The French Toscane is a popular term used for the Gers in the Midi Pyrinees. The beautiful undulating countryside with hidden castles and characteristic villages with their gourmand markets are an ideal spot to discover 'France where time stood still'. Situated in the heart of Gascony with summer markets, festivals, fetes gourmandes, restaurants. In the middle of the agricultural lands one witnesses the farmer at work and preparing the local produce of Foi Gras, sausicon, honey, vin de pays, garlic and excellent Jambons. Apparently the rich food of the Gers contributes to the longevity of its inhabitants, in particular Armagnac and Foie Gras. The countryside provides sunny, wooded valleys, once providing refuge for the pilgrims en route to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. Nowadays, sport and leisure is high on the agenda here, not least in the myriad of lakes and rivers. The region is still steeped in bullfighting tradition. Vic-Fezensac attracts millions of visitors a year to its huge wooden arena. Finally, the thermal springs are renowned for their therapeutic qualities and well worth the visit! Days Out in Gers >> Auch - a tour of the Musee des Jacobins will uncover a treasure trove of items seized from the Revolution The Gothic Cathedrale Ste-Marie was one of the last cathedrals to be built in France. >> Condom - find out what the difference is between Cognac and Armagnac at the Musee de L'Armagnac >> Larressingle - a tiny fortified village which has retained much of its former charm. The ramparts and ruins of the 'donjon' or defence tower show what life must have been like for its inhabitants who lived with the daily threat of war Activities in the Gers The surrounding area provides a wide variety of places to visit for day trips. Nearby are lakes, many with sandy beaches, offering child and teenage friendly water-based activities. Other possibilities include: Museums, such as the local Honey Museum Ancient Chateaux to visit Exquisite restaurants Floc and Armagnac tasting Local museums and Abbeys Lakes (Bases de Loisirs) for swimming, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, etc. Open air markets Night markets in the summer Many local festivals, including evening meals under the stars and dancing in the village squares (the local Saint-Clar garlic festival in August is typical) Classical concerts The internationally famous Jazz Festival at Marciac in August Boating and canoeing on the Baise river Walking (for example, along the route of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle) Tennis Horse riding Golf (Fleurance, one of six golf courses in the Gers, is ten minutes away) Cycling (Bike hire details through various Offices de Tourisme) Thermal cures Brocante (antique shops) and flea markets Day trips could include: Atlantic Coast (Arcachon, Biarritz, etc.), the stunning medieval brick city of Toulouse, Bordeaux, a drive to the Lourdes in the Pyrenees, the Dordogne and Lot rivers and surrounding areas Further information and more details of the above, including dates of festivals, markets, maps, location of bike hire etc. can be found at the various 'Offices de Tourisme' or 'Syndicats d'Initiative' in the local towns and villages. History of the Gers In 1790, the Département of Gers was formed in the hilly Armagnac region of southwestern France from the old province of Gascony. Gers is bordered by the département of Lot-et-Garonne [region of Aquitaine] to the north, Tarn-et-Garonne to the northeast, Haute-Garonne to the east and southeast, Hautes-Pyrénées to the south, and Landes [region of Aquitaine] to the east. The Gers River bisects the département from souch to north and passes through its capital of Auch. Gers is one of France’s richest agricultural areas. There are fruit orchards, vineyards, cereal cultivation and cattle raising. It is here that Armagnac, a type of brandy, is distilled. During the Hundred Years' War, both the French and English kings built castles along the frontier that was established in the late 13th century. For more information: www.french-at-a-touch.com