The reputation of Gascony's great listed sites is well established. One of its star attractions, the Cirque of Gavarnie, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dazzles visitors with the awe-inspiring spectacle of its lush countryside. The glacial Cirque of Troumouse, encircled by high mountain walls, is another of the region's must-see beauty spots.
At the pleasant spa resort of Cauterets, you can admire the impressive spectacle of the waterfalls cascading beneath the arch of the unique Pont d'Espagne bridge. The Pic du Midi de Bigorre will really wow you, with its unforgettable view of the Pyrenees, while the mountain lake of Gaube offers an exceptional environment at the heart of the mountains. Hikers can satisfy their craving for walks while admiring the gorgeous landscapes of the Pyrenees National Park or Néouvielle Nature Reserve.
The towns also have a way of charming travellers. Auch, the historic capital of Gascony, overlooks the Gers Valley and reveals a remarkable heritage. At the heart of Landes, the town of Dax is France's number one spa resort, with its 12 treatment centres. Lourdes, a major place of pilgrimage, is renowned for the mystical atmosphere that reigns there, as well as its beautiful surroundings. For surfers and hipsters, the chic seaside resorts of Capbreton and Hossegor are great places for outings and festivities.
Gascony is also where you will find the smallest fortified village in France, Larressingle, the little Carcassonne of Gers. Be sure to take a detour via Mont-de-Marsan, a town halfway between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic, with the particularity of having two rivers running through it. Heritage-lovers are sure to appreciate the Collegiate Church of La Romieu, a doubly listed gem of Gothic architecture that is also a stop on the Way of St. James.
On your plate, you will find hearty and flavoursome cooking, with garbure, a traditional soup, free-range chicken from Gers or Landes, confits and foie gras from Gers, and Tarbais beans. And in your glass... a nice armagnac!