Under its "tourisme vert" banner, Gers département in Gascony attracts visitors for its wonderful landscapes, breathtaking views for the artist, fresh air for all the family, sun and shade, peace and tranquility, and village markets providing fine local produce to create those famous French dishes. And "la ville rose" Toulouse, France's 4th largest city, is just half an hour away, with its limitless shopping and facilities, the Garonne river and le Canal du Midi.
Tourist offices
Most French towns have a tourist information website, some with pages available in several languages. They are invaluable in particular for finding out about the vast array of local events taking place during your stay, but also for addresses and contact details of facilities and activities.
Owners' suggestions
Here are a few ideas about combining some activities when out and about in Gers or neighbouring départements in Midi-Pyrénées. Then in later sections below you'll find activities grouped together by theme (sports & leisure, restaurants, and so on).
Closest markets
Gimont's main market takes place every Wednesday under its superb 14th century halle. Right next to it is the Canton museum (open mid-July to mid-August, other times by appointment), and visit the little 'foie gras' museum on the first floor of the Ducs de Gascogne restaurant, then go back downstairs for lunch or dinner. On Sundays from the autumn through to spring is also the foie gras market.
L'Isle Jourdain is fast becoming the 2nd largest town in Gers, and its Saturday market takes over the entire town centre - bar refreshments await at Le Joug, with restaurant on the 1st floor.
Town centre facilities (shops, banks, etc) in Gimont and L'Isle Jourdain shut on Monday, which is another reason why you should think of visiting...
Samatan
Every Monday morning, here is one of the largest markets in Gers, stalls for everything from fresh produce to wine, fowl, clothing, music, art. From the autumn through to spring it also hosts the acclaimed foie gras market. Refreshments at the Bar de la Fontaine, the most popular rendez-vous spot. A great place then to have lunch is Côté Sud restaurant, but you must book in advance. If you need more shopping, Intermarché at Lombez (2 km) has just about everything. When in Lombez, don't miss the Cathédrale de Ste Marie?
Summertime music
The Jazz in Marciac (JIM) festival in August attracts artists great and small from the world over - evening concerts usually require advance booking, whilst free musical entertainment continues throughout the day in the town square, superbly complemented by market stalls, outdoor restaurants and a host of bars. JIM also now boasts a year-round events and masterclasses programme. Other events include the Country & Western festival in Mirande, the Latino festival in Vic Fezensac, the Bandas in Condom... Combine any of these with some gentle river trips on the Baïse or visits to the cool interiors of Flaran Abbey (and its many art exhibitions) and Auch Cathedral, or the vineyards of Chiroulet, Montus, Fezas...
A spa treat
Midi-Pyrénées has more natural spa centres than any other region in France. Most départements have at least one spa centre (Gers has four), but a trip towards the mountains can combine this with underground rivertrips and Cathare strongholds (Foix/Ax-les-Thermes direction), skiing and Spanish pottery (Luchon/Bossost direction), or even combine the Tour de France with mounrtain lakes and streams!
Outstanding natural beatuy
The Pyrénées mountain range is an incredible coast-to-coast curtain between France and Spain (and home to Andorra). A one day or overnight visit could combine many different activities, but the Unesco site at Le Cirque de Gavarnie (near Lourdes) is exceptional. Link this with visiting Lourdes, attractive golf courses (Lourdes, Bigorre), the Pic du Midi observatory (accessed by cable car with stunning views), or even a hop over into Spain.
Toulouse, La Ville Rose
The indoor Victor Hugo market is a sensory feast, open every morning, with great inexpensive restaurants on the 1st floor for lunch - multi-storey parking is directly above. The city centre is very attractive, compact and easy to walk around, with every imaginable type of shop and service. Combine shopping with visits to galleries, museums and cathedrals, or to the Space City and Airbus, a top division rugby or football match, or even a trip on the Garonne river and the Canal du Midi.