The Gers department is a picturesque area in the
Occitanie region located in southwestern France that was created during the French Revolution in March 1790. It was formed by merging parts of the former provinces of Guyenne and Gascony. The area is surrounded by the departments of Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne, Tarn-et-Garonne, Lot-et-Garonne, Landes, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. One of the most fascinating things about the Gers is that it is one of the least densely populated areas in Western Europe. The inhabitants of the region, known as Gersois, take pride in their traditional Gascon beret, which is still worn by both young and old alike.
Interestingly, the Gers is the only French department (number 32) not crossed by a motorway, which is a point of pride for the Gascony people. However, the area is strategically located halfway between the main cities of Toulouse and Bordeaux, with internal airports available for ease of travel.
The culture of the Gers mainly revolves around agriculture, with a strong focus on local gastronomical specialities such as foie gras, Armagnac brandy, and wild mushrooms. The Gascony language is a dialect of Occitan but is not widely spoken. The region has been influenced by waves of British and Spanish immigrants over the years.
The capital of the Gers is Auch, which is internationally famous thanks to D'Artagnan and his Musketeers. The city is home to many historical landmarks, including the picturesque cathedral of Sainte Marie, the Tour d'Armagnac, and the Château de Lavardens. Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring the local markets and festivals.
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