The Gers, a French department in the Occitanie region, is a destination of choice for lovers of nature, gastronomy and cultural heritage. With its rolling landscapes, picturesque villages and renowned culinary specialties, the Gers has something for every type of traveler. In this article, we invite you to discover the 17 must-see places in the Gers, places not to be missed under any circumstances during your stay in this authentic and welcoming region. Ready to explore the hidden treasures of this exceptional destination? Follow the guide!
1. Sarrant, one of the most beautiful villages in the Gers and France
Located on the northeastern border of the Gers, on the borders of Lomagne and Gascony-Toulousaine, Sarrant is a fortified village accessible through a gateway pierced in a 16th-century tower. Classified as one of France's most beautiful villages, Sarrant is renowned for its exceptional medieval heritage, notably its cobbled streets typical of the Middle Ages. Highlights include the 14th-century town gate, adorned with a medieval tower, and the Sarrant church. We recommend climbing to the top of the tower to admire the 15th-century Foliot Clock. During the summer season, Sarrant hosts an Illustration Festival showcasing local talent and their artistic creations.
2. Montréal-du-Gers
Overlooking the vineyards and hills of Armagnac from its high hill, Montréal-du-Gers is a town steeped in history and culture, located on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela. Marked by its rich ancient and medieval heritage, it is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France. The municipality is also involved in the "Elusa, Capitale Antique" project, which showcases the magnificent Gallo-Roman villa of Séviac located in the commune. Montréal-du-Gers is also renowned for its local brandy event, the Flamme de l'Armagnac, which takes place every November.
3. Lavardens
Lavardens is also one of France's most beautiful villages, and it's easy to understand why when you see its oval shape, perfectly adapted to the rocky spur overlooking the surrounding area, offering a breathtaking panorama day and night. To the west, the majestic 17th-century château dominates the valley from an exceptional vantage point. Listed as a historic monument, it has been carefully restored and regularly hosts exhibitions. Unfinished parts of the château have even been reconstructed in virtual images, allowing visitors to project themselves back into the past. The charming church next door can also be visited. Last but not least, Lavardens is a dynamic and inventive town, with its annual "evening markets" - not to be missed!
4. Flaran Abbey, a must-see in the Gers
Founded in 1151, Flaran Abbey is located in Valence-sur-Baïse and is one of the best-preserved Cistercian abbeys in south-western France. Since 2000, it has been home to the Conservation départementale du patrimoine et des musées, which develops numerous cultural activities throughout the year, with a rich and varied program featuring all art forms, particularly photography. Since 2011, Flaran Abbey has also benefited from the "Grand Site Armagnac, Abbaye et cités" label awarded by the Occitanie region, and has become a cultural and heritage reference. Since July 2004, it has housed a unique collection of 300 masterpieces of European art from the 16th to the 21st century, contributing to the abbey's reputation.
5. Larressingle
Larressingle is a fortified medieval village nicknamed the "Little Carcassonne of the Gers" because of the beauty of its fortifications. One of France's most beautiful villages, it is also a stopover on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela, offering a rich religious heritage to discover. Legend has it thatone of Caesar's lieutenants gave Larressingle its name when he shouted "Retro singuli", meaning "back, one by one", in the face of the village's resistance. However, some believe that the name actually comes from "cingulum", in reference to the fortified enclosure. During the summer season, the "siege camp" offers a wide range of fun activities to introduce visitors to the art of warfare.
6. La Romieu collegiate church, one of the most beautiful buildings in the Gers
The Collégiale de la Romieu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is certainly one of the most beautiful buildings in the Gers. With its square and octagonal towers, this 14th-century splendor sits proudly in the heart of the village. The main entrance is via the tourist office, revealing a timeless spectacle. Between the arches, sculptures, painted walls and vaulted ceilings of the single-nave church, the climb to the bell tower is absolutely masterly, with its two octagonal towers, one of which contains a secret passageway with a double spiral staircase. The recently restored frescoes in the sacristy are now visible, while the parapet walk and gardens exude a mysterious historical aura. The view from the top, which stretches to the horizon, is quite simply exceptional. A must-see during your stay in the Gers!
7. Eauze, a must-see during your stay in the Gers
Welcome to ancient Elusa, capital of the Elusates, an important administrative city that became one of the first bishoprics of France as early as the 5th century. Because of its wealth, it was violently pillaged by the Vikings and its episcopal see was razed to the ground. Today, Eauze is steeped in history, with its cathedral, cloister and half-timbered houses. The town's main livelihood is wine-growing and the Armagnac trade, and it's alive with festivals and festivities all year round.
A sumptuous Gallo-Roman Domus has been discovered in Eauze. We recommend you take the interactive tour to better understand this period of history and the 10 years of archaeological excavations that brought these remains to light. Afterwards, head to the museum to discover a dazzling collection of ancient objects that reveal the life of the inhabitants of Eauze.
8. The village of Bassoues and its keep
This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Occitanie. From the main square, you'll be enchanted by the arcades and half-timbered houses surrounding Bassoues. The main street runs through a magnificent covered market hall with an impressive roof structure. To step back in time, stroll along the surrounding wall and admire the 43-metre-high keep that watches over the narrow streets. Well-preserved, it dates back to 1371, and if you climb it, a breathtaking view awaits you!
We particularly enjoyed our visit to the Church of the Nativity , which houses a 15th-century stone font: a true masterpiece. So don't hesitate to drop in for a visit!
9. Lake Uby
Lac de l'Uby is a vast 80-hectare lake offering a wide range of leisure activities all year round.
Set in an unspoilt forest environment, Lac de l'Uby is a great place to hike its forest trails in winter , and transforms into an aquatic leisure center in summer. You can swim on its large sandy beach, go pedal-boating, canoeing or paddle-boarding, and enjoy water games and tree climbing for the kids. There's also a riding school offering horseback rides in the forest. Fishing is also available.
10. The ponds of Armagnac
The Étangs de l'Armagnac is a natural area rich in flora and fauna, protected under the "Natura 2000" classification. We recommend that you take a stroll along the hiking trails to explore the area around the five lakes. You'll find information panels to learn more about the preservation of the sites. Some ponds are reserved for fishing, while others are marshes or swamps. One thing's for sure: the ponds attract many birds, offering great birdwatching opportunities on your walks.
11. Marciac
Marciac, the royal bastide founded in 1281 on a typical checkerboard plan, has been hosting one of France's best-known festivals every summer since 1978: the Jazz in Marciac Festival. It's a festival we recommend you experience if you get the chance, as the atmosphere is superb in this little corner of paradise between mountains and wine-growing plains. As well as the festival, Marciac is worth a visit for its elegant arcaded facades housing shops and restaurants. Also worth a visit is the 15th-century church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, with its square bell tower and porch, triple nave and pentagonal choir housing 14th-century sculptures.
12. Gallo-Roman villa at Seviac
The Gallo-Roman villa of Séviac is a luxurious late Antique villa located near Montréal-du-Gers. With a surface area of 6,500 m2, it is considered to be one of the largest residences in southwest Gaul , and is distinguished by its exceptional mosaic ensemble and vast thermal baths. The geometric and vegetal decorations are representative of the Aquitaine school, a stylistic school of mosaic artists active in southwest Gaul between the late 4th and 6th centuries. You can admire the marble linings, the underfloor heating in the basins and rooms, and a swimming pool decorated with mosaics and marble that can still be seen today. The entire complex was listed as a historic monument in 1978.
13. Lectoure and its cathedral, one of the most beautiful places in the Gers
Lectoure 's 17th- and 18th-century light-colored stone buildings give the town a homogeneity and charm that are unique in the region. Lectoure's rich historical heritage includes sites such as the bastion, the former château of the Counts of Armagnac, the cathedral, the former bishop's palace, the market hall and the Diane fountain. Climb to the top of the ramparts south of the cathedral for an exceptional panoramic view of the Gers valleys. The Eugène-Camoreyt archeological museum houses an important collection of Gallo-Roman taurobolic altars, while the Musée d'Art Sacré displays a rich collection of religious objects. A major stopover on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, Lectoure welcomes pilgrims and is also home to an art center dedicated to photography, which organizes the Été photographique festival.
14. Les Jardins de Coursiana, a beautiful spot in the Gers
Looking for a quiet, bucolic moment? You've come to the right place, as the Gers is one of the best destinations for a countryside break. The Jardins de Coursiana is home to over 700 varieties of trees and shrubs from all over the world, making it one of the largest arboretums in France. The landscaped park is a place for relaxation and contemplation, with an impressive scientific collection. The gardens have won several awards and, in 2000, the lime tree collection was classified as national by the Conservatoire des collections végétales spécialisées (CCVS). The tour comprises four main areas: the arboretum, the English garden, the medicinal plant garden and the family orchard.
15. Armagnac tasting at Château Garreau
Château Garreau is home to an eco-museum that promotes the Armagnac region, its heritage and know-how through its various museums and exhibitions. The ecomuseum includes a winegrower's museum presenting the life of a farmer-winegrower through his tools, a stills museum and a remarkable century-old underground cellar where Armagnac is aged and can be visited. In 2020, Château Garreau launched its Armagnac-themed escape game, the only one of its kind in the département, inviting players to solve riddles surrounding the distillation of Armagnac. Tours and tastings are also available.
16. The Parc aux Rapaces de Madiran, a family activity in the Gers
Are you on a family vacation in the Gers? Head for the Parc aux Rapaces de Madiran ! Here you'll discover over a hundred species of birds of prey and other animals in a friendly, family-friendly atmosphere. The tour takes you on a journey around the world, from rural France to Norway, from Canada to Peru, via Mexico, the Maghreb and Japan, all in medieval settings. Two shows are offered to learn more about birds. You can also take part in an introductory falconry course to learn about bird care, nutrition and handling.
17. Taste the culinary specialties of the Gers
How can we talk about the Gers without mentioning the products that have made its reputation? Among the must-tries is foie gras, the Gers' flagship product, which can be enjoyed in a terrine or pan-fried, accompanied by a good loaf of farmhouse bread and a glass of sweet white wine. Meat lovers will also appreciate duck, available in all its forms: magret, confit, rillettes and more.
But the Gers is also home to Armagnac, a brandy produced from grapes distilled in copper stills. A visit to one of the region's many distilleries is a must to discover the secrets behind the production of this emblematic South-Western beverage. Finally, gourmets won't want to miss out on local pastries, such as pastis gascon, an apple and Armagnac tart, or croustade, a puff pastry filled with apple compote and prunes.
Family activities in the Gers
The Gers is an ideal destination for families looking to spend a vacation in the great outdoors and discover local nature, culture and gastronomy. Here are a few ideas for family activities in the Gers:
- Visit castles and museums: theGers is packed with medieval castles and museums that tell the story of the region's history and culture. Children will love exploring the castles and discovering the interactive museum collections.
- Strolling through parks and gardens: the Gers is renowned for its magnificent parks and gardens, where families can stroll, picnic and enjoy nature. The Jardin des Plantes de Fleurance, the Parc du Couloumé and the Jardin de la Poterie Hillen are all must-sees.
- Outdoor sports: theGers offers many outdoor sports activities for families, including hiking, cycling, canoeing and horseback riding. Families can explore the Gers hiking trails, cycle along the greenways or canoe on the River Baïse.
- Discover the local gastronomy: the Gers is renowned for its local gastronomy, with culinary specialities such as foie gras, duck confit and Armagnac. Families can visit local markets, farms and wineries to discover local produce.
What to visit in the Gers in 3 days?
The Gers is a region rich in cultural and natural heritage, so there are plenty of places to visit. Here's a suggested itinerary for visiting the Gers in 3 days:
Day 1: Auch, Lavardens and Vic-Fezensac
- Start your visit in Auch, the prefecture of the Gers. Here you can visit Sainte-Marie Cathedral, the Jacobins Museum and the Armagnac Tower.
- Next, head for the village of Lavardens, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages. Here you can visit its medieval castle and Romanesque church.
- Finish your day with a visit to the town of Vic-Fezensac, renowned for its festivals. You can visit the church of Saint-Pierre and the market hall.
Day 2: Lectoure, Larressingle and Condom
- Start your second day with a visit to Lectoure, an ancient Gallo-Roman town. Here you can discover the Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais cathedral, the Musée d'Art Sacré and the Jardin des Plantes.
- Next, head for the village of Larressingle, nicknamed "the little Carcassonne of the Gers". Here you can admire the medieval ramparts and château.
- Finish your day with a visit to the town of Condom, famous for its Armagnac. Visit the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, the Armagnac Museum and the Cordeliers cloister.
Day 3: Marciac, Montréal-du-Gers and Eauze
- Start your third day with a visit to the town of Marciac, famous for its jazz festival. Discover the town's central square, Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church and jazz museum.
- Next, head for the village of Montréal-du-Gers, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages. Here you can visit the church and château.
- Finish your day with a visit to the town of Eauze, former capital of Novempopulanie. You'll discover the Saint-Luperc cathedral, the archaeological museum and the Domus de Cieutat.
This itinerary will take you to the Gers' main tourist attractions in 3 days. Of course, you can adapt this itinerary to suit your preferences and the time you have available.
If you're tempted by this selection, take a look at our train fares now and book without delay !
