Gascony is situated halfway between the Dordogne River valley and the Pyrénées Mountains, on the same latitude as the Italian Riviera. It’s a region of sunflowers, vineyards and rolling countryside, of rivers and streams crossed by stone bridges. There are half-forgotten abbeys, hilltop villages, and ancient traditions. The heart of this terrain lies in the Gers départment, the hidden treasure of Gascony. It’s a land of plenty and this is reflected in the fabulous cuisine.
July Tour in Gascony
In July, fluffy whisps of cloud languish in a Wedgewood blue sky above rows of sunflowers and vines that stretch out for miles.
For those who love beautiful scenery, a slower pace of life, wonderful gastronomy and exquisite wines, this is a tour you will absolutely adore. In an area which the New York Times and Condé Nast Magazine have called the “new Bordeaux” for its truly exceptional wines, the tour takes in vineyards and distilleries that are outstanding. Pellehaut, Uby, Villa Dria, Joïe, Madiran, and the Armagnac distilleries of Chateaux Cassaigne and Monluc, and the Domaines of Ognoas and Saoubis are on the itinerary. Not sold in the US, Madiran wines have the highest level of anti-oxidants in southern France. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the fine points of local varietals, vintages and appellations from oenologist, Tom Fiorina, for a great understanding of winemaking and Armagnac distilling, plus tastings of course.
Magnificent towns and villages and scrumptious cuisine
The tour takes in unique medieval bastides including lovely Larresingle, the smallest medieval village in France, and Fourcès, one of very few bastides laid out in the shape of a circle. You’ll dine at the finest restaurants, visit vibrant street markets and taste the most amazing local cheeses, Armagnac-soaked prunes and local specialities such as melons from Lectoure, the sweetest in France and aromatic pink garlic.
You’ll visit museums and Village des Brocanteurs, the village of antiques and flea markets where you’ll browse for a bargain and maybe find a unique souvenir of your visit.
You’ll do a chocolate tasting with an artisan maker and try the most delicious cakes, eat at Michelin Star restaurants as well as authentic local bistros.
See Gascony like a local
This is a tour that takes in the best of Gascony and gives you a really special overview of all of its charms. A small group tour in which you’ll see this wonderfully untouristy part of France like a local – not like a tourist.
Details: FrenchCountryAdventures.com
