Cycling in Gers : between historical sites and Armagnac vineyards

Arrival in Auch, capital of Gascony, land of the musketeers and of d'Artagnan. Stroll to discover the city: overlooking the city and the river Gers, the unique architectural ensemble of the Tour d'Armagnac and Ste-Marie Cathedral (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are reminders that the city is a major stop on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Duration: 2h of walking 

Leaving the town, the day's route leads to Montégut, from where the panorama over the hills opens up, then on to the village of Montaut les Créneaux, which has kept many traces of its medieval past.  The views of the Pyrenees are magnificent. After a visit to the castle of Latour, you plunge back into the Gers valley and reach the town of Fleurance, a 13th century bastide. Distance: 35 km, duration : approximately 4h, ascent : +400m, descent : -450m

During this stage in the heart of the Lomagne area, a stop in the superb village of Saint-Clar is a must: this village is renowned for its main square where a 13th-century wooden hall is standing. Saint-Clar was built around this square and offers an untouched medieval architecture, with many half-timbered houses. On Thursdays a market takes place on the square, that also welcomes various festivities related to garlic, which is Lomagne's speciality (possibility to visit the House of Garlic). Your journey then leads you to Lectoure, a fortified town that stretches out on a rocky outcrop. The cathedral and the bishop's palace are the most impressive monuments of the town. Distance: 37 km, duration: approximately 4h, ascent: +550m, descent: -450m OR Distance: 57km, duration: approximately 6h, ascent: +700m, descent: -600m

A day where heritage is highlighted, with the collegiate church of La Romieu and the abbey of Flaran, both of which are classified as World Heritage sites by UNESCO. You should also pay attention to Castelnau-Lectourois, Lagarde and its castle perched above the Archie valley, or the castle of Tauzia. Passing through the village of Cassaigne, a visit to the cellars and the eponymous castle is a must. The final stretch towards Condom will be on the "Voie verte de l'Armagnac", a cycle route which nowadays replaces the old railway line linking Condom to Eauze. Distance : 35km, duration : approximately 4h, ascent : +500m, descent : -600m OR Distance : 59,5km, duration : approximately 6h, ascent : +600m, descent : -700m

Today, we will visit the trio of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" in the Gers: Larressingle, which stands with its ramparts in the middle of the vineyards and whose houses grouped around the keep castle have preserved their mullioned windows and arched doorways; Fourcès, a round bastide with half-timbered houses and arches; and Montréal du Gers, the first Gascon bastide, created on a rocky spur and where the Gothic church is partly fortified. At the end of the day, you will also discover Eauze, a powerful Gallo-Roman capital whose territory stretched from Bordeaux to Toulouse and up to the Pyrenees! Distance : 38,5km, duration : approximately 4h, ascent : +400m, descent : -300m OR Distance : 46km, duration : approximately 5h, ascent : +450m, descent : -350m

This last section is full of surprises! Especially the village of Lavardens, overlooked by its castle, between earth and sky... It was saved from destruction by an association in the 20th century, and nowadays it is a cultural landmark of the Gers region with exhibitions highlighted by this historical setting. Today you will also have the opportunity to discover the pretty villages of Jégun, Ordan-Larroque, Roquelaure but also the thermal resort of Castéra-Verduzan and its sulphurous springs. Distance : 37,5km, duration : approximately 4h, ascent : +600m, descent : -550m OR Distance : 62km, duration : approximately 6h, ascent : +750m, descent : -700m