The AreaGascony is one of the most delightful and unspoilt parts of rural France, nestled at the foothills of the Pyrenees, with clean air and a mild and refreshing climate. The countryside is dotted with bastides, old watermills and picturesque dovecotes. The towns and villages of Gascony tend to be small and far apart. This is walker's paradise. The whole beautiful region is one of amazing contrasts - snow capped peaks, startling blue skies, lush green valleys and flower filled meadows. The proximity of Gascony to Spain touches both the culture of the region and the weather; expect hot, sunny days from May to September, occasionally interrupted by rains off the Pyrenees. This region offers delicious specialities. The finest Fois gras, confits, Madiran wines and vintage Armagnac burden trestle tables over the summer months in villages celebrating the numerous fetes. Medieval Gascony was frequently contested in the Hundred Years' War. The fortified villages such as Biran, Larressingle and Lupiac are the most picturesque. Lupiac is also the birthplace of D'Artagnan, the fourth musketeer and a statue to his memory stands on a terrace below the Cathedral by the lazy River Gers. Auch, once the capital of Gascony, is set on a hillside beside the River Gers. Monumental stones lead up its cathedral of Ste Marie with stained glass windows and choir stalls that took forty years to carve. ActivitiesGascony is ideal for cycling and riding. There are golf courses at Eauze and Toulouse. Trout fishing is also popular along with swimming, tennis and horse riding. For excursions, Toulouse boasts a historic town centre with museums; there is a Cistercian Abbey at Flaran; and the towns of Auch and Lourdes, along with the Pyrenees make interesting days out. A number of festivals take place throughout the season including a Classical Music Festival in Auch and an international jazz festival at Marciac.
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