What to do in Gers in summer?

You've chosen the Gers for your next summer vacation destination. Wondering what to do in the Gers this summer? We've put together a great program for you: sightseeing, fun activities, and sports... Here's a Top 10 list of the coolest summer activities in the Gers!

Article opening photo: JackF | Adobe Stock

Photos from the article: Gers Guide, unless otherwise stated

1) Swim in the lakes and have fun in the leisure centers of Gers

It's hot and you probably want to go swimming? In the Gers, there are numerous bodies of water waiting for you, and no fewer than 32 beaches are available! Some even have leisure centers, with attractions for the whole family. Here are the most beautiful lakes and ponds in the Gers:

• In the north of Gers: The Gondrin Leisure Park is an aquatic center near Valence-sur-Baïse.

• In the center of Gers: The Castera-Verduzan aquatic leisure center, near Vic-Fezensac, is renowned for its many activities: inflatable games and aquazone!

• In the east of the department: Lac de Lupiac is a large swimming and fishing lake of 13 hectares.

• To the west: The Saint-Clar nautical base allows you to enjoy this natural and preserved environment.

Photo © The Castera-Verduzan aquatic leisure center

2) Take a trip on the rivers of Gers

Fancy a gentle stroll along the water? We recommend a trip on the Baïse with Les Canoës de Beaucaire. The Baïse crosses the Gers from south to north. Over a 3-kilometer stretch, you'll get a glimpse of the Gers flora and fauna. To rent a canoe, head to Valence-sur-Baïse, nestled among the vineyards and valleys of the Gers.

3) Stroll through the most beautiful villages of Gers

The Gers is a region steeped in history, evident in its ancient stonework. You'll find several medieval towns and villages here. Whether you enjoy strolling through medieval streets, admiring the religious heritage typical of the stops along the Way of St. James, or admiring the circular bastides and their fortifications, you'll be spoiled for choice in the Gers. We invite you to visit the following villages:

• Between the vineyards and the valleys of Gers: The circular fortified town of Fourcès, jewel of Armagnac.
• In the heart of Gers: Lavardens, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”.
• At the gateway to Gascony: Mauvezin, its upper and lower towns.

4) Relax in parks and gardens

Would you like to relax in a charming garden, have a picnic with your family, or do some sport in a green space? The region offers all kinds of parks and gardens. We'll take you to the most innovative vegetable gardens, aromatic plants, and scented gardens, through the flowerbeds and wooded parks of the Gers, to discover new plants:

• The Remarkable Gardens of Hillen Pottery are punctuated by 7 water features to refresh you.
• The Palmeraie du Sarthou is an exotic and exotic place.
• The Jardin de la Nourrice, in Gimont, is a space dedicated to permaculture and agroforestry. You'll enjoy strolls beneath the forest canopy of this unusual garden.
• The Coursiana Gardens, in La Romieu, are very bucolic and flowery English-style gardens.

5) Go back in time in the Châteaux of Gers

The impressive walls of the Gers castles offer a pleasant coolness during the summer. In addition, they host events during the tourist season, offering fun and educational activities for the whole family. We've selected the liveliest castles in the Gers:

• The Medieval Fortress of Larressingle and its medieval siege camp.

• The village of second-hand dealers and artists in the former Château Comtal de Lectoure.

• The Château de Lavardens art center.
• The Domaine de Caumont with its Renaissance castle and its activities in the park.

6) During summer workshops, in cultural spaces in Gers

Whether you're interested in history, art, the local environment, or traditional crafts and trades, there's truly something for everyone. During the summer, workshops and special events are planned for fun, educational, and family experiences. Museums are often air-conditioned for your comfort. Our selection of fun or typical Gers museums:

• The Gallo-Roman city of Elusa, the ancient capital of Gers.

• The Auch Cathedral Treasure Museum.

• The d'Artagnan Museum in Lupiac, about the famous character of Alexandre Dumas.
• Museum of Foie Gras and Popular Traditions, Samatan.

7) Hiking in the Gers countryside

The Gers is a rural department. It's the perfect place for a hike in the great outdoors! This region is crossed by the famous Camino de Santiago (St. James's Way). Charming trails wind through the countryside, between meadows and forests. Our hiking tips:

• The Armagnac Green Route, from Condom.

• The Ways of Saint James of Compostela.

• The “Pigeonniers Trail” in Sarrant, one of the most beautiful villages in France.

• The Kazé hiking trail winds through the forest of Saint-Elix-d'Astarac, revealing the land art works of artist Teruhisa Suzuki.

8) Cycling on the hills and valleys of Gers

The Gers region favors eco-tourism. Road bike enthusiasts will appreciate its cycle paths and greenways. Sports enthusiasts, meanwhile, will have a blast mountain biking along its forest trails and hurtling down the slopes of its wine-growing hillsides.

• The Baïse Valley Cycle Route, along the Baïse.
• The Green Way of the Banks of the Gers in Auch.
• La Maison de Ninan, in the Val de l'Adour, offers you the chance to combine a ride on electric bikes or all-terrain electric scooters with a tasting of Saint-Monts wines.

9) Visit lively tourist sites

Whether you're looking for a unique guided tour, a show of all kinds, an unusual activity, or an awareness workshop, tourist attractions come alive during the summer months. We offer some great family-friendly tours in the summer:

• The Bird of Prey Park has an additional show during the summer: the “ Medieval Equestrian Games ”.
• The Water House and the natural site of Jû-Belloc and its canoe tours on the Adour.
• The Vic-Fezensac Puppet House offers shows for children every day in July and August.

10) Enjoy wine tourism in the Gers vineyards

The Gers is a wine-growing region. While the Côtes de Gascogne and Madiran are renowned Gers wines, you might be surprised by the Pacherenc du Vil-Bilh or Saint-Mont. The following wineries offer wine tourism:

• At the Château Viella Estate, you can taste Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wines. You can also stroll through the Jardin d'Auré, a space filled with scents and delicious treats.
• At Château de Salles, passionate Armagnac growers and producers will introduce you to Armagnac distillation and reveal the secrets of this divine beverage. A very intimate tour is available by appointment.

We wish you a wonderful summer vacation in Gers!

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