The Gers

The Gers, the birthplace of d'Artagnan and Henry IV, is surrounded by several departments, and its prefecture, Auch, is known for its cathedral Sainte-Marie, UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its 192,000 residents spread across 461 municipalities, the Gers offers an exceptional natural setting, a heritage a rich cultural scene and delicious cuisine featuring foie gras, Armagnac, and much more.

With its outdoor activities, historical heritage, and Gascon hospitality, the Gers promises a rich and diverse experience. Get ready to be charmed and to enjoy unforgettable moments in this exceptional department!

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, the historic capital of the Gers department

Auch, the prefecture of the Gers department, is the beating heart of Gascony. This city takes pride in its impressive heritage, particularly the Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built between the 15th and 17th centuries. It is renowned for its sumptuous stained-glass windows, its imposing organ, and a set of 113 exquisitely carved choir 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 staircase with its 374 steps. A stroll through the historic center will allow you to admire the half-timbered houses and mansions and visit its museums enriching.

Jazz in Marciac, an international event

Jazz lovers will be enchanted by the festival Jazz in Marciac, a must-see event held every August. Since its inception in 1978, this festival has become one of the most important and prestigious jazz festivals in Europe.

It attracts internationally renowned artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, and Sting. The program features paid concerts under a large big top, as well as free concerts in the village square, not to mention entertainment, exhibitions, and lectures. Jazz in Marciac is the perfect opportunity for an emotionally rich musical and cultural immersion.

For more information about the Jazz in Marciac festival, read our detailed article here.

Castles and picturesque villages of the Gers

The Gers charms visitors with its authenticity, featuring castles and picturesque villages that seem frozen in time. Discover the Château de Lavardens, the largest in the Gers, which hosts contemporary art exhibitions, or the Château de Larressingle, nicknamed “the little” Carcassonne du Gers, a 13th-century fortress.

Villages ranked among the most beautiful in France, such as Sarrant and Montréal-du-Gers, invite you on a journey through time. Sarrant charms visitors with its medieval gate and local artisans, while Montréal-du-Gers reveals its Gallo-Roman villa at Seviac and its church Romanesque. The Gers invites you to discover its rich heritage and fascinating history.

Gers Cuisine and Lifestyle

The Gers proudly celebrates its gastronomy and its way of life. The birthplace of foie gras, confit, and duck breast, as well as floc de Gascogne, this department is also renowned for Armagnac, France’s oldest brandy, which has been 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 more than 3,000 km of marked trails winding through landscapes With its unspoiled landscapes, the Gers is a true paradise for hikers and cyclists. The trails offer breathtaking views of the Pyrenees, vineyards, sunflower fields, and lakes and forests. They also offer a chance to explore the rich heritage of the Gers region, particularly through the routes to Santiago de Compostela passing through exceptional sites such as the collegiate church of La Romieu, Flaran Abbey, and the fortified village of Larressingle. The Armagnac Greenway, built along a former railroad line, offers a beautiful escape from Condom to Lagraulet-du-Gers over a distance of about twenty kilometers.

Discovering Armagnac and the Vineyards

The birthplace of Armagnac—France’s oldest brandy, produced since the 15th century—the Gers region invites you to discover this spirit, made from white grapes, distilled in traditional stills, and aged in oak barrels. Armagnac, which is enjoyed on its own or in cocktails, pairs perfectly with local specialties. The wineries open their doors to share the secrets of Armagnac production and introduce visitors to the fine wines of the Gers region, such as Madiran, Pacherenc, Saint-Mont, and Côtes de Gascogne.

Traditional markets in the Gers

The Gers celebrates tradition and a sense of community through its markets, which serve as true gathering places for people to meet and interact. Local producers offer a wide variety of fresh, seasonal products, grown using organic or sustainable farming methods. Fruits, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, jams, honey, flowers, plants, clothing, jewelry, and handcrafted items are sold alongside must-try local specialties such as foie gras, confit, duck breast, and Armagnac. These markets are also festive gathering places where music, dancing, pétanque, and tastings of Gers specialties—such as Gascon pastis—set the pace of local life.

Festivals and cultural events across the département

The Gers is brimming with cultural activities, featuring a multitude of festivals and events throughout the year. Fans of jazz, classical music, rock, theater, film, circus, dance, literature, history, or contemporary art will find something to enjoy. Among the highlights are the Jazz in Marciac festival, which welcomes 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, which brings together leading contemporary circus companies, and the Animation Film Festival, featuring screenings and industry meetings.

Nature and relaxation in the Gers

Discover the Gers, a haven of peace that invites you to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy water-based activities, and embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking tranquility, adventure, or wellness, the Gers is sure to meet your expectations. Discover below four exceptional ways to fully experience nature and relax in the Gers, far from the stresses of everyday life.

Natural sites and panoramas in the Gers

With its diverse and unspoiled landscapes, the Gers will dazzle you with its stunning views. Admire breathtaking panoramic views of the Pyrenees, vineyards, sunflower fields, lakes, and forests. Explore exceptional natural sites such as Lake Uby, a magnificent 80-hectare body of water perfect for fishing, swimming, and water sports; Lake Saramon, an artificial lake with a recreation center; Lake Saint-Clar, rich in flora and fauna; and Lake L’Isle-Jourdain, offering a lush, peaceful setting.

Leisure centres and water sports

The Gers offers a wide variety of water activities to suit every taste, whether you’re looking to have fun, cool off, or get some exercise. Enjoy the recreational centers equipped with water slides, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, paddle, inflatable attractions, picnic areas, snack bars, sports fields, and entertainment. You can also discover more unique water sports such as the ski water sports, wakeboarding, jet skiing, flyboarding, kitesurfing, and rafting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, the Gers has the perfect water sport for you.

Spas and wellness centers

The Gers invites you to relax and rejuvenate at its spas and wellness centers. Enjoy body and facial treatments, massages, steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, swimming pools, and fitness centers. Discover the benefits of thermal water, with its soothing, relaxing, and rejuvenating properties. With two spa resorts, Barbotan-les-Thermes, and Lectoure—the Gers region offers spa treatments, wellness retreats, water play areas, workshops, and lectures 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-friendly approach by respecting the environment and supporting the local economy. Choose eco-friendly accommodations such as rural guesthouses, bed-and-breakfasts, tree houses, yurts or travel trailers. Savor local products from organic or sustainable farms by visiting farms, markets, and restaurants. You can also take part in nature-friendly activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, guided tours, workshops, and other events. The Gers raises awareness about 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 department invites you to explore its rich heritage, magnificent landscapes, delicious culinary specialties, lively festivals, numerous activities, and unique way of life. It also encourages you to take care of its environment, support the local economy, and adopt eco-friendly practices.

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 when considering factors such as heritage, charm, and natural beauty, a few towns stand out. Larressingle, often called “Little Carcassonne,” is a fortified village dating back to the 13th century that has managed to preserve its medieval charm. Fourcès, recognized as one of the France's most beautiful villages, is famous for its circular square surrounded by arcaded houses and its 15th-century castle. La Romieu, also on the list of the most beautiful villages in France, is proud of its 14th-century Saint-Pierre Collegiate Church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela.

What's the Gers speciality?

The Gers is renowned for its cuisine, particularly its duck and goose dishes, including foie gras, confit, magret, and rillettes. The region is also famous for its high-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 department, with a population of 24,115. It is followed by L’Isle-Jourdain, which has a population of 9,554.

What is the number of the Gers department?

The Gers department is numbered 32. This number was assigned to it in 1790, when the French departments were created, based on a portion of the former province of Gascony.