The 9 most beautiful walks in the Gers

randonnees-gers

With the most beautiful hikes in the Gers, we’ll be following walking routes that are often very old, such as sections of the Via Podiensis and the Via Tolosana, two paths that lead to Santiago de Compostela!

Along these trails, through undulating landscapes that already herald the birth of the Pyrenees further south, the Gers’ hiking trails allow you to discover the region’s rich heritage, both historical and natural, as well as gastronomic: at each stop, a welcome comfort for hikers.

As a rural and unspoilt region, you won’t mind walking for days on end in peace and quiet on the paths of the Gers, a veritable Eldorado for hikers and lovers of green vacations… Hiking boots and poles, and off you go!

1. La Romieu: On the World Heritage stretch

randonnees-gers

Photo credit : Alltrails

  • Duration: approx. 8 hours
  • Distance: 32.2 km
  • Height difference: 677 m
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • See the route

The roads to Santiago de Compostela are omnipresent on walks in the Gers: here, we start our walk from La Romieu, recognized as one of France’s most beautiful villages, to venture out on the GR65, trodden by pilgrims and hikers of all stripes. This section of the GR is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

On the way, stop off at Chapelle d’Abrin, the medieval village of Castelnau sur l’Auvignon, then Château de Maridac, before returning to La Romieu to soak up the village atmosphere. A beautiful loop that will take you a whole day.

2. Condom and Larressingle

Condom et Larressingle

Photo credit : Alltrails

  • Duration: approx. 6 hours
  • Distance: 23.2 km
  • Height difference: 526 m
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • See the route

We’re continuing our journey on the roads to Santiago de Compostela, with a new stopover not to be missed: Condom. Sometimes the butt of jokes, Condom is a pretty little town on the River Baïze, which you cross to begin this pleasant hike in the Gers.

A countryside itinerary for fresh air and peace of mind, before reaching the main stop along the way: the medieval village of Larressingle, one of France’s most beautiful villages, and nicknamed the « little Carcassonne of the Gers »! An ideal place to linger and take a break, before closing this 17 km loop.

3. Lectoure and the Lac des 3 Vallées

randonnees-gers

Photo credit : Alltrails

  • Running time: approx. 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Distance: 11.3 km
  • Ascent: 310 m
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • See the route

With this hike in the Gers, you kill two birds with one stone. A lovely, undulating loop through the surrounding countryside, easy and pleasant, with streams, wooded paths and breaks beside small lakes.

Then it’s on to Lectoure, a must-see in the Gers: a stopover on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, it’s easy to linger in the old town and discover its impressive historical heritage.

4. The Lavardens castle circuit

château de Lavardens

Photo credit: Wikipedia – Florent Pécassou

  • Running time: approx. 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Distance: 10.75 km
  • Height difference: 190 m
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • See the route

This hike in the Gers region revolves mainly around a visit to the château de Lavardens, perched on its promontory, which is both a historic site and an exhibition venue. But walking isn’t forgotten either, and the view from the village of Lavardens makes you want to go hiking in the surrounding countryside, a fine sample of the Gers!

That’s the aim of this pretty, self-paced loop, which starts and brings you back to the village of Lavardens, and allows you to build up a bit of elevation gain.

5. Chemin du Yané large loop at Simorre

Simorre-rando

Photo credit: Wikipedia – Liak

  • Running time: approx. 4 hours 50 minutes
  • Distance: 14 km
  • Height difference: 251 m
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • See the route

This long loop plunges you right into the heart of Gascony’s agricultural countryside, along the Gimone valley, the ideal place to walk, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peace and quiet of the region.

In the background, Simorre will be the highlight of this hike in the Gers: you can see its fortified abbey church in the distance, and its shady squares will be perfect for a refreshing swim.

6. From Montesquiou to Isle-de-Noé on the Way of St. James

De Montesquiou à l’Isle-de-Noé sur le chemin de Saint-Jacques

Photo credit : Alltrails

  • Duration: approx. 4h30
  • Distance: 17.2 km
  • Height difference: 478 m
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • See the route

Hiking in the Gers often has a very rural feel, as is the case with this pleasant out-and-back loop from the friendly village of Montesquiou.

From there, it’s all downhill along a lovely country route, with a refreshing detour to the Lizet reservoir. A short turn around Isle-de-Noé and it’s back in the other direction on this section of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques…

7. The Coteaux circuit in Marciac

Marciac vue de son lac, Gers, France

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Florent Pécassou

  • Running time: approx. 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Distance: 13.7 km
  • Height difference: 329 m
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • See the route

Marciac, famous for its Jazz Festival, is the starting point for this hike in the Gers. It’s a well-marked half-day trail, with no excessive gradients, so you can take the time to see Juillac and Tourdin, two typical local villages, cross the vineyards of Saint-Mont, and then take a cool break at the end of the loop at Lac de Marciac.

8. The sentier du bout de la rivière at L’Isle-Jourdain

Le sentier du bout de la rivière à L’Isle-Jourdain

Photo credit: Wikipedia – MathieuMD

  • Duration: approx. 2 hours
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Difference in altitude: 150 m
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • See the route

Now you’re back on the road to Santiago de Compostela to hike in the Gers, this time on the Arles route, following part of the GR653 from L’Isle-Jourdain.

A beautiful hike along the banks of the Save, before branching off into the surrounding countryside, across fields and back into town. For those who want more, the trail continues to Gimont, for a complete section of the Camino de Santiago.

9. In the footsteps of the Romans at Montréal-du-Gers

Sur les traces des Romains à Montréal-du-Gers

Photo credit: Wikipedia – MOSSOT

  • Duration: about 3 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • See the route

Montréal-du-Gers is reputed to be one of the most beautiful bastides in Gascony, making it a not-to-be-missed stopover on your walks in the Gers!

The particularly pleasant village is the starting and finishing point for this short itinerary designed to stretch your legs in the countryside, via the mosaics and thermal baths of the Gallo-Roman villa at Séviac, a highlight of the hike. The return journey is via the Camino de Santiago de Compostela through Montréal-du-Gers.