Gers Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Gers in Occitanie, France with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, accommodation options and much more.


Introduction to Gers

Gers is a department located in Occitanie, France, in the heart of Gascony. This region is known for its picturesque countryside views, charming towns, and rich culture. It’s the ideal destination for travelers looking for a peaceful retreat that offers a mix of natural and cultural attractions.

In this comprehensive travel guide to Gers, we’ll explore the must-visit attractions, including culturally important museums and historical sites, outdoor activities, food and drink scene, and much more. Read on to discover all the best things to do in Gers.

List of Places to Visit in Gers

Gers offers a range of fascinating natural and cultural attractions that are perfect for both adventure-seekers and history buffs. Here’s a list of the top things to do in Gers:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Gers: This museum is located in Auch and is devoted to art and history. It has a vast collection of artworks from the 16th to the 20th century, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative art.
  2. Château de Lavardens: This beautifully maintained castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It features an art gallery and hosts events throughout the year.
  3. Cathedral of Auch: This Gothic-style cathedral is a must-visit for history buffs. It houses a treasure trove of religious artifacts, including a set of 18th-century organs.

Natural Attractions of Gers: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Les Jardins de Coursiana: These botanical gardens are located in La Romieu. They feature over 4 hectares of themed gardens and are home to a range of plant species.
  2. La Forêt des Landes: This vast forest offers numerous trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Visitors can also enjoy bird-watching and camping.
  3. Cirque de Gavarnie: This natural wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and glacial cirques.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gers

Gers is best explored on foot or bike. Here are some of the top routes for hikers and cyclists:

  1. Tour de Gascogne à Vélo: This 311 km bike trail takes you through some of the most charming towns and villages in Gascogne, including Auch, Marciac, and Condom.
  2. Luchon to Montrejeau: This 24 km hiking trail takes you through the Pyrénées mountain range and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  3. Round Lake of Lourdes: This 11 km bike trail takes you around the lake in Lourdes and offers stunning views of the Pyrenees mountains.

Best Things to Do in Gers: Activities and Tours

Gers has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in cultural attractions or outdoor activities. Here are some of the best things to do in Gers:

  1. Wine tours: Gers is famous for its wine, and there are numerous vineyards that offer wine-tasting tours.
  2. Kayaking: Visitors can explore the rivers and lakes of Gers by kayaking, which is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
  3. Market tours: Gers is known for its vibrant markets, which offer everything from locally-grown produce to artisanal products. Visitors can take a guided market tour to experience the best the region has to offer.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gers

For a week-long trip, here’s an itinerary that covers the best of Gers:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Auch and explore the town’s historical attractions, including the Cathedral of Auch and Musée des Beaux-Arts.
  • Day 2: Visit Château de Lavardens and Les Jardins de Coursiana.
  • Day 3: Explore the natural wonders of Gers on a hiking or cycling trail.
  • Day 4: Take a wine-tasting tour and visit some of the region’s best vineyards.
  • Day 5: Visit the town of Marciac and catch a concert at the Jazz in Marciac festival.
  • Day 6: Take a guided market tour and sample some of the region’s finest produce.
  • Day 7: Enjoy a leisurely walk around the town of Condom and take in the stunning views of the Pyrénées mountain range.

Food and Drink Scene of Gers

Gers is known for its gastronomy, which is based on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a mix of Spanish and French influences. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Gers:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Foie Gras: This famous delicacy is made from the liver of a duck or goose and is often served as an appetizer.
  2. Cassoulet: This hearty stew is made with white beans, sausage, and meat and is a staple in Gascogne cuisine.
  3. Armagnac: This brandy-based beverage is a specialty of the region and is often served as a digestif.

Local Beverages

  1. Madiran: This red wine is made from the grapes grown in the Madiran AOC region and is known for its bold flavor.
  2. Floc de Gascogne: This sweet fortified wine is made from a blend of grape juice and Armagnac.
  3. Croustade: This sweet pastry is filled with apples or prunes and is a traditional Gascogne dessert.

Where to Stay in Gers: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gers offers a range of accommodation options that cater to all budgets. Here are some of the top places to stay in Gers:

  1. La Bastide de l’Étoile: This charming guesthouse is located in Auch and features a beautiful garden and outdoor pool.
  2. Château de Lassalle: This elegant hotel is set in a 17th-century château and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  3. Hostellerie de la Roseraie: This cozy hotel is located in the town of Belmont and features a restaurant that serves traditional Gascogne cuisine.

What to Buy in Gers: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Gers is known for its artisanal products, including pottery, textiles, and leather goods. Here are some of the best souvenirs to bring home from Gers:

  1. Armagnac: This brandy-based beverage is a specialty of the region and makes a great souvenir.
  2. Foie Gras: Take home a jar of this famous delicacy and enjoy it as a reminder of your trip.
  3. Pottery: Gers is known for its handmade pottery, which is often decorated with traditional Gascon patterns.

Local Culture and Customs of Gers

Gers has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience it firsthand through the region’s art, music, and festivals. Gers locals are known for their hospitality and will often invite visitors into their homes for a meal or a glass of wine.

Best Time to Visit Gers

The best time to visit Gers is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. Visitors can enjoy the region’s outdoor attractions, including hiking and cycling trails, as well as its many festivals and cultural events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gers

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Gers:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, especially foie gras, cassoulet, and Armagnac.
  • Take a wine-tasting tour and sample some of the region’s best wines.
  • Explore the region’s natural attractions on a hiking or cycling trail.

Don’t:

  • Forget to respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Leave without trying some of the region’s specialty dishes and beverages.
  • Miss out on the vibrant markets that are a feature of the region.

Safety and Health

Gers is a relatively safe region, but visitors should be aware of the following:

Safety in Gers

  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Exercise caution when driving on rural roads.

Health in Gers

  • The tap water is safe to drink.
  • Visitors should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations before visiting Gers.

Getting to Gers: Transportation Options and Logistics

Gers is easily accessible by car, train, or plane.

Airports Near Gers

  1. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport: This airport is the closest to Gers and is located 93 km away.
  2. Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport: This airport is located 242 km away from Gers.

Bus Stations Near Gers

There are no major bus stations in Gers, but visitors can take a bus from Toulouse to Auch.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Gers by train. The closest train station is in Auch, which is well-connected to other major cities in the region.

How to Get Around in Gers

Gers is best explored by car or bike. Renting a car is the easiest way to get around the region, but visitors can also explore the towns and villages by bike on one of the many cycling trails.

Where to Go Next from Gers: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Gers is a great starting point for exploring other nearby destinations in Occitanie. Here are some ideas for where to go next:

  1. Toulouse: This vibrant city is known for its stunning architecture, museums, and art galleries.
  2. Carcassonne: This medieval fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit for history buffs.
  3. Saint-Jean-de-Luz: This picturesque seaside town is located on the Basque coast and is known for its stunning beaches and beautiful architecture.

Conclusion

Gers is a hidden gem in Occitanie, France, that offers a mix of natural and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the region’s charming towns and villages, hike through its vast forests, and sample its delicious cuisine and wine. We hope this comprehensive travel guide to Gers helps you plan your next vacation.



    Auch
    Marciac
    Mirande
    Saint-Mont