The Gers

There is so much to see

An important stop-over for pilgrims en route to Saint Jacques de Compostelle, this pretty ecclesiastical village was once surrounded by walls and moats. Today La Romieu is a charming village dominated by a magnificent Collegiate church with splendid cloisters that are well worth a visit. On the outskirts of the village, and with a beautiful view of the Collegiate church, is an arboretum and botanical garden with some 700 species of trees.

Near to the beautiful town of Agen, the Walygator theme park invites families and friends to enjoy a day out together for thrills and fun. At parc Walibi there are attractions for all ages; fun rides for young children, water slides and thrill rides for the older children and adults plus great shows for all the family.

This challenging 1200m track with slopes and blind bends will delight lovers of speed and motor sports.

The small town of Nerac dates back to the 11th century but its medieval remains date from its most prosperous period when the lords of Albret and Navarre, the families of Marguerite de Valois and Henri IV, settled here. Today we can still admire the Renaissance wing of the castle, several splendid buildings, the gardens by the river and an ancient bridge. In addition to its heritage, the city is very popular for its Saturday market.

At Barbaste, near Nerac, the tree to tree adventure park, Cap Cauderoue, is an invitation to adventure and fun in the tree-tops. Different levels are available for all the family (even the younger children) with monkey bridges, zip lines and many other challenges. If you prefer to stay on the ground you can try; horse riding, paintball, archery, orienteering and canoeing.

This small hilltop village occupies a remarkable site overlooking the Gers Valley. In its narrow streets, we discover beautiful stone houses but also gardens, terraces and fountains. Its Gallo-Roman museum, installed in the cellars of the former episcopal palace, houses interesting archaeological collections. However, the first reason to come to Lectoure are its thermal baths. The city invites you to come and relax and enjoy the benefits of thermal water at 32 ° C in its thermal baths where all kinds of treatments are available.

In a pleasantly wooded setting, the Saint-Clar lake is fed by crystal clear water from several sources and covers 12 acres. With its sandy beaches, shaded picnic areas and sports fields, the lake is ideal for a relaxing, family day out. The charming town of Saint Clar, perched on a hill, is the capital of the Gers garlic production.

Fleurance is a picturesque 13th century medieval town with a superb central square dominated by an octagonal clock tower and a splendid arched covered market hall. The Tuesday morning market is very popular for locals and tourists. Near to Fleurance is an astronomy centre which attracts an increasing number of star gazers and astronomers each year who benefit from the clear skies and very low level of light pollution in the Gers.

Lavardens Castle is the former residence of the Counts of Armagnac. Its imposing silhouette dominates a picturesque village with charming narrow streets from which it is possible to admire the remains of the fortifications and the rampart towers.

The capital of Gascony nestles in the valley of the Gers. The old part of town is a maze of medieval streets. It's most famous son, made a larger than life hero by Alexandre Dumas, was D'Artagnan. A statue pays tribute to him at the foot of a monumental stairway of 232 steps leading up to the splendid Cathedral and lovely views of the valley and the city. The Cathedral was built between the 15th and 17th centuries and is well worth a visit.