We
are here to help our guests make the best of their precious holiday
time. If you are flying in to one of the five international airports
that are within 2½ hours of Valance sur Baïse, we will e-mail you an
itinerary to help you find us as easily as possible.
We will be pleased to tell you what we know about this delightful part
of France and make recommendations about how best to enjoy its fabulous
countryside.
We can provide you with planned sightseeing circuits together with
background information and suggested visits. We can recommend
restaurants, places to visit, suggest tours of other Bastide towns and
villages, offer information about Armagnac and its vineyards, and
inform you about local events, festivals and more.
We can even, for a small charge, prepare a picnic hamper for your day out.
Please let us know how we can help you get the most from your visit to the Gers.
Here are some of the places to visit in the Gers and the neighbouring department of Lot et Garonne
The Château de Cassaigne dates from the 13th century and was the
residence of the Bishops of Condom. Highlights include the fascinating
16th century kitchen, an 18th century chai with its Armagnac ageing in
oak barrels and a pleasant walk in the gardens.
Château Monluc (8 km)
The birthplace of pousse rapière the Armagnac and orange cocktail which
is added to sparkling wine and drunk as an aperitif. Visit the cellars
and tour the castle in St Puy which dates back to 10th century.
Château de Busca-Maniban (9 km)
Built by Thomas de Maniban in 1649 this is one of the finest 17th
century Gascon châteaux with its majestic staircase, guard and armoury
room, chapel, Italian room and the gardens, and taste the estate's
Armagnac made in the oldest distillery in Armagnac.
The smallest fortified mediaeval village in France dating from the 13th
century with its moat, walls and château, Larressingle is often called
Gers 'petit Carcassonne'. There is a Roman church, a small museum
evoking life in the Middle Ages as well as the display of mediaeval
fighting machines.
By the 12th century Lavardens was the principal residence and
stronghold of the Counts of Armagnac. Dismantled by Charles VIII after
a siege in 1496, a new castle was started in 1620. This imposing
building was however never completed. After the revolution it was
divided between 12 families and gradually fell into disrepair. In
recent years enthusiasts have begun restoration and now the château
holds excellent exhibitions in the summer months.
Chateau Miramont-Latour (34 km)
13th century castle with kitchen, bread oven, cellars, invention room
plus agricultural museum, pigeonier and 17th century altarpiece.
La Tour de Termes d'Armagnac (55 km)
Only the north facade and 13th century military tower of this once
magnificent château built for Jean, Comte d'Armagnac, remain.
Interesting museum of mediaeval Gascon life and regular spectacles are
organized through the summer.
Only the north facade and 13th century military tower of this once magnificent château built for Jean, Comte d'Armagnac, remain. Interesting museum of mediaeval Gascon life and regular spectacles are organized through the summer.
The Abbey is the finest example of a Cistercian monastery in South West
France. Dating back to 1115, the rooms and gardens are a popular
attraction and occasionally hold major exhibitions. Originally serving
as a Daughter-House of the Moribond Order, the Abbey figured
prominently in the Hundred Years War and as a pilgrims' halt on the
road to Compostella, although its religious vocation ended with the
French Revolution.
Built by Cardinal Arnaud d'Aux in 1312 the Collégiale Saint Pierre and
its cloisters stands at the crossroads of the two major pilgrimage
routes to Santiago de Compostella in the Gers. The cloisters, church
and towers are designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The capital of the Ténarèze and commercial centre of the Armagnac
region, Condom is an attractive town with a long history. At its heart
is the gothic cathedral of St Pierre with its 16th century cloisters.
Surrounding it is a large number of 18th century merchants' houses and
palaces. The main street the rue Gambetta has a selection of shops and
boutiques as well as a number of delicatessens selling the finest
regional produce. The tourist office offers a number of recommended
walks and background leaflets are available. Boats can be hired on the
river and there are regular pleasure cruises, through the locks and
lunchtime dining cruises in the summer.
A former Gallo-Roman city, the capital of Gascony and the Gers takes
pride in its vast and well-preserved architectural heritage.
The Sainte-Marie Cathedral at the heart of the old town was built between
the 15th and 18th centuries with marvellous stained glass windows by
Arnaud de Moles and an incredible choir sculpted with 1500 characters.
The Tour d'Armagnac was the 14th century prison. Auch is the home town
of d'Artagnan of Three Musketeers fame-his statue can be found on the
monumental staircase with its 370 steps joining the old town and river.
As do the picturesque 'Pousterles', the steep, narrow lanes built in
the Middle Ages to fetch water.
To the left of the cathedral, the main shopping street is pedestrianised
and runs along the contours of the hill. The tourist office is on the
corner from where you can obtain a list of recommended walks around
Auch. There are a good range of boutiques, gourmet and delicatessen
shops and an array of cafes and tea houses. Turn right at the end of
the street and follow the road downhill and across the river to the
second shopping area where there are a number of perfumeries and an
excellent book shop. Throughout the year local artisans and speciality
food producers market their wares in the Maison de Gascogne, the former
19th century market square.
Eauze (26 km)
The drive to Eauze passes through numerous vineyards and there are
signposts to domains, where you can taste and buy the local wines. The
best day to visit Eauze is Thursday when there is one of the best
markets in the region-fabulous vegetables, plants and flowers, cheeses
and spices, tablecloths and quilts, musical instruments and more.
Founded by the Romans as Elusa, the fantastic Treasure of Eauze was
unearthed on the site of the old city and is on display in the town's
archeological museum. Eauze is also the centre of Bas Armagnac which
has the reputation of producing the finest of these eaux de vie, smooth
and with a fine 'nose' of prunes. Eauze was also an important stop on
the 'Rue St Jacques' and the Cathedral of St Luperc dominates the town.
An ancient Bastide town with its unique main square at the centre of
which lies La Halle, an imposing vaulted market place supported by
stone pillars. There have been three similar market places on this
site, the last built in 19th century and supporting the town hall and
representing the strength of civil power over the church. The statue
fountains in the corners represent the four seasons. The gothic-styled
Saint Laurent church was founded in 13th century and is almost built to
cathedral proportions with a fine organ and stained glass windows in
Renaissance style.
Sitting
astride a hilltop with commanding views over the Gers countryside it is
easy to see why Lectoure started as a Gallo-Roman city and became the
military stronghold of the Counts of Armagnac. In the Middle Ages they
built the 2.7 km of ramparts and fortifications, the impressive
cathedral and religious buildings and mansions, which constitute a rich
architectural legacy and give Lectoure its reputation as a town of art
and culture. It possesses one of the oldest museums in France, housed
in the cellars of the Bishop's Palace with a unique collection of
ritualistic paraphernalia depicting ancient bull sacrifices. The
thermal springs have given rise to the development of an impressive new
health and spa centre. Lectoure is proud of its gastronomy. The Hôtel
de Bastard is considered to have one of the finest kitchens in the
Gers. In addition, the region's melons are considered the best for
sweetness and taste and each year, during la Fête du Melon, 2,500
people are fed in the streets.
The seemingly sleepy market town of Vic Fezensac has a reputation for
throwing some of the best parties in France. Its festivals are
legendary, the Pentecost bullfights and 'courses landaises' with bandas
music and dancing, the Latin American music festival, Vic's summer
night markets and more. It's a town of Armagnacs, wines and flocs, fine
Gascon fare and a warm friendly welcome.
Mirande (45 km)
A 13th century 'bastide' on the pilgrims' route to Santiago de
Compostella. Built in the first years of the 15th century, its
cathedral sits beside the pilgrims' route which passes through a fine
gateway adjacent to the bell tower. Mirande's museum, one of the most
important in Gascony, features collections of 17th, 18th, and 19th
century paintings and decorative faience. Mirande hosts the annual
country and western festival in July.
In the neighbouring department of Lot et Garonne, Nérac too was a Gallo
Roman city, but it really flourished during the second half of the 16th
century when Marguerite of Angeloume, Jean d'Albret and then his son
Henri of Navarre, the future King Henri IV who was to unite France
after the Holy Wars, set up court here. The château overlooking the
River Baïse became an intellectual centre visited by writers, poets,
and musicians, as well as a political capital with diplomats and
knights. The château and the Church of Saint Nicolas should be visited.
A visit to the Saturday market is recommended, followed by a stroll
through the Parc de Garenne and the Jardins de Roy. Enjoy a lunch at
the old port where there are a number of restaurants with sunny
terraces beside the river.
The department capital of the Lot et Garonne, Agen lies alongside the
River Garonne approximately halfway between Bordeaux and Toulouse. It
has an excellent shopping centre, a number of good restaurants and some
interesting sights like the canal bridge, the Gravier - the promenade
beside the river with its fine houses - and the Bishop's Palace, now
the Préfecture and Agen Fine Arts Museum. Agen Rugby Club is one of
France 's most successful teams. On the outskirts the Walibi amusement
park has great rides and attractions.
Built atop an ancient hill-fort, Montréal is one of Gascony 's earliest
bastides. Among the many well-preserved sites of architectural interest
are a lovely 13th century church aligned with the ramparts of the
village, an arcaded square, and picturesque lanes. Just outside the
town, at Séviac, is the largest and most luxurious Gallo-Roman villa
(4th century) in South West France.
This unique bastide was erected by the brother of Saint-Louis, King of
France, and built with a circular marketplace. Very pretty with its
colombages (half-timbered) houses, mediaeval castle, clock tower,
little museum, antique shops and a cafe and restaurant offering
vegetarian dishes. The château is the place to treat yourself to a
special lunch.
The original settlement was based on the founding of the church of Sainte
Candide in the 11th century. The bastide to the west of the church was
begun in 1180 by Bernard IV, Count of Armagnac, and consists of four
parallel streets enclosed by a wall (now destroyed) with four gates.
The annual carnival and masked ball at the end of March/early April and
the wine fair in August are the villages premier events.
Just a small village (population 846) but with an enormous array of
leisure facilities - thermal baths and treatment centre, parks and
gardens, a swimming lake, horse-racing track, restaurants and a casino.
This ancient castelnau, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Gers
countryside, is a magical village. In the 'belle saison' its magnificent
floral displays must make it the most floral village in the
Midi-Pyrénées. Founded in Roman times, Ordan Larroque has a tranquil
air-stroll through the narrow streets discovering the heritage f the buildings and the well-preserved ancienthouses. There is a small archeological museum and the Lou Kinou restaurant is a good lunch stop.
A typical Gersois village standing on a hill overlooking the valley of
the Auvignon. Fortified during the Hundred Years War with a 13th
century church, it has a long but generally peaceful history. A 'four
flower' village fleuri it is a delight to wander around during the
summer months with its scented walks and flower-lined streets.
Séviac Gallo-Roman Villa - Montréal
Archeological museum - Lectoure
Bleu de Pastel (The story of woad) - Lectoure
Ecomuseum of Gascon Life - Toujon
The Treasure of Eauze
Jazz Museum - Marciac
Fine Arts Museum - Mirande
D'Artagnan Museum - Lupiac
Jacobin Museum - Auch Armagnac Museum - Condom
Museum of the Preservatif (June - September) - Condom
Musée d'Art Naïf - Château d'Ensoulès Bérault - an excellent original collection of naïve art from around the world.
The City of Space - Toulouse
The Airbus Plant - Toulouse
Created in 1974, the gardens house over 700 well-labelled species of
trees and shrubs as well as the recently opened medicinal and aromatic
plant garden.
An interesting display of carnivorous herbs and plants.
Travelling Futher Afield
There are an enormous number of places of interest within a 3 hour drive of
Valence sur Baïse; here are just a few ideas for a full day out with
the approximate driving times.
Ancient centre of the Cathar heresy - sites to see include Ste Cecile Cathedral, the world's largest brick building, the cloisters of St Salvy, the Berbie palace and gardens, the old bridge and mills by the Tarn, the Lapérouse and Toulouse-Lautrec museums.
Home of the bayonet and Bayonne ham -cathedral city with cloisters, ramparts, ancient half timbered houses, canals, good Basque museum and still important port.
Straddling the River Garonne, historic Bordeaux derives its wealth from the wine trade which funded its numerous important buildings like the cathedral and basilicas. Good shopping around the place des Grands Hommes, excellent restaurants and wine bars.
Capital of Quercy, built on a meander on the River Lot, still retains numerous buildings from its rich past including the impressive Pont Valentré and a medieval maze of alleys and lanes with merchants houses and St Etienne cathedral. Known for its intense 'black' wines, truffles and walnuts.
Magnificent walled city since early times its fortifications have been manned through the centuries by Romans, Gauls, Visigoths, Arabs, Cathars, Crusaders and Charlemagne. Totally restored in the 19th century it is perhaps the finest remaining example of a fortified medieval town.
1,000 year old wine city on the banks of the Tarn, see St Michel Abbey, les Quais St Jacques, the medieval heart at the Place Thiers and Place aux Arcades with its 16th century fountain and stroll the Parc Foucaud, 5 hectares of French and Italianate gardens beside the river.
Capital of the Béarn, birthplace of Henri IV, whose castle stands at one end of the Boulevard des Pyrénees which has great views of the mountains. Popularised by the British aristocracy in the early 19th century who built impressive villas and numerous parks and gardens. Visit the Musée de Beaux Arts and enjoy the good range of shops and restaurants.
Centre of the European Space and aeronautics industry, home to Airbus and Space city. Known as the pink city for the way its buildings light up with the setting sun. The Eglise de Jacobins, the Cathedral and the Pont Neuf across the Garonne should not be missed. Browse the daily market in the huge Place du Capitole lined with cafes and restaurants.
Spend a day in the mountains, spectacular scenery, fresh mountain air, forests, mountain pastures, sleepy villages and one of France's most visited towns.
Lourdes was just a small market town when on 11 February 1858 Bernadette 'met' the lady that changed it forever. Today 5 million visitors a year visit Lourdes from all around the world. See the grotto and basilica, numerous museums, very commercialised.
Arreau marks the north east corner of this spectacular park stretching 100 km west to east. The Néouvielle Nature Reserve in the Aure valley is a place to see, take the spectacular scenic Route des Lacs (D929) after St-Lary.
Nearest town across the border is Vielha (2hr 40), an attractive spot with a fair range of shops, sitting in the Aran Valley at the base of the Baqueira skiing area.
