Local Area, local events

Gascony is an area of France steeped in history with its many walled villages and towns, castles, chateaux and ancient churches.   The rolling countryside abounds with rivers, lakes, vineyards, sunflowers, fruit and vegetables.    This is the ideal area for those wanting to discover the real France, having the lowest population density in the country and where the people are warm and friendly.

The average temperature during the summer is around 30°C between the months of June and September.
Spring and Autumn time in the Gers are ideal for all those looking
for a relaxing walking, cycling or golfing break.  The temperature
averages a comfortable 15°C during these months.

The international music festivals held during July and August are within easy reach of Perruchet, Marciac, for jazz, Vic Fezensac for tempo latino and Mirande for country and western. Condom also hosts the local bandas festival during May. All these festivals host their own website for further information.

The area is well known for it's wines and there are a number of vineyards in the area, many offering tours and tastings.

The local markets are a hive of activity and many towns also hold a night market twice monthly in July and August where you can eat and drink alfresco with the local people.  The multitude of restaurants offer the local Gascon specialities and are excellent value for money.

We are located close to the villages of Aignan and Lupiac (the birth place of the musketeer D'artagnan) both villages having lakes with beaches and bar/restaurants. The lakeside bar at Lupiac has a calendar of events during the summer months and can be a lively place in the evenings. The lake at Aignan has the Parc Acrobatique Forestier open during the summer months, a series of rope walks and climbs through the trees - for the more adventurous

The magestic Pyrenees are but one and a half hours drive, as is France's west coast.

 

Places to visit in the Gers

Marciac Founded in the 13th century this very lively town
is famous across the globe for its August jazz festival (website link) and a number of musical events throughout the year. Its beautiful square in the centre is surrounded by arcades and is home to the church which boasts the highest clocktower in the Gers.
The nearby lake is a major attraction to holidaymakers visiting the area.

 

Auch The capital of the Gers department. It's old town which stands overlooking the Gers river is well worth exploring with the main attraction being the cathedral. The Cathedrale Ste-Marie wasn’t finished until late seventeenth century and was built in a late Gothic style. Auch is also home to the famous statue of d’Artagnan, the fourth musketeer of the three musketeers created by Alexandre Dumas.

 

Mirande Located on the banks of the Baise,  Mirande is one of
the biggest bastide towns of the southern Gers. The large porch tower of the church is the main attraction. With its beautiful bandstand situated in the centre, the large square is surrounded by arcades in a warm yellowish stone.   The town is also the venue for the country music festival (website link) held in the month of July.

VicFezensac 20 minutes drive from Perruchet, the home of a large weekly market, twice-monthly night market and the lively July tempo-latino festival (website link)

Lupiac As the birthplace of d'Artagnan, the fourth musketeer, this local picturesque village hosts the 2-day festival of d'Artagnan (website link) which takes place in authentic period costume.   Also visit the Museum d'Artagnan and Lupiac's beautiful lake with beach and bar/restaurant La Guinguette (website link).