Founded in the 14th century by the Cardinal Arnaud d'Aux, La Romieu Collegiate Church is a magnificent example of southern European gothic architecture. A stopping point on the Way of St. James, the Collegiate Church of St. Peter, a listed Historic Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, forms a remarkable whole, with its single nave church, two imposing towers, sacristy adorned with polychromatic frescoes from the 14th century, cloister with geminated arcades and garden... Visitors can also enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the village and the Gers countryside from the belvedere of the octagonal tower.

Around the central square in La Romieu, there are several lovely cat sculptures to discover! The legend of Angéline has it that cats, who are honoured by statues here, saved villagers from famine by chasing rats away from village...

Nestling at the heart of Gascony, near to the village of La Romieu and its famous collegiate church, the Coursiana Gardens, created in 1974 by the botanist Gilbert Cours-Darne, form a wonderful planted group.

Open to the public from mid-April to late October, his six-hectare estate, a listed Remarkable Garden, offers four superb gardens to discover: a family kitchen garden, an English-style garden, an arboretum with 700 rare varieties of trees and shrubs from the five continents, and a garden of medicinal, aromatic and fragrant plants have plenty to enchant lovers of plants and flowers! A haven of peace and colour to be enjoyed on a leisurely stroll...

The capital of Armagnac, a former episcopal town and sub-prefecture, is the welcoming small town of Condom. Located at the heart of Gascony on the banks of the River Baïse, it offers visitors a rich built heritage. This includes elegant 18th century private mansions such as those of Polignac and Cugnac, the old Cathedral of St. Peter from the 16th century, and a superb cloister in the flamboyant gothic style.

Lovers of the famous wine brandy should make sure they pay a visit fo the Armagnac Museum. Based in the outbuildings of the former episcopal palace, it tells the story of the various stages of the Armagnac production cycle through its collection of wine-producing utensils. In a similar vein, the House of Ryst-Dupeyron, located in the Hotel de Cugnac, offers a slideshow about Armagnac and a tour of its hundred-year-old cellars.

An old Gallo-Roman town, the main residence of the Counts of Armagnac in the Middle Ages and a former bishop's palace, the little town of Lectoure is located at the heart of Gers Lomagne and offers a rich heritage as a reminder of its glorious past.

The 15th and 17th-century cathedral of St. Gervais and St. Protais with its museum of sacred art, the former episcopal palace – now the headquarters of the town hall – and its pleasant Chestnut Tree Garden, Rue Nationale lined with private mansions, the Fountain of Diana, an ancient fountain and restored in the 13th century, and the medieval ramparts of the town are among the riches to discover on a tour of the area. Other unmissable sights include the Bastion Promenade and its beautiful panoramic view of the Gers Valley and the Pyrenees!

The lapidary museum based in the vaulted cellars of the town hall contains collections of Gallo-Roman archaeology, including a superb set of altars dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries!

In the heart of the Gers, a tourist region par excellence, the thermal centre of Lectoure invites curists and people in search of relaxation to real moments of well-being.

Known as the Little Carcassonne of Gers, the village of Larressingle, listed as one of the most beautiful in the country, is the smallest fortified village in France!

Nestling amid the vines, at the heart of the famous Armagnac region, this former residence of the Bishops of Condom, of which a 13th-century castle keep still remains, is a remarkable example of medieval architecture. Surrounded by ramparts and trenches, many reminders of the past are tucked away in this adorable village.

Once visitors cross its little stone bridge and step through its fortified door, they are enchanted to discover a magnificently restored group of buildings. A series of crenellated towers and beautiful houses with elaborate façades, mullion windows and arched doors will delight lovers of old buildings. Next to the castle keep, the fortified Romanesque church with two naves contains some attractive contemporary stained glass windows.

The Pilgrim's Stop museum is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience everyday life in the Middle Ages. The place tells the story of the village during the Hundred Years' War through characters in period costume.

At the approach to the fortified town, don't miss the medieval siege camp and its war machines. From March to November it offers archery demonstrations as well as activities for children and adults!

Located at the confluence of the Baïse and Auloue rivers in the district of Valence-sur-Baïse, the former Cistercian abbey of Flaran, which was founded in 1151 by the monks of Escaladieu Abbey and then underwent alteration work until the 18th century, now houses Gers' departmental cultural centre.

A visit to this remarkable group of buildings, which is listed as a Historic Monument, provides a chance to discover the Romanesque church, the gothic cloister, the chapterhouse and its marble colums, the prior's apartment, the monks' refectory, the kitchen and the charming garden of aromatic and medicinal plants. You can learn more about the area at the two permanent exhibitions, one on the Way of St. James in Gers and the other on the history of the abbey.

A wide range of activities and cultural events are on offer all year round.

Notre-Dame de Moirax church, the remains of a old Cluniac priory founded in 1049, is a marvel of Romanesque art (11th and 12th centuries).

Admire the sculptures that decorate the facade and the chevet first, then enter the building to see the fine set of capitals carved with plant and animal motifs, and the wonderful stalls and carved wood panels produced at the end of the 17th century by sculptor Jean Tournier.

The fortified village of Fleurance, founded in the 13th century, has a central square with arcades and a beautiful 19th-century covered market hall in the middle. Now the headquarters of the town hall, the latter is decorated at each end with pretty fountain statues representing the four seasons.

Also worth a look is the Church of St. Laurent, in the Southern European gothic style, crowned by an octagonal Toulouse-type bell tower. Once inside, don't miss the three magnificent Renaissance stained glass windows by the artist Arnaud de Moles, located in the apse.

This old castle village, today listed among the most beautiful villages of France, is a charming fortified village in an unusual circular shape. In the shade of the plane trees, its round village square is ideal for a stroll and is surrounded by picturesque old arcade houses. Fourcès also has pretty side streets, a little square called Place des Cornières, a Clocktower, a 15th-century castle and a medieval bridge over the Auzoue.

Each year in the last weekend of April, a large and colourful flower market brightens up the central square in Fourcès.

The fortified medieval and Renaissance town of Nérac, the capital of the Albret region, nestles on the banks of the Baïse and is bursting with picturesque charm. The historic quarter forms a particularly harmonious scene with its old houses, river banks and Gothic bridge spanning the Baïse. Other must-see places of interest include Rue Séderie for its pretty half-timbered facades, the Renaissance town house Maison de Sully and the elegant Henry IV château and museum.

Once the stronghold of the Lords of Albret, then home to the future King Henry IV and his wife Queen Margot from 1577 to 1582, the Château de Nérac (built 14th to 16th centuries) has preserved a Renaissance wing with a splendid gallery from its days as a seigneurial dwelling. Inside is a museum devoted to the Albret family and Henry IV, as well as archaeology collections originating from the Pays d'Albret area.

Fans of romantic walks must head to the banks of the Baïse for a stroll among the fountains, statues and centuries-old trees in the charming Garenne royal park.

To prolong the pleasure and explore the river banks from a different angle, there's nothing quite like a trip on a traditional boat down the Baïse, departing from Nérac harbour master's office.

A very colourful and tasty traditional market takes place there every Saturday morning and is a must for all fans of local produce. A feast for the eyes and the palate!

Standing at the edge of Gers, at the heart of Lomagne, Gramont Castle towers over a charming little village full of stone houses. Once the property of Simon de Montfort, leader of the crusade against the Albigensians, this elegant residence is now run by the centre for national monuments. Reminders of its past include a fortified mediaeval tower, a gatehouse in the Gothic style, and a Renaissance wing with mullioned windows. Inside is a range of art objects and period furniture.

A French-style garden and beautiful views over the hills of Lomagne complete the tour.

The summer calendar includes a music festival and exhibitions.

Nestling at the heart of Lomagne, the fortified village of Saint-Clar has the particularity of featuring two squares with arcades: Place de la Mairie, in the middle of which stands a picturesque 13th-century covered market hall, and Place de la République, to the north of which the neo-gothic Church of St. Clair has pride of place.

The tour of the area continues with a look at the castle village, with its old church crowned with a beautiful bell, its old timber-framed houses, and its charming four seasons garden.

Lomagne white garlic, a speciality of Saint-Clar, is celebrated every year at the Thursday morning market (on the stalls from July to December), and at the Garlic Festival and Garlic Contest that take place in August. The House of Garlic, open from June to October and based on a typical farm in the hamlet of Barban, contains an exhibition on the history and culture of garlic.

The former military capital of the Counts of Armagnac, the imposing Lavardens Castle is surrounded by a picturesque village and proudly towers over the Gascon countryside. Built in the 12th century and then rebuilt in the 17th century by Antoine de Roquelaure, a companion of Henry IV, this beautiful building and listed Historic Monument is open to visitors from mid-February to mid-January, and regularly hosts art exhibitions. Inside, be sure to admire the splendid ornamental brick and stone tiling decorated with geometric patterns!

The charming medieval village nestling beside the castle is worth a look, with its pretty side streets and rampart ruins.

The village of Poudenas nestles in the Gélise valley in the heart of the Pays d'Albret region overlooked by its elegant château. Built in the 13th century then remodelled into an Italian palace in the 17th century, the Château de Poudenas boasts a beautiful 10-hectare park planted with around 100 different tree species.

Continue your tour of the village down at the river's edge – a particularly picturesque spot with an old post house fronted by a wooden gallery, a typical old bridge and a restored mill.

Make the most of a visit to Agen's historic centre to discover the magnificent Museum of Fine Arts, based in four Renaissance mansions.

From Prehistory to the 20th century, the museum has 3,000 objects and paintings permanently on display, including works by Tintoret, Corot, Boudin and Sisley.

Famous for its Spanish art from the 18th and 19th centuries, the Museum of Fine Arts includes five paintings by Goya, as well as works by the Barbizon School and the Impressionist period, Flemish and Dutch still lifes, etc.

An archaeology section displaying objects from the Celtic and Gallo-Roman eras found on regional sites, a magnificent donation of Oriental archaeology, sculptures, furniture and pottery from the Middle Ages to the 20th century complete the collections.

The prune capital of Agen on the banks of the Garonne is a welcoming, modestly-sized town where the living is easy. A walk through its historic centre takes in emblematic places like the very lively Place des Laitiers square, the arcaded Rue des Cornières, Rue Beauville with its old half-timbered, corbelled houses, Saint-Caprais cathedral – home to colourful 19th-century frescoes – and a fine art museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts). The latter is housed in four Renaissance town houses and contains remarkable collections of archaeology, paintings, sculptures and decorative arts, including an exceptional group of canvases by Goya and the famous Vénus du Mas d'Agenais sculpture. An absolutely must-see museum!

Gravier esplanade along the Garonne is a lovely place for a walk and very popular among the town's inhabitants, with plane trees, lawns and paths. To the north is the majestic 539-m long canal bridge that takes the Canal Latéral à la Garonne over the Garonne river.

The Grand Pruneau Show on the last weekend of August is a big festival dedicated to the famous Agen prune, with prune tastings, a gourmet market, shows, concerts and so on.

The Moulin des Tours de Barbaste is a picturesque fortress-like 13th-century mill that stands on the right bank of the Gélise near Nérac. Once the retreat of Henry of Navarre, the future King Henry IV, it boasts four square towers and is flanked by a ten-arched Romanesque bridge proudly spanning the river.

Cross to the other side of the water for a beautiful view of the whole scene: mill, old bridge and peaceful river!

A symbol of the rural heritage of the South-West, the dovecote, whether it's square, rectangular or polygonal, is part and parcel of the landscapes of Tarn-et-Garonne. Once a sign of wealth and prestige for its owner, this typical tower with one or two storeys was designed for rearing pigeons with a view to eating their meat and using their droppings as a fertiliser. Nowadays, these relics are a wonderful part of our popular heritage. You can see them along the roads, paths and trails all over the Tarn-et-Garonne countryside.

Overlooking the Garonne Valley from the top of its hill, the village of Auvillar, a stop along the Way of St. James, has the distinction of being listed among the most beautiful villages of France.

Once you cross the door of the imposing 17th-century clock tower, you will be delighted to discover Auvillar's main square, which is superb with its unusual circular corn exchange, standing on Tuscan columns, and its ancient timber-framed arcade houses. Not far away is a panoramic viewpoint complete with a viewpoint indicator located on the site of the old castle, offering a beautiful view of the Garonne and its valley.

A place to visit is the Museum of Old Auvillar, which is dedicated to art and popular traditions, and contains a remarkable collection of local ceramics made in the 18th and 19th centuries.

For lovers of local produce, a farmer's market takes place every Sunday morning in the market hall!

Formerly a Protestant stronghold and capital of the Viscounty of Fezensaguet, the small town of Mauvezin, the home of Joan of Albret, mother of the future King Henry IV, has kept a splendid covered market hall surrounded by old arcade houses in its main square. Resting on stone pillars, the old 14th-century hall boasts a superb wooden framework. Near to the market stands the house of Henry IV, a beautiful 16th-century Gascon residence, which is now used as a post office.

Also worth a look is the Church of St. Michael, crowned with an octagonal gothic bell, and the castle walk, based on the remains of the old viscounts' castle. Its terraces have been converted into an educational park.

The weekly market in Mauvezin takes place every Monday morning on Place de la Libération.

The thermal spa of Barbotan-les-Thermes carries the green holiday resort label and is located in the district of Cazaubon. It is famous for its natural water and vegetal mineral mud, which are recognised for their benefits in treating rheumatic and phlebological complaints. The Thermal Baths, based in a beautiful establishment with architecture inspired by the old tobacco dryers of the South-West, offers spa and well-being treatments in addition to its medical cures.

Near the spa and the 12th-century Church of St. Peter lies a superb park full of exotic plant varieties, where lotuses, banana trees, palm trees and magnolias bloom. It's an ideal place for tourists to take a leisurely stroll. A walk in the park is a must in July in particular, when the ponds are adorned with superb pink lotus flowers!

Two kilometres south of Barbotan, Uby Lake covers 80 hectares and is sure to appeal to fans of water sports and relaxation, with its leisure centre and fine sandy beach.

Nestling at the edge of Lomagne, the charming circuluar medieval town of Sarrant features on the list of the most beautiful villages of France. Its 14th-century fortified door, the old door to the town crowned with a square tower, pretty houses with corbels and timber frames, and its Church of St. Vincent, crowned with an octagonal spire, are some of the attractions to be discovered on a leisurely stroll.

A medieval garden with old vegetable varieties and aromatic and medicinal plants rounds off the visit very nicely.

The historic capital of Gascony and a Great Site of Occitanie, the warm and welcoming town of Auch will charm you with its atmosphere and rich heritage. Overlooking the Gers Valley from the top of its hill, the historic centre of Auch is best discovered by wandering along its picturesque side streets lined with old houses, and taking a tour of its flagship monuments, the Cathedral of St. Mary, the monumental staircase and the Armagnac Tower.

Built from the 15th to the 17th century, the Cathedral of St. Mary, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Way of St. James, is one of the biggest cathedrals in France, standing over 100 metres tall and 35 metres wide. Inside, behind the door in its beautiful Renaissance façade, visitors can admire real masterpieces of the 16th century, from the eighteen Renaissance glass walls by the Gascon artist Arnaud de Moles to the 113 oak stalls sculpted with over 1500 figures! A particularly remarkable group...

Near to the cathedral stand the Armagnac Tower, a former 14th-century prison standing 40 metres tall, and Gers Prefecture, based in a former 18th-century archbishop's palace, with a façade decorated with Corinthian fluted pilasters.

Built in 1863, the 370-step monumental staircase, in the middle of which stands a statue of the famous musketeer D'Artagnan, takes pedestrians from the upper town to the lower town. This work of art is also an ideal location to admire the pretty view of the Gers Valley!

At the heart of the upper town, at the entrance to the charming street of Rue Dessoles, stands one of the oldest houses in Auch: the Fedel house, dating from the 15th century.

Starting from Rue de la Convention, be sure to discover the picturesque, steeply sloping medieval side streets known as Pousterles. Residents used to walk along these to reach the gates of the city walls and go to the river to fetch water.

The Amériques-Auch Museum, based in the former Jacobin convent, contains remarkable collections of pre-Columbian art and Latin American sacred art, including an exceptional Mexican feather mosaic, the Mass of St. Gregory, from 1539! Visitors will find Egyptian, Gallo-Roman and medieval collections (an impressive recumbent effigy of the Cardinal of Armagnac), paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from the South-West, as well as popular traditions from Gascony (everyday objects from the 19th century, traditional costumes).

Two big traditional markets take place every week, one on Saturday mornings in the upper town, and the other on Thursday mornings in the lower town. All lovers of regional produce should be sure to pay a visit!

A famous musketeer of King Louis XIV, D'Artagnan (real name Charles de Batz-Castelmore) was born in Gascony around 1610, at Castelmore Castle near Lupiac. Immortalised by Alexandre Dumas in his great swashbuckling novel The Three Musketeers, this legendary hero is honoured at the Chapel of Our Lady in Lupiac, with an audio-visual exhibit dedicated to the illustrious Gascon.

The 13th-century royal fortified town of Beaumont-de-Lomagne has retained its typical mediaeval new town features, with its central square and its huge 14th-century wooden market hall. Its fortified brick church in the Southern European Gothic style is topped with an imposing Toulouse-style bell tower.

Not far from the square, the Fermat Mansion, dating from the 15th and 17th centuries, was the birthplace of Pierre de Fermat (1601-1665), the famous mathematician who pioneered differential calculus. Inside, visitors can view an exhibition on the life and work of this great researcher, complete with mathematical brainteasers and puzzles.

White garlic, a Lomagne speciality, is celebrated here every year at the garlic festival which takes place in July, and at the garlic markets which take place on Tuesday mornings from July to January.

A market selling fruit, vegetables and other regional produce takes place every Saturday morning in the market hall.

For water sports lovers, a lake at the edge of the town is ideal for a spot of bathing, sailing, canoe-kayaking, pedalo riding or fishing.

The water lily garden in the village of Le Temple-sur-Lot (open May to end September) boasts "Remarkable Garden" status and is the oldest and most prestigious water plant nursery in the world. Established in 1875 by botanist Joseph Bory Latour-Marliac, this magical place is today home to over 250 species of water lily! It was his hybrid water lilies that provided famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet with the inspiration for his Water Lily series.

The garden is a wonderful place for a walk and will delight fans of water gardens with its collections of tropical and hardy lotuses and water lilies, its historic pools, exotic greenhouse, growing pools, rose garden, bamboo garden and natural pond crossed by a Japanese bridge!