The Gers
Looking for an authentic, gourmet and friendly getaway? The Gersin the heart of the region Occitanieis waiting to welcome you for a memorable vacation. Discover a department rich in history, with its rolling landscapes, picturesque villages, renowned gastronomy and unique art de vivre.
The Gers, birthplace of d'Artagnan and Henri IV, is surrounded by several départements and its prefecture, Auch, is famous for its Sainte-Marie cathedral, UNESCO jewel. With its 192,000 inhabitants living in 461 communes, the Gers offers an exceptional natural setting, a rich cultural heritage and a delicious gastronomy celebrating foie gras, armagnac and much more.
Between outdoor activities, historical heritage and Gascony hospitality, the Gers promises a rich and diverse experience. Prepare to be seduced and experience unforgettable moments in this exceptional département!
Must-sees in the Gers
The Gers is a land of discovery, famous for its beauty, history, culture and exceptional gastronomy. Here's a selection of four jewels of the Gers that will entice you to explore this unique département.
The city of Auch, historic capital of the Gers
Auch, prefecture of the Gers, is the beating heart of Gascony. The city boasts an impressive heritage, including Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Gothic masterpiece built between the 15th and 17th centuries. The cathedral is renowned for its sumptuous stained glass windows, imposing organ and 113 finely carved stalls.
The statue of d'Artagnan, the famous character from the Three Musketeers and a native of the Gers, stands proudly in Auch. Don't miss the panoramic view of the city from the monumental 374-step staircase. Take a stroll through the historic center and admire the half-timbered houses and mansions, and visit its enriching museums.
Jazz in Marciac, an international event
Jazz lovers will be enchanted by the festival Jazz in Marciac, a not-to-be-missed event held every August. Since its creation in 1978, the festival has become one of the most important and prestigious jazz festivals in Europe.
It attracts artists of international stature such as Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall and Sting. The program includes paying concerts under a big top, as well as free concerts in the village square, not to mention events, exhibitions and conferences. Jazz in Marciac is the perfect opportunity for a musical and cultural immersion rich in emotion.
For more information on the Jazz in Marciac festival.., read our detailed article here.
Castles and picturesque villages of the Gers
The Gers is a land of authenticity, with picturesque castles and villages that seem frozen in time. Discover the château de Lavardens, the largest in the Gers, which organizes contemporary art exhibitions, or the château de Larressingle, nicknamed the "little Gers". Carcassonne du Gers, a 13th-century fortress.
Villages such as Sarrant and Montréal-du-Gers, ranked among the most beautiful in France, invite you to take a journey through time. Sarrant charms with its medieval gateway and craftsmen, while Montréal-du-Gers unveils the Gallo-Roman villa of Seviac and its Romanesque church. The Gers is an invitation to discover its rich heritage and fascinating history.
Gers gastronomy and art of living
The Gers proudly celebrates its gastronomy and its art of living. Home to foie gras, duck confit, duck breast and floc de Gascogne, the département is also renowned for Armagnac, France's oldest brandy, produced since the 15th century.
Visiting wineries, farms, markets and local restaurants is a great way to sample these specialties and meet passionate producers. The Gers welcomes you with friendliness, generosity and a contagious joie de vivre.
Activities and entertainment not to be missed
The Gers, a department rich in diversity, promises a variety of experiences to suit all tastes and ages. Whether you're passionate about sportWhether you're looking for culture, gastronomy or festivities, the Gers is sure to please. Here are four must-sees in the Gers that guarantee memorable moments.
Visit hiking on foot or by bike
With over 3,000 km of signposted footpaths winding through unspoilt countryside, the Gers is a veritable Eden for walkers and cyclists. The routes offer breathtaking views of the Pyreneesthe vineyards, the sunflower fields, the lakes and forests. They also allow you to explore the rich heritage of the Gers region, in particular via the routes to Santiago de Compostela passing exceptional sites such as the collegiate church of La Romieu, Flaran Abbey and the fortified village of Larressingle. The "voie verte de l'Armagnac" (Armagnac greenway), built on a former railroad line, offers a beautiful escape from Condom to Lagraulet-du-Gers over a distance of around twenty kilometers.
Discovering Armagnac and its vineyards
The birthplace of Armagnac, France's oldest eau-de-vie produced since the 15th century, the Gers invites you to discover this beverage made from white grapes, distilled in traditional stills and aged in oak barrels. ArmagnacArmagnac, enjoyed neat or in cocktails, goes wonderfully well with local specialities. Wineries open their doors to share the secrets of Armagnac production, and introduce visitors to quality Gers wines such as Madiran, Pacherenc, Saint-Mont and Côtes de Gascogne.
Traditional markets in the Gers
The Gers celebrates tradition and conviviality through its markets, which are true meeting places and places of exchange. Local producers offer a multitude of fresh, seasonal produce, grown organically or using sustainable methods. Fruits, vegetables, cheeses, charcuterie, jams, honeys, flowers, plants, clothing, jewelry and handicrafts are all on offer, alongside the inevitable foie gras, confit, magret and Armagnac. These markets are also festive places, where music, dance, pétanque and tastings of Gers specialities such as pastis gascon give rhythm to local life.
Festivals and cultural events across the département
The Gers abounds in cultural activities, with a multitude of festivals and events throughout the year. Fans of jazz, classical music, rock, theater, cinema, circus, dance, literature, history and contemporary art are sure to find what they're looking for. Highlights include the Jazz in Marciac festival, welcoming international artists every August, the Eclats de Voix festival, celebrating the voice in all its forms, Tempo Latino for Latin rhythms, the Cirque Actuel festival bringing together eminent contemporary circus companies, and the Festival du Film d'Animation, with its screenings and professional meetings.
Nature and relaxation in the Gers
Discover the Gers, a haven of peace that invites you to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy the pleasures of the water and adopt an eco-responsible lifestyle. Whether you're looking for tranquility, adventure or well-being, the Gers is sure to meet your expectations. Discover below four exceptional ways to experience nature to the full and relax in the Gers, far from the stresses of everyday life.
Natural sites and panoramas in the Gers
With its varied, unspoilt landscapes, the Gers will dazzle you with the beauty of its views. Admire breathtaking panoramas of the Pyrenees, vineyards, sunflower fields, lakes and forests. Explore exceptional natural sites such as Lac de l'Uby, a magnificent 80-hectare lake perfect for fishing, swimming and water sports, Lac de Saramon, an artificial lake with a leisure center, Lac de Saint-Clar, rich in flora and fauna, and Lac de L'Isle-Jourdain, offering a green and peaceful setting.
Leisure centres and water sports
The Gers has a wealth of water sports activities to suit all tastes, whether you're looking for fun, refreshment or exercise. Take advantage of our leisure centers equipped with slides, pedalos, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, inflatable games, picnic areas, snack bars, sports fields and entertainment. You can also discover more original water sports such as water-skiing, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, flyboarding, kite-surfing and rafting. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, the Gers has the ideal water sports activity for you.
Spas and wellness centers
The Gers invites you to relax and enjoy well-being in its spas and wellness centers. Enjoy body and facial treatments, massages, hammams, saunas, jacuzzis, swimming pools and fitness rooms. And discover the benefits of thermal spring water, with its soothing, relaxing and regenerating properties. With two spa resorts, Barbotan-les-Thermes and Lectoure, the Gers offers thermal cures, wellness breaks, aqua-ludic areas, workshops and conferences to help you take care of yourself and your health.
Green and eco-responsible tourism in the Gers
The Gers encourages you to adopt an eco-responsible approach, respecting the environment and supporting the local economy. Opt for eco-friendly accommodation such as gîtes ruraux, chambres d'hôtes, tree houses, yurts or roulottes. Savor local produce, whether organic or from sustainable agriculture, by visiting farms, markets and restaurants. You can also take part in nature-friendly activities such as hiking, cycling, horse-riding, boat trips, guided tours, workshops and events. The Gers makes you aware of the challenges of sustainable development.
Conclusion
It's clear that the Gers is a department who has everything to please and offer memorable vacations. Whether your interests lie in culture, nature, gastronomy or well-being, the Gers has something for everyone.
This département invites you to explore its rich heritage, magnificent landscapes, delicious culinary specialties, lively festivals, numerous activities and unique art de vivre. It also encourages you to take care of the environment, participate in the local economy and behave in an ecologically responsible way.
The Gers is looking forward to welcoming you, so don't delay, plan your stay in the Gers now!
FAQ
Which is the most beautiful town in the Gers?
Determining the most beautiful town in the Gers is a matter of personal opinion, but considering aspects such as heritage, charm and nature, a few towns stand out. Larressingle, often referred to as "Little Carcassonne", is a 13th-century fortified village that has preserved its medieval charm. Fourcès, recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France, is famous for its circular square surrounded by arcaded houses and its 15th-century château. La Romieu, also on the list of France's most beautiful villages, boasts the 14th-century collegiate church of Saint-Pierre, which is part of the Unesco World Heritage List as one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela.
What's the Gers speciality?
The Gers is renowned for its gastronomy, mainly duck and goose dishes, including foie gras, confit, magret and rillettes. The region is also famous for its quality wines such as Madiran, Pacherenc and Côtes de Gascogne.
What is the largest town in the Gers?
Auch stands out as the largest city in the Gers, with a population of 24,115. It is followed by L'Isle-Jourdain, with a population of 9,554.
What is the number of the Gers department?
The Gers department is numbered 32. This number was assigned in 1790, when the French départements were created, based on part of the former province of Gascogne.
