Gascony is the France of old: bastides, markets, vineyards and food to dream about. Everything below is less than an hour from the house.
We live here all year round and know the area well. This is our personal selection — with links to the official websites so opening hours and prices are always up to date. Feel free to ask us for more tips when you’re here.
Montréal du Gers is the oldest bastide in Gascony, with an arcaded square, a Friday market and views over the valley. Three of the Plus Beaux Villages de France are a fifteen-minute drive away.
One of the largest Roman villas in south-west France, with 625 m² of beautifully preserved mosaics and Roman baths. Within walking distance of the house.
France’s only circular bastide village: half-timbered houses around a round square lined with plane trees, a castle on the river and, every April, the flower market.
‘The little Carcassonne of the Gers’: a 13th-century fortified village within intact walls, with a castle, a church and a medieval siege camp for the kids.
Capital of the Ténarèze with the Gothic Saint-Pierre cathedral, the statue of the four musketeers, terraces along the Baïse and the Sunday market.
One of the best-preserved Cistercian abbeys in south-west France (12th century), with cloister, herb garden and changing art exhibitions.
Eauze, the Roman capital Elusa, with the Domus de Cieutat and the gold treasure in the archaeological museum. In Lupiac, d’Artagnan’s birthplace, the museum tells the real story behind the musketeer.
Around Montréal lie the vineyards of the Côtes de Gascogne and Armagnac, France’s oldest brandy. The estates are happy to welcome you for a tour and a tasting — usually free, and the bottle you take home costs a fraction of what you’d pay back home.
Duck in all its forms, foie gras, croustade and a glass of Floc as an aperitif. Book ahead in high season: the good places fill up fast.
On the arcaded square of the bastide. Traditional Gascon cooking, a terrace under the arches, and perfect on Fridays after the market.
The village’s second address: relaxed, with a daily menu and a terrace. Handy for a quick lunch.
Eat on the round square under the plane trees, in one of France’s most beautiful villages. Regional cooking with a modern touch.
At the foot of the ramparts. Classic Gascon dishes, listed in the Gault&Millau.
Farm inn with its own duck farm: foie gras, confit and magret done properly, at long tables. Highly recommended.
Almost every village has its café-restaurant with a menu du jour at a gentle price. Ask us about our latest discoveries.
The market is the social event of the week. Buy cheese, melons, rotisserie chicken and fresh vegetables, then have a coffee on the square.
Hire an (electric) bike in the village, with mapped routes past bastides and wine estates, or book a guided day tour.
The GR65 (Camino de Santiago) passes through Montréal. Around the village, dozens of waymarked loops run through vineyards and sunflower fields — maps are in the house.
Lake with a sandy beach, supervised swimming area, pedalos and a 6 km path around the water. The ideal day out with kids.
Thermal spa with indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and massages. Perfect for a rainy day or simply to relax.
Hire a boat without a licence or take a gabarre cruise from Nérac, the town of Henri IV.
One of Europe’s biggest jazz festivals, with free concerts on the square and a huge marquee. For two weeks.
All under two hours’ drive — and back in the pool by evening.
See the house or ask for your dates right away. We’ll gladly give you more tips when you’re here.