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Situated in the area known as the Midi Pyrennees in South Western France, the Gers is an unspoilt and relatively undiscovered part of France. It is known by many French people as "la vieille France" or "la vrai France" (old/real France) and many French people choose to come here for their own holidays. With long hot summers and relatively mild winters, there are often days from November to February when one can sit in a sheltered sunny spot outside enjoying coffee, gazing at the mountains and listening to the birds singing. ARRIAC is situated in the southern tip of The Gers, bordering the Haute-Pyrennees and Haute-Garonne.
The Tour de France passes close by and you can take a trip up to the 'Col de Tourmalet', one of the highest stages of the race (if your nerves can stand it) - sheer drops round every corner and plenty of cyclists practicing for the following year's race!
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Of course, if you are coming with a family, the area is full of interest and excitement. In addition to our own swimming pool on site, there are innumerable "plan d'eau" (bathing lakes) which offer not only swimming, but boating, fishing and play areas. Most towns and many villages have municipal swimming pools, some with slides for the more adventurous and safe toddler bathing for babies. Walking, horse riding, cycling and golf are among many of the sporting attractions available, as well as canoeing, white water rafting, mountaineering and rock climbing.
Do you fancy a day in another country, why not go to Spain? It is within an hour's drive and cheap shopping abounds, to say nothing of friendly tapas bars where you can while away an afternoon in truly European style "people watching"! All this and much, much more is on your doorstep in the peaceful, picturesque and friendly Gers. |
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What to do and where to go
The Gers is full of history and everywhere you turn there are bastides, historic towns and villages and beautiful churches, many of which are still used regularly. Of course, a visit to the Gers would be incomplete without taking in Auch, its capital, home to the legendary d'Artagnan, a French nobleman who lived in the 17c. Auch is a city full of life and vibrancy, but which has retained its intimacy and friendliness. There are many restaurants and bars, together with beautiful streets crammed with interesting shops and markets. The cathedral is a must with its incredible choir stalls, all of which were hand carved using oak which had been aged for up to 50 years in the adjacent river Gers. The Jacobean museum is also well worth a visit with exhibits from all over the world and from all ages (including Roman and Egyptian). There are plenty of other towns to visit in the area, many with festivals each year ie, Marciac with its Jazz Festival and Mirande which hosts a Country Music Festival, both in the summer months.
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