NATURE
Walks and nature in the Lomagne: explore around Castet-Arrouy
Take your time exploring the French Tuscany.
Around Castet-Arrouy, ridge paths, valleys, small woods, lakes and viewpoints offer remarkably varied landscapes without having to travel very far. It soon becomes clear why this part of the Gers is known as the “French Tuscany.”
Paths through hills and valleys
The GR65 between Castet-Arrouy and Lectoure is a lovely walk of around 11 km through the countryside.
The Sainte-Mère circular walk (9.1 km) takes you through the farmland of the Lomagne, with the silhouette of the château ahead of you along the way.
The longer Castéra-Lectourois double loop (14.2 km) takes you down towards the shaded banks of the Gers, near the Moulin de la Mothe.
A few places to take your time
In Castet-Arrouy itself, the Gachepouy path leads to the remains of the old château. It’s an easy walk close to the house and a chance to discover a quiet, tucked-away spot.
At L’Isle-Bouzon, a short walk takes you to the viewpoint, with wide views across the hills of the Lomagne. In summer, when sunflowers bring colour to the hillsides, the landscape looks particularly Tuscan.
Near Saint-Clar, the lakeside offers a quieter, shady walk, pleasant for watching birds or simply stopping for a while by the water.
How about exploring by bike?
The hills of the Gers are also good cycling country — with some fairly serious climbs. A 33 km nature cycling route starting in Lectoure passes through Castet-Arrouy and Plieux, dominated by its imposing keep.
The Armagnac Greenway starts in Condom and follows a former railway line beneath the trees. It can also be explored on foot.
For those who prefer to explore by car
Driving the roads of the Lomagne is a lovely way to enjoy the landscape in its own right.
From Castet-Arrouy, you could head towards Plieux, L’Isle-Bouzon, Saint-Clar or Gramont, travelling from one hillside to the next. Dovecotes, little churches, châteaux, fields and viewpoints appear along the way and often tempt you to stop.
A few kilometres are often enough for the landscape to change completely.
