About Gascony

A civilised place to live

Gascony is situated in the South West of France and is a region of gently rolling hills and soft light situated against the dramatic silhouette of the Pyrenees mountains on the southern horizon. The name Gascony refers to ancient territories which ceased to exist after the French Revolution and encompasses the triangle west of Toulouse, south of the Garonne River and on towards the foothills of the Pyrenees, which form the frontier with Spain. The département of Gers occupies the area formerly known as Gascony and is bordered by Tarn-et-Garonne, Lot-et-Garonne, Haute-Garonne, Haute-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Agriculture plays a key role in the region with wines cultivated in the north and west and dazzling fields of sunflowers, wheat, maize and cattle in the south. There is an abundance of flora and fauna including deer, wild boar and birds of prey. The region is known for its many traditional country fairs and festivals (including the International Jazz Festival in Marciac) as well, of course, for being the home of d'Artagnan, immortalised by Alexandre Dumas in The Three Musketeers.

The Gascons are noted for their hospitality and Gascony makes an ideal location for a family house or your French holiday home. With the abundant availability of golf courses, horse riding and fishing, the Gers is also a great place to own a gîte for holiday letting.

The subject of Gascony has been broken down into three sections:

Introducing Gascony

The Bastides of Gascony

The towns and villages of the Gers