The 15 things to do in the Gers

Are you going to Occitania? Between traditions and history, discover the 15 extraordinary places to visit in the Gers!

In the heart of the old province of Gascogne, the Gers is particularly marked by its exceptional terroir. A department renowned for its culinary specialties, thousands of visitors gather to visit the Gers. Indeed, it is the cradle of our iconic foie-gras, a symbol of French gastronomy.

But it is also at the origin of many typical dishes such as rillettes, confits or magrets. In addition, it houses the mythical vineyards of Armagnac. This traditional water-of-life is now marketed worldwide.

With its gastronomic heritage, the Gers is also characterized by its wild landscapes. A place of predilection of agriculture, it is particularly marked by fabulous local traditions and customs.

But it also has many historical and architectural vestiges. A true symbol of our extraordinary culture, it promises you a most amazing stay in the South West. Still not convinced? Let's start discovering 15 unusual activities to do in the Gers!

1. The Gallo-Roman villa of Seviac

Discovered in the 19th century, it was only in the 1960s that this villa was totally clear. Vestige of Roman conquests in Gaul, it is estimated that the site dates from the I century of our era. If her structure has suffered the ravages of time, she fortunately retains many witnesses of her time.

Between mosaics, baths and hypocaust, the villa is an archaeological treasure to visit in the Gers. It is ranked among the Historical Monuments of the Hexagon, and will certainly please the little ones and the great ones!

2. The Abbey of Flaran

If the department is renowned for its gastronomy, there are many activities to do in the Gers. Also, discovering its magnificent historical vestiges is a good way to explore the region. In Valence-sur-Baïse, you can visit the splendid Abbey of Flaran.

A former medieval building, it is one of the best preserved in South-West France. It retains all its buildings and gardens. If it was built in the 12th century, it still presents its exceptional Cistercian architecture.

3. Lavardens

In the northwest of Auch, the city of Lavardens is a must-see in the Gers. This small town of barely four-cent inhabitants actually has fabulous monuments. Since 2011, it has been considered one of the most beautiful French villages. When you arrive on site, you can discover its magnificent 15th century church and its atypical bell tower.

After admiring its amazing structure, you can head to the Renaissance castle. From the 17th century, this fortress overlooks the city of its imposing architecture. Through your exploration, you will learn more about the region and its surprising history!

4. Archaeological Museum the Treasure of Eauze

As you can see, there are multiple historical sites to visit in the Gers. With local discoveries, the department houses an archaeology museum. This one is located in Eauze, a former Gallo-Roman city named Elusa.

The site thus presents many vestiges of this era that marked the history of the region. No doubt, this visit is very likely to seduce the culture fairies!

5. Les Jardins de Coursiana

After a few historical visits, it is time to take a little air. Fortunately, you can find many outdoor activities to do in the Gers. One of them takes you to discover the famous Jardins de Coursiana.

The latter are located in the village of La Romieu, a few kilometres from Condom. It is a splendid park of six hectares, with a botanical garden and a arboretum. Not by step, you will be invited to relax in this small vegetable peace setting.

6. Lake Uby

Between Cazaubon and Barbotan-Les-Thermes, Lake Uby is a fabulous natural site. It is open to the public all summer, and offers many activities to do in the Gers. In particular, you can swim in its peaceful waters or enjoy it to fish.

Indeed, it is full of superb catches for the mordus of this leisure. In high season, you might even try some water sports. Between paddle, pedalo or aviron, you will have the choice to have fun!

7. The Cathedral of Lectoure

The main religious building of the eponymous commune, the cathedral of Lectoure is a must-see monument in the Gers. It dates from the 12th century, and has been particularly well preserved over the ages. Its Gothic architecture, in fact, still today, is a true historical gem.

Through your discovery, you can also learn more about the wars of religions that the region has experienced.

8. Lake Bousquètara

If you're wondering what to do in the Gers during the summer season, you could go refresh yourself in a lake. Indeed, the department is full of pleasant water points inviting to swim. Of course, leisure mordus can also indulge in many nautical activities such as fishing.

At Lake Bousquètara, you can take the time to relax on the shores and enjoy the sun. Nothing like that to disconnect a little from routine!

9. The Sarthou Palm

The palm grove of Sarthou is one of the remarkable gardens to visit in the Gers. This exotic park spans nearly eight hectares, and has many extraordinary species.

In this real vegetal change, you can admire plants from all over the world. But you can also enjoy their multiple exhibitions and heritage farm.

10. The Château Garreau

Gascogne is a territory with a rich cultural and gastronomic heritage. As we said, it is the birthplace of many French culinary traditions. But it is also the land of origin of one of the oldest kind of water-of-life: the Armagnac .

The winemakers who produce it are therefore essentials to visit in the Gers. At Château Garreau, you can discover more than three hundred years of history of this particular alcohol. Between terroir and tasting, we bet you will love these places in the unusual past!

11. The Parc aux Rapaces

Ornithology lovers may love this activity in the Gers. On nearly five hectares, this park takes you to discover the most beautiful raptors in the world. During your visit, you can even attend amazing shows and falconry performances.

For example, you can admire an extraordinary cauliflower from all over the world. But you can also enjoy it to meet amazing species like vultures or white-headed pygargues. A breathtaking visit for young and old!

12. Green in the air

Strong sensation bites can enjoy visiting the Gers to get tested. At the Green in L’air, they will be able to measure themselves to more than eighty-five hip workshops.

A few meters above the ground, they can have fun swinging and testing courage! In addition, the toughest will be able to get into the giant zipline of the park. Over a hundred-sixty meters, they will fly over this exceptional site!

13. The Castle of Malliac

The Castle of Malliac is an emblematic monument to visit in the Gers. It was established in the 12th century in the south of the Dordogne, overlooking the landscape since then. Over time, its medieval fortifications have left room for splendid modern restorations.

Today it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the region. It hosts mainly events and weddings, but also offers specialized stays. On one or two nights you will then go to discover the history of this fortress.

14. Lake Thoux Saint-Cricq

Nautical leisure of Lake Thoux Saint-Cricq is a must-see in the Gers. Throughout the summer, the site offers many activities for visitors. In particular, you can sunbathe on the shores of the lake or the pool.

However, you will also have the opportunity to give you the pedalo or canoe, if you wish. The sports ferus can even try to paddle or sail!

15. Larressingle

Often considered a small Carcassonne , the village of Larressingle is a mandatory stop in the Gers. In recent years, he has been ranked among the most beautiful communes in France. Its medieval fortifications give it, indeed, a unique setting.

Walking through its paved streets, you can enjoy its particular atmosphere. Between History and traditions, you will not be bored in Laressingle!

16. See also in the Gers

The Dordogne is a fascinating territory, marked by its atypical traditions and its exceptional history. Also, visiting the Gers is always an enriching experience for travellers. We have obviously presented you some unusual activities to do in the Gers, but the department counts many others.

You can visit the beautiful cities of Auch or Mirande. They are home to many museums and monuments. In the same way, adventurers will be able to explore the fabulous caves and underground rivers in the region. Between nature and culture, your journey still promises to be unforgettable!

How to get to the Gers

By plane

To get to the Gers by plane, you will have to land in Toulouse and then reach your destination by bus, train or car. We recommend that you use a comparison of flights as Skyscanner . The latter will help you find the best flight, at low prices, for your stay. However, the department unfortunately has no commercial airport.

By car

To visit the Gers, nothing like a car trip! From the North of France, you can reach the prefecture, Auch, thanks to the A62 or A20 . You will then have to follow the N21 or N524 to go to destination. From the West or the South of the Hexagon, you will need to focus on A68 or A61 .

Where to stay in the Gers

As we have seen, there are many activities to be done in the Gers. However, most of them are located in the territory. Also, we recommend that you find accommodation in one of the main cities.

You will therefore have a rather central position compared to the various tourist attractions. With a hotel comparison, you can find a room for your stay in Auch or Mirande. For the summer period, rates for a reservation vary between 30 and 100€ per night. Then you will only have to choose what you want to visit in the Gers!

However, the Gers is a particularly strong territory of its local traditions and specialties. As a result, you could opt for a stay in the countryside to better discover this region. In a particular lodging or lodging, you can live in the heart of the Gersoise customs. If you want to find such accommodation, we recommend sites as Airbnb .

You can easily find an ideal apartment or house for your holidays. Some destinations also offer cottages or charming villas. Finally, as these rentals are perfectly furnished and comfortable, you will only have to put your suitcases and enjoy. As close to nature, we bet you will have no trouble disconnecting from the routine! To find the solution that best suits you, do not hesitate to use a hotel comparison .

Now that you know what to do in the Gers, prepare your bags and go for adventure!