The Golden Triangle of Gers: Property Location Hotspot

This tranquil corner of Gascony, set between the vibrant towns of Auch, Lectoure and Condom, has much to offer, writes Karen Tait

A t the heart of the of Gascony, the modern-day department of Gers is one of the least populated areas of France. Home to vast fields of sunflowers and corn, dotted with substantial golden stone farmhouses, and with fortified hilltop villages and the Pyrénées in the distance, the land of d’Artagnan and his musketeers has an almost romantic appeal. ancient province

Despite the tranquil rural nature of the area, there are some lively and popular towns including the departmental capital Auch, as well as the annual Marciac Jazz Festival which attracts visitors from all over the world. Gers also has no fewer than six Plus Beaux Villages: Lavardens, Larressingle, La Romieu, Montréal, Fources and Sarrent.

Sometimes referred to as the Golden Triangle of the Gers, the area between the historic towns of Lectoure, Condom and Auch is much sought after by property buyers.

On the banks of the River Gers, Auch (population 22,173) has been an important town since Roman times and has a bustling Saturday market. The Unesco-listed cathedral, which took 200 years to complete, has fine early 16th-century stained- glass windows while the choir stalls are decorated with over 1,500 carved figures.

Also on a river, this time the Baise (popular for river cruises), Condom (population 6,493) is home to another beautiful cathedral. Once an important stopping point on one of the pilgrimage paths to St-Jacques de Compostelle, it was also a key port for shipping armagnac down the river to Bordeaux.

Lectoure (population 3,672) is also on the pilgrimage route, and was capital of the historic Lomagne province, base of the Counts of Armagnac (until Louis XI killed them). High above the Gers river, the town has a spa, 18th-century mansions and a cathedral (built in the 15th century after Louis XI destroyed the old one).

Gascony is well known as a land of fine living, with armagnac brandy and foie gras being local specialities. There are many great restaurants, while thriving markets and local fairs add to the traditional appeal of the area Average property prices across Gers are €1,370/m³, rising to €1,610/m³ in Auch, then €1,430/m² in Lectoure and €1,130/m³ in Condom.

Karen Tait is Editor of French Property News magazine – the go-to title for anyone considering a French property purchase, either now or in the future.