Villages and bastides of the Gers: a few ideas around Castet-Arrouy

Saint-Clar, white garlic and memories of schooldays

Around Castet-Arrouy, bastides and villages follow one another, each with a character of its own. A few kilometres can take you from a lively market hall to medieval streets, from a market to a museum — or even to an encounter with the stars.

Saint-Clar is closely associated with the white garlic of the Lomagne, which has been grown in the region for generations. The Maison de l’Ail tells the story of its history, cultivation and place in the local heritage.

The village is also home to the Musée de l’École Publique, housed in the former school and devoted to schooldays of the past, with its classrooms, furniture and old school equipment.

Sarrant, a medieval village with a passion for illustration

Listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, Sarrant has retained its medieval character, with its fortified gateway, narrow streets and old houses clustered around the church.

At the entrance to the village, a sword embedded in a rock often catches visitors’ attention. Without giving it a legendary name it doesn't have, it adds a slightly theatrical touch to your arrival in a village that already has plenty of atmosphere.

But Sarrant has another, rather unexpected identity: the Village de l’Illustration, devoted to illustration and the work of illustrators, with exhibitions, events and workshops.

Fleurance, from arcades to the stars

A lively bastide, Fleurance is centred around its large arcaded square, where café terraces, shops and the market still set the rhythm of the town.

But it too has a more unexpected side. Every summer, the Fleurance Astronomy Festival attracts anyone curious about the skies, with scientists, talks, observations and activities open to everyone.

For a quieter break, Fleurance lake is just a few minutes from the centre, with space for walking and leisure activities beside the water.

Cologne, a bastide to explore on foot

In Cologne, the original bastide layout can still be seen in the way the village is arranged around its central square and market hall. Arcades, façades and old houses form a harmonious whole that is best discovered simply by wandering through the streets around the square.

And many more…

This is by no means an exhaustive list. The Lomagne and surrounding area are full of other villages and bastides that you sometimes discover without ever having set out to find them.

That is also one of the pleasures of travelling the roads of the Gers: spotting a church tower, a market hall or a silhouette in the distance and simply deciding to go and have a look.

Useful sources

Practical information can change, so please check current opening times and conditions with the relevant organisations before your visit.