The ancient duchy of Gascony ceased to exist after the French revolution. It was replaced by the modern department of The Gers centred around the medieval town of Auch, one hour's drive west of Toulouse International Airport. Local people, however, still call themselves Gascons and Gascony refers to the triangle west of Toulouse, south of the Garonne River and down towards the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Gascony is unspoilt by modern development and is delightfully free from traffic and mass tourism. It is one of the most agricultural and sparsely populated areas of France. With a temperate climate, the winters are generally mild and the summers long and hot. Pollution is negligible and the air quality the best in Europe.

The visitor is first struck by the rolling patchwork of green countryside, dotted by ochre-coloured farms with terracotta roofs. Punctuating this pastoral backdrop are fortified towns and villages with galleried arcades and market squares, dating from the time of Eleanor of Acquitaine and the Hundred Years War D'Artagnan, Dumas' most famous musketeer, hailed from Gascony. His statue dominates the vast stone staircase that climbs from the River Gers up to Auch cathedral, one of the last to be built in France.

Gascony's growing popularity has created an active property market attracting international buyers. However, houses still offer excellent value for money with low running costs and rates. Buying procedures are straightforward and legal work is handled by local notaries. There is an exceptional variety of building styles to be found in the substantial farmhouses, elegant manors and historic chateaux. The majority date from the late 18th century, a period of particular wealth, mirrored in the richness of character and building materials used.

Close to the Spanish border, Atlantic beaches and Pyrenean ski resorts, Gascony is bordered by excellent road communications. International airports and TGV rail stations are at Toulouse, Tarbes, Pau and Bordeaux. For those in search of a permanent home or a house for holiday use with good letting potential, the region offers peace and a comfortable yet unostentatious way of life. Locally there are concerts and music festivals, golf and many other leisure activities to enjoy. The hospitable Gascon people, the excellent wines, Armagnac and cuisine make this a perfect place to live.