The south-western departement of Gers is located in the heart of Gascony, one of the most historic and scenic regions of France. Famous in literature as the home of Dumas’ hero D’Artagnan, the area is also well known for its culinary specialities, such as foie gras, duck confit and the Pastis Gascon – a dessert made with pastry, apples and the local brandy, Armagnac. Even if you are only passing through Gers, it is worth seeking out a good local restaurant to sample some of the region’s wonderful gastronomy.
Auch is not only the main city in the Gers region, but also the traditional capital of Gascony itself. Buildings dating from the 14th to the 17th century fill the winding medieval streets of the old town, including the Cathedral of St Mary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest church buildings in France. The building is home to some remarkable architectural features, such as glass walls created by a Renaissance artist and oak stalls carved with over 1500 figurines. The best way to explore Auch is to walk through the picturesque streets, or to climb the 400 steps of the Armagnac Tower, built in the 14th century, to enjoy the view over the buildings and the valleys below. If you have fallen in love with the Gascon food, then there are two large weekly markets in Auch where you can buy produce from local farmers.
There are a number of intriguing and unusual attractions within a short drive of Auch, if you have decided to base yourself here while you explore Gers and the Gascony region. To the west is a museum dedicated to the literary character D’Artagnan, the hero of Alexandre Dumas’ ‘The Three Musketeers’. The character was based on a real soldier who came from this part of France, and the museum details not only his life, but the military history surrounding events in the story. Further south is the small and picturesque town of Marciac, famous for its international jazz festival. over the years. Some of the most famous names in music have performed at the annual event, and there is even a museum dedicated to jazz in the town. Keep the kids happy with a trip to the large leisure centre and lake on the outskirts of the town, where they can try a variety of water sports and activities on dry land too. In the east of Gers is an unusual museum, boasting a unique collection of bells. The Museum of Bell Art features examples from all over the world, though pride of place goes to the chime bell from the Bastille prison in Paris.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Gers? Then below is a selection of gites in Gers and villas in Gers that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
