The Region
The Gers, ‘département 32’, located in South West France, is known for its tranquility, gastronomy and rolling countryside, characterised by wooded hillsides and farmed valleys descending from the Pyrenees. The pace of life here is referred to as “Gers Time”.
Miélan was founded in the 1200s and was originally a fortified village, a ‘bastide’, due to the widespread lawlessness that was known in the area (…mainly caused by the English!). It sits in the modern day region of Astarac which was once part of the ancient kingdom of Gascony. The city of Auch (capital of the Gers) organises walking tours in several languages which provides a handy introduction to the rich and diverse history of the region. Be sure to pop into the historic Auch cathedral on your route!
The cosmopolitan cities of Pau, Toulouse and Biarritz are within easy reach (up to 90 minutes by car), as is much of the north of Spain. Closer to the house, there are numerous Gascon villages dotted around the countryside with their markets spilling with fresh, local and often organic produce. The picturesque towns and villages of Lectoure, Bassoues, Montesquiou or Barran are among several of our favourites. The famous Lectoure brocante is reason in itself to pay a visit to the town, and while you’re there, be sure not to miss the opportunity to lunch at the wonderful Racine restaurant (book ahead!).
Easy day trips include sanctuaries and World Heritage sites, such as Notre-Dame de Lourdes and Gavarnie, which regularly host famed opera singers (most recently Andrea Bocelli) and a musical theatre festival in their lush settings. Another ‘Grandes sites des Pyrénées’ on our doorstep is the wonderfully preserved Abbaye de Flaran.
The southwest of France is known for its musical traditions. Marciac and its world renowned Jazz Festival held in July and August, is one of our region’s best kept secrets, drawing dedicated artists and musical fans year after year. Tempo Latino, held in and around Vic-Fezensac, is by contrast an explosion of latino music.
The countryside is steeped in history and its topography lends itself to hiking, particularly with family-friendly walks in the foothills of the Pyrenees, famed for its secluded valleys with diverse flora and fauna, its breathtaking scenery and mountain spa towns.
We have several golf courses within easy driving distances of the house (the closest at Palanne only a 10 minute drive).
Cycling is another popular pursuit in the region, with the Tour de France regularly passing through the area and the village.
Ski pistes can be reached within an hour and twenty minutes, perfect for day skiing during the winter months. These transfer to beautiful spring and summer activity centres once the snow has gone.
If châteaux are more your thing, you have a plethora to choose from, many with their own restaurants and vineyards with welcoming ‘dégustation’ events. There is no shortage of fine gastronomic outlets celebrating rustic gersois cuisine at its best - the freshest seasonal vegetables, foie gras, duck and Armagnac. A visit to the gorgeous spa hotel at Eugénie-Les-Bains and its Michelin starred restaurants “Les Prés d’Eugénie’ and “La Ferme aux Grives” is an absolute must! While towards the north of the Gers, Chateau Lavardens, its art gallery and eponymous restaurant are equally a delight to experience.
For younger visitors and teens, our area offers an array of activities, such as quad biking, riding and treetop/acrobranch courses (we like “Chlorophyll” near Argelès Gazost). Also in Argelès, you will find one of the nicest animal parks for younger visitors, the “Parc Animalier des Pyrenées”… to be followed with ice cream or a snack at the many cafes in the nearby town. We are fortunate to be well placed in Miélan, with easy access to several public outdoor pools, water parks and swimming lakes, festooned with fun activity courses.
No self-respecting trip to France would be complete of course without a good parent-exhausting dose of shopping. For addicts and teens alike, Ibos Centre Meridien and the cities of Tarbes, Pau and Toulouse offer most known brands and more independent boutiques. There is a regular bus route to Auch and Tarbes. Trains run between Tarbes and Pau and from Auch to Toulouse. Capable teens can make their own way there or back. Our children grew up in this area, and we would be happy to guide you with any child/teen related queries.
And not to be left off the list, one of our personal favourite activities and a French national pastime, is the refined art of antique hunting. There is no shortage of permanent and ephemeral brocantes in our region- bring cash, a sense of humour and a healthy appetite for haggling! You are bound to come across wonderful ceramic shops and local artisan boutiques on your travels, and the village of Marciac in particular hosts many pop-up artist shops during the Jazz festival, perfect for bagging an original work of art.
There really are too many fantastic sights and activities to mention all here. You will come across many unexpectedly on your own travels. Look out for business cards and leaflets left in your favourite establishments. We have discovered many a great find in this way. The “Syndicat Initiative” in the village centre and the tourist offices in Mirande, Marciac, Auch, Tarbes and Pau are also some of the best places to get up-to-date tourist information.
It goes without saying, that we too are always delighted to answer any and all of your queries and to share with you our favourite places, walks, restaurants, etc., so that you may also enjoy this wonderful corner of France to its fullest.
Bonnes vacances!
