Visit the vineyards of Armagnac: a complete guide

Want to know all the secrets of Gers and its terroirs? Here is the perfect guide to visit the vineyards of Armagnac.

Armagnac is a former electoral district of the province of Gascogne, globally known for its eponymous life. This natural region is located between Occitania and Nouvelle Aquitaine . Nature lovers, old stones, or art, if you pass through the region, it is certain that you will not be bored there. In the country of Artagnan, the vineyards illuminate the villages of the Gascony. If you are looking for the colors and fragrances that characterize the wine life water several times centennial, then visit the vineyards of Armagnac is made for you! Here is the guide you need.

Armagnac in a few words

Defiance Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée since 1936, the Armagnac is the oldest water of life in France. It is first known in the Middle Ages for its therapeutic virtues. Then it was in the 17th century that she knew all her growth and thus became a real consumer product. Unlike Cognac, Armagnac does not derive its name from a city. The term comes from "armin", the name of a free chief in the sixth century after Jesus Christ. This means "powerful warrior" in old Germanic. To reward him with his bravery, a department will bear the name of Armagnac, before taking the name of his river: the Gers.

It is therefore in the Gers, as well as in some cantons in the Landes and Lot-et-Garonne, that we find all the know-how of Armagnac. Life water is obtained from the distillation of a dry white wine in a traditional alambic. While the distillation must take place within 3 months after the harvest, it is for long years and in oak barrels that Armagnac aging. In contact with this wood, it develops its aromas and takes its shaded color.

1. Bike ride

The bike stay will fill the athletes in love with vallons and encounters. Visiting the vineyards of Armagnac by bike is a way to see a lot, without going too fast. In addition to discovering the vineyards of the region, you will cross the road of remnants of the Middle Ages. Cross the most famous villages and their bastilles. The authenticity and culture of Armagnac are intoxicating.

In order not to miss anything and travel the entire department, plan a stay of about a week. Pedal and let yourself be rocked by this historic land, its green countryside and its sunflower fields.

2. Escapade by car of time

Visiting the Armagnac vineyards in a collection car is something! This unusual trip will make your senses vibrating. Imagine for a moment, in the heart of the vineyards, in a convertible and rutilating tacot. Your driver, in vintage clothes, will make you taste this precious nectar during the visit.

At the rhythm of its 40km/h, this original ride immerses you in another time. Opt for vintage Armagnac!

3. Picnic in a winegrower

Every year for the Pentecost weekend and for 10 years, several independent winemakers welcome you. The principle is simple: bring your meal basket and enter the privacy of a winemaker from the region. At home, in his cellar and vineyards, he will be available to exchange on his profession. Around this authentic moment and sharing, you will also have the opportunity to taste its wines.

The list of activities that the winemakers propose is long: yoga classes at the foot of the vineyards or barbecue and aperitif at the rosé. With family or friends, whether you like beautiful landscapes like wine, this warm moment is open to everyone. Nice surprises await you!

4. Stay in a castle

To visit the vineyards of Armagnac, it is enough to push the door of vineyards. A prestigious stay around the one called “the life water of the Gods” awaits you. Enjoy the beauty of the local heritage by travelling from castles to castles. Many are welcome to you: the castle of Cassaigne, the Cistercian abbey of Flaran, also known as “the little Carcassonne du Gers”, or the episcopal city of Condom.

Don’t leave without having tasted the Armagnac and elucidated all its mysteries. Throughout the course, the largest AOP wineries invite you to the tasting. For this stay to be a pure delight, let yourself be tempted by a moment of relaxation at the Baths of Castera-Verduzan.

5. Hiking

In the heart of the Landes de Gascogne forest, discover the castles and bastilles of the region. The vineyards always at hand, the panorama is splendid and the tranquility of the place is exquisite.

Here, there are many hiking trails: no doubts, you will escape at your own pace. From the simple walk to the sporting hike, there is for all tastes when it comes to visiting the vineyards of Armagnac!

6. Gourmet discovery

Choose oentourism and refine your knowledge of the wines and culinary specialties of the Gascogne region. To visit the vineyards of Armagnac, nothing better than discovering local culture and gastronomy. Taste rare vintages and local nectar.

Terms and rates

Depending on your attractions and preferences, different walks are offered. Book 3 days to do the many activities in the program, each with 60 to 80€ . You have to discover the region differently!

7. Horse ride

Cross the time and travel to the country that Artagnan has brought into the legend. Unique routes are available to you. Enjoy this real master’s painting marked by history.

Terms and rates

The proposed rides are longer or less long. From the 5km walk to the stay of several days on horseback, choose what is best for you depending on the duration and the rate. Even if you are not a rider, an initiation is possible to take the step safely.

For a two-day riding stay and two nights, count between 250 and 300€ .

8. Discovery of vineyards on motorcycles

On the margins of the main axes, discover the vineyards in another way. In the heart of nature, what awaits you at every turn will delight you. Vines and fields lost sight. The splendour of these unique landscapes will not leave you indifferent. The panorama goes from the valley of Gers to the Pyrenees.

Many bike circuits are available to you. Some pass through the essentials to visit the vineyards of Armagnac, while others are rather focused on the discovery of the secrets of the Gers. Make your choice depending on the duration of your stay, then take your bike and explore the South West of France.

9. Camping-car stay

From vineyards to vineyards, go to the Gers and enchant your stay with beautiful encounters. Explore the different villages in order to discover true enthusiasts and the beauty of a preserved countryside. In the lands sprinkled with vineyard fields, the Gers Fleuri and its exceptional frames offer you.

This stay will teach you the history and culture of Armagnac. You'll get out of it. There are many camper areas in the region: there is only one to choose!

10. Air travel

Decompress by taking a little altitude. The perfect opportunity to visit the vineyards of Armagnac from the sky. From there, you will admire the Gascon villages and the Gersian bastilles. Enjoy this unique moment, carried by air and wind. To finish the stay in beauty, opt for an unusual night in a perched cabanne with the hollow of the branches and in the scents of fresh resin.

Terms and rates

ULM, glider or helicopter: you will only have the embarrassment of choice. For a day of initiation, count around 120€ .

11. On the way to the arts

In the spring, a contemporary art course is offered in the North of Gers. This cultural event takes place in the emblematic places of the Armagnac Country. This is a meeting between contemporary artists and sites that witness the wealth of heritage. The creators, in direct contact with the public, will be pleased to make you discover these exceptional places otherwise.

This course is open. Each year, it takes place for a month between May and June.