The Gers in Gascony

Gascony is the ancient name for this area in the south-west of France. With its beautiful countryside, lots of sunshine, blue skies, bright sunflowers, rivers, lakes and gentle rolling hills, it is one of the most historic areas of France. The Gers is a Department of France - and one of the largest in the Midi-Pyrenees and also one of the least populated - about 28 people per square kilometre. There are no motorways, few dual carriageways, and lots of small, quiet routes linking scenic towns and villages.

Gascony has a history of good eating and drinking - locally produced and manufactured from grains, poultry and grapes. Eat out at local restaurants - ‘Le Table des Cordeliers’ in Condom - great for modern, French cuisine, using fresh, local products. ‘Le Florida’ in Castera Verduzan, an old established restaurant serving traditional Gersoise food (as seen on TV, with Jeremy Clarkson, during his E Type Jaguar tour of France). ‘Le Restaurant du Chateau’ at Lavardens - eat under the shade of old fig trees, good fresh food with daily specialities. ‘La Pigeonneau’ in Riscle, run by an English couple, specializing in fresh local ingredients. Have an evening out in the street restaurants held every fortnight in Lavardens during July and August - try local foods, cooked by growers and producers - all types of duck, ostrich or chicken.

Buy and sample wines, Floc de Gascogne (a blend of Armagnac and red or white grape juice) and Armagnac from local vineyards at Bezolles, Réjaumont or Roquelaure, or from the co-operative caves in Condom, Lectoure or Plaisance. Pousse Rapier - a blend of Armagnac and orange, which is best mixed with a glass of white fizz, is made locally at St Puy at the Chateau Montluc. Enjoy the wine festival in Jegun in early August - taste the local wines, buy some for your supper, and to take home, and then share a convivial meal at either lunch time or in the evening, with locals and visitors, all very relaxed.

Shop at local street markets - Condom on Wednesdays; Auch on Thursdays; Vic Fezensac and Lectoure on Fridays, Nerac on Saturdays and Castera Verduzan on Sundays. Buy Foie Gras and Duck from the farmers themselves or at local shops, or during the winter months, at the foie markets in Samatan and Gimont.

Buy the wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables in their own seasons - Gariguette strawberries in April and May; Asparagus and Artichokes in May; Strawberries and soft fruit in June; Melons, Peaches and Peas in July; Peaches, Plums and Nectarines in August and Garlic, Apples and Pears in September and Prunes all year round.