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Gascony. (This article has been submitted by Ray Heath, Property ID 36 & 49) is one of the most delightful and unspoilt parts of rural France lying just north of the foothills of the Pyrenees, with clean air and a mild and refreshing climate. The rolling countryside of its historic centre in the Gers region is a patchwork of vineyards and sunflower fields dotted with hilltop bastides such as Bassoues and Fources, old watermills and picturesque dovecotes.
It is an area of real charm and beauty. The nearby snow capped peaks of the Pyrenees nestle below vivid blue skies, and the local people extend a warm welcome to both residents and visitors alike. The proximity of Gascony to Spain touches both the culture of the region and the weather. May to September brings hot, sunny days very occasionally interrupted by rains off the Pyrenees. The Springs and Autumns are warm, with long days and perfect light to appreciate the subtle colours of the landscape. On clear nights, the skies just seem to overflow with stars.
The Spanish and Basque influences also mean that bullfighting is popular throughout the region and the 4 day festival at Pentecost in Vic-Fezensac draws crowds from all over France to its arena near the town centre.
This gastronomic area of South-West France offers delicious specialities. The finest Fois gras, confits, Madiran and Gascogne wines plus vintage Armagnac burden trestle tables over the summer months in villages celebrating the numerous fetes. As they say here, pleasure comes in three colours - red, white and rosé.
Medieval Gascony was frequently fought over in the Hundred Years' War. The fortified villages such as Biran, Larressingle and Lupiac are the region's most picturesque. Lupiac is also the birthplace of D'Artagnan, the fabled fourth musketeer and a statue to his memory stands on a terrace below the Cathedral in Auch.
Auch, the main town of the Gers and once the capital of Gascony, is situated about halfway between Toulouse and Lourdes. Monumental stones lead to its Cathedral of Saint Marie, with its magnificent stained glass windows and choir stalls that took forty years to carve and are said to be the finest in all France.
ACTIVITIES
Gascony is ideal for both cycling and walking, with two of the Saint Jacques de Compostella routes crossing the region. In addition, there are 18 hole golf courses at Eauze, Auch, Tillac and around Toulouse. Trout fishing is also popular along with swimming at the many inland lakes, tennis and horse riding. If you just want to relax, why not try a visit to one of the area's Thermal Baths at Castera-Verduzan, Lectoure or Barbotan-les-Thermes.
For excursions, Toulouse boasts an historic town centre with many museums and fine churches; there is a Cistercian Abbey at Flaran near Valence sur Baise; and the towns and cathedrals of Auch, Condom and Lourdes, along with the nearby Pyrenees all make interesting days out.
A number of festivals take place throughout the season including a Classical Music Festival in Auch, a Country & Western festival at Mirande and an International jazz festival at Marciac.
All in all, Gascony has something for everyone and is a chance to step back in time to savour the sights and sounds of France as it used to be.
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