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Gascony, France tourist information

The Gers department of France is located in the heart of the Midi-Pyrenees region, south of the Lot-et-Garonne (Aquitaine) and north of Haute-Garonne and the Hautes-Pyrenees.

For purposes of tourism however the ancient name of Gascony is used more widely than Gers. Gascony was historically the region of France that covered most of the area to the south-west of a line joining Bordeaux, Agen and Toulouse - ie the western part of the modern Midi-Pyrenees, and the coastal section of Aquitaine.The name Gascony was officially abandoned following the Revolution, but the Gers department has used the name widely for itself for travel purposes - so for this travel guide the names Gers and Gascony are treated as the same thing although this is not strictly correct.

Incidentally we see the same trend with the ancient regions of Perigord (roughly the current Dordogne department) and Quercy (approximates to the current Lot department) - the two region names no longer exist for administrative reasons but are widely used for tourism.

The Gascony region is one of rolling countryside, of low-key agriculture and fields of sunflowers, of quiet roads and peaceful moments.There are few great historical monuments in the department, but it is an ideal destination for enjoying unspoiled countryside and for relaxing away from the tourist crowds. The population destiny is very low and the quality of life very high - in part due to the high standard and reputation of the local produce, including foie gras and local cheeses.

The largest towns in the department include Auch, the 'capital' of the Gers department, Condom and Fleurance. The name of the town Condom causes such amusement to overseas visitors that the town has opened a museum celebrating contraception, although there is no real historical link with the town!

Larressingle, Gascony

The cluster of classified most beautiful villages that includes Montreal-du-Gers, also Fources and Larressingle (a mini version of Carcassonne) makes for one of the highlights of a visit to Gascony.

Lectoure is also in Gers and is a lively market town.

 

Visit Gascony, France - travel information

Map of Gascony & Midi-Pyrenees, France