Auch: The capital of the department of the Gers . A fine architectural
city on the banks of the River Gers, dominated by the Cathedral, with its remarkable and well-renowned choir stalls.
A statue of D'Artagnan sits at the foot of giant steps, which lead to the old part of Auch-quite a challenge to climb!
Mirande: One of our nearest and most useful small Bastide towns, with a cathedral
and wonderful flying buttresses. Usefully, the tourist office can be easily located opposite the Cathedral. There is a bustling
market on Mondays, situated not only in the square but also in the Halles. Two supermarkets can be found on the edge of Mirande
on the route de Tarbes. Ludina for aqua sports, is near the entrance of the town, coming from the Larriberau direction, again
on the route de Tarbes.
In July a fantastic Country and Western show is staged
in Mirande, lasting about 5 days. Dallas officionadas might be interested to know that most of the cast came to the
show for all 5 days, a few years ago!
Marciac: A large Bastide village,
word says that it is now famous for being reputedly the third largest jazz festival in the world.This takes
place during the first two weeks of August, and is very popular.
Seissan:
About 6 kms from Larriberau, with a market on Fridays. In spite of the main road that runs through this town, there
is plenty of activity, with locals meeting, and others watching the world go by, as they sit contemplating over a cup of coffee
or absinthe! In August, Seissan has their own festival, and the burgers of Seissan dress in Medieval costume,
and demonstrate their ancient customs. So for a day, Seissan appears to be in a time-warp. A small supermarket in Seissan,
with a larger one 5 minutes down the road at Masseube.
Bastide Trail:
Bastides or fortified villages ,or towns, were built during the 100 years war by both the English and the French. Bassoues,
Montesquiou, Tillac, and Barran are very attractive nearby examples-say 20-25 minutes. Bassoues and Montesquiou both have
good restaurants, but worth booking. Details at Larriberau.
Larresingle, Fources
and Montreal are equally delightful Bastides, north of Condom-all about 40 mins-they really are well worth a visit. Montreal
was the first bastide to be fortified in 1255 in Gascony. Fources, built in a circle, and then added to circle upon circle,
has a large flower festival at the end of April.
If you feel you want to add
to your tally of "Bastide viewing" there are many more, and if you really don't mind a slightly longer drive,
go the one and a half hours to Vianne-north of Condom again, but further-you won't regret it!
Condom: Despite its name, a delightful town. The "square" is quite pretty. Take a river boat trip
down the River Baise (or from Valence sur Baise) There is a super little restaurant beside the river.Do book, and all details
will be found at Larriberau.
Lectoure: a very fine old town
, about 40 minutes from Larriberau, which sits high, and is well worth a visit. There is a thermal centre for those inclined,
and a very good restaurant at the Hotel Bastard. Excellent food.
Visit "Bleu
de Lectoure" at the old tannery, a fine old building, which several years ago, re-started the art of dying with wode-
wode was used at the time of Napoloen for the uniforms of his "grande armee".Paint, some items of clothing, and
other interesting articles are produced, all using wode,and can be purchased here.
Our shutters at Larriberau are all painted with "bleu de pastel" from Bleu de Lectoure!
Peyrousse Grande: A little touted but beautiful Romanesque Church
Eating Out: At Larriberau you will find various suggested restaurants, some visited
by us, and others by guests staying at Larriberau.Restaurants to suit all tastes and ages. For instance, for those with young
children, a farm with small animals is fun, followed by a suitable lunch. We love it when guests add to the list, which
they do all the time. Many restaurants are filled with locals at lunchtime, enjoying a set menu always at good value.
Madiran and Armagnac Country: Madiran is the most notable of the
wines of the South West, and there is growing recognition for this. Further details of suggested wines and visits to vineyards
can be found at Larriberau.
Armagnac country is further to the north of Condom
and towards Eauze, and is everywhere to be found. You should try Pousse Rapiere, an Armagnac based liqour, mixed with sparkling
wine.It makes a particularly good Gascon drink. Floc de Gascogne is easy as an aperitif.
Carcassone: A two hours drive, and very spectacular from the Autoroute going towards the Mediterranean.
Lourdes: Needs no explanation and is a personal thing. We are only one hour's drive
away.
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| The local hero speaks for himself |
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| Bassouses-one of the most beautiful villages in Gers |
