“Gers? Is that a typo?” some might ask when they first hear about Rue du Gers. It’s not a typical Parisian name. Today, we’re not strolling through the heart of Paris but we are in Rungis. Let me tell you about the story of Rue du Gers.
This street shares its name with a department in southwestern France. The Gers is known as the daughter of the Pyrenees. It is renowned for its landscape littered in vineyards and sunflower fields. The most beautiful landscapes are near Aignan and Marciac. Impressive views of the Pyrenees are often available.
The Gers region is committed to conserving its natural environment. It does this through the City of Energy and Ecological Transitions. Associations such as Gascogne Nature Environnement are also involved. They are labeled CPIE Pays Gersois.
The local architecture epitomizes the agricultural character of the region. There are large stone Gascon farmhouses. They often have colombage facades.
Auch is the prefecture of the department and historical capital of Gascony. Marciac is one of the most remarkable towns in the Gers. It is known for its architectural heritage. It is also internationally known for hosting one of the most important Jazz festivals in the world. Since its launch in 1978, the Marciac Jazz festival has hosted musicians such as Stan Getz and Dizzy Gillespie.
The Gers is also home to three of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. The medieval city of Larresingle is located in the heart of the countryside Gers wine region. It is made up of a 13th-century castle and a 12th-century fortified church. Medieval houses surround the walls. Montrèal du Gers is renowned for its architectural heritage. It has half-timbered houses, arcades and narrow, winding streets.
Fourcès is built in a circular around a square previously hosting a castle. Condom is home to the majestic Saint-Pierre Gothic cathedral. Valence sur Baïse is renowned for its traditional Gers architecture. The coatings of the houses are colored with local earth and sand. They recall the nuances of the clay soils of the region.
The hospitality and generosity of the locals make the Gers an attractive destination. Life is very relaxed and local traditions and gastronomy are very much cherished. The Gers is full of local products. It is particularly renowned for its duck and goose foie gras.
The Cistercian Abbey of Flaran dates from 1151. It houses the Departmental Conservation heritage. It exhibits works on various themes all year round, from Antiquity to the contemporary era.
The Armagnac museum showcases the production of Armagnac. The Eauze archaeological museum exhibits the coins, jewels and precious objects found in October 1985. The Mirande Fine Arts Museum exhibits Italian, French and Flemish paintings from the 15th to the 19th century.
Festivals play an important part of life in the Gers. The small Bastide town of Marciac is internationally known for hosting one of the most important Jazz festivals in the world. Other annual festivals include the “Festival of Sky and Space” in Fleurance.
So, as you walk along Rue du Gers here in Rungis, remember the rolling hills. Think of the vineyards, the jazz festivals, and the rich history of its namesake. It’s a small piece of Gascony.