides
6. Discover Armagnac, this divine elixir
7. Enjoy the mild climate of the Gers
8. Go meet d’Artagnan
9. Chat with the friendly inhabitants of the Gers
10. Party all year round!

Gerçoise gastronomy

Hum! We can smell this good smell of duck confit from afar, unless it's grilled duck breast? Whatever it is, it's certainly duck since the Gers is the king of foie gras. You will enjoy this generous region where traditional recipes are cooked with delicacy . Stuffed necks, roast poultry, duck tagine or snacked aiguillettes, there is something for all tastes and desires.

The charming villages of Gers

Put on good sneakers to wander the streets of all the pretty villages in the region. The capital is Auch, a beautiful city crossed by the river, but there are also 6 villages classified among the most beautiful in France that you absolutely must visit. Medieval castle, Gothic style church, bastide with central square and historic center, we assure you, the photos will be successful with the vineyards in the background.

The Gers markets

Whatever the day of the week, there is bound to be a market waiting for you in the Gers. Open markets, farmers' markets, gourmet markets, fatty markets, markets under the halls or night markets, the streets come alive with colorful stands filled with fresh products. This is the opportunity to taste the specialties of the Gers and stock up on provisions. And if it's aperitif time, don't hesitate to head towards the bottles of Armagnac for a little tasting. A particular market should be noted, it is the flower market in Fourcès in April.

Walking the paths of Santiago de Compostela

Walkers and pilgrims will be in heaven in the Gers, crossed by two paths to Santiago de Compostela. This fabulous walking journey is punctuated by towns and villages made up of churches, collegiate churches, chapels and cloisters, essential stops in the pilgrims' journey. For the record, you cross La Romieu, a medieval village whose name means…pilgrim. No need to be on a spiritual quest, hiking can be a way to escape, isolate yourself, or find yourself.

Bike rides in the Gers

The advantage is that you won't suffer from calf pain! The Gers circuits are rather flat, an idea for a family outing with children who can pedal without getting tired. Take your camera, nature is worth the detour between ponds, hillsides, forests, vineyards and watercourses. Pedal through a little corner of paradise to discover the mosaic of landscapes offered by the Gers. Take the opportunity to make gourmet stops, and visit the pretty villages on your route, it is perhaps one of the most beautiful in France.

Armagnac, the emblematic drink of the Gers

This brandy aged in oak barrels is the pride of the Gersois who make Armagnac using traditional know-how. Whether you are a wine lover or not, the visit to the cellars is interesting and allows you to admire magnificent views of the vineyards and the hillsides. The passionate winegrowers are delighted to present their work to you, and to let you taste the fruit of their labor. Of course, tasting is not obligatory, but how good is it! Do you have any regrets? Rest assured, bottles of Armagnac can be found in specialized shops and on markets.

The climate in the Gers

The Gers is the dream destination when you are cold. With its mild temperatures and pleasant climate all year round, the Gers is at the top of the list when looking for a region to visit. Nature is a lovely proof of this since crops flourish under the gentle rays of light. This mild weather allows you to enjoy many activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, treetop trails or any other outdoor activity, which is more pleasant when the rain and cold are not present.

Escape on the roads of d'Artagnan

This famous musketeer is well known to the Gersois since he was born in Lupiac in 1615 at the Château de Castelmore. Discover all his history throughout the region to spot the 3 statues bearing his image between Auch, Condom and Lupiac. On foot, by bike or on horseback, numerous routes are offered to follow in the footsteps of d'Artagnan, passing through the d'Artagnan museum, a sound and visual journey that tells you about the life of the most famous Gascon. The excursion is also a way to learn more about the cadets of Gascony, and to treat yourself to a pleasant walk.

The quality of life and the kindness of the inhabitants

Staying or living in the Gers is a most pleasant experience as the quality of life is appreciable. The climate is mild and sunny, with warm summers and slightly colder winters. The landscapes are varied, colorful and hilly, which offers many possibilities for activities. Whatever village is selected, the destination is necessarily pretty, there are at least 6 which are the most beautiful in France. And what about the Gersois! Welcoming, smiling, kind and generous, they open the doors of their region to you with big hearts. You will fall for the sweetness of Gers.

Festive events all year round

Markets, garage sales, flea markets, concerts, exhibitions or festivals, there is always something planned in the Gers. Some highlight the region such as the market of gras, the flower market of Fourcès or the melon festival of Lectoure, while others are more artistic with the jazz festival in Marciac or the astronomy festival of Fleurance. Medieval cities adapt to national holidays and decorate the streets and castles with pumpkins for Halloween or elves for Christmas. In November, go to the traditional meeting of winegrowers for the Flame of Armagnac. Take part in the harvest, share a meal and hike together for a good moment of bonding.

Didn't we tell you that? The Gers is the destination of happiness! Each stay in the region confirms the inexplicable attraction that one feels when visiting the south of France. Go and enjoy, you now have 10 good reasons to go to the Gers.

Did you like our article? Find others on our Blog . Follow us on the Guide du Gers Facebook page and on Instagram @guidedugers