Gastronomy, Armagnac
and wine-tasting

The Gers Region is renowned for its superb cuisine, fine Armagnac and rich wines. It is the biggest producer of foie gras in France, using both geese and duck livers, while many of the local dishes are duck-related, including confit de canard and pan-fried duck breast.

Many Armagnac producers welcome visitors and offer tasting whether you go to one of the bigger chais or follow a faded sign down a dusty road. Why not also try Floc de Gascogne, an aperitif dating back to the 16th Century made with fresh grape juice and young Armagnac, perfect with foie gras.

The region offers some fabulous opportunities to taste and buy locally-produced wines, the best known being Madiran, Pacherenc and Saint-Mont.

The forty estates and chateaux of Madiran hold an annual wine festival in mid August which offers a great day out with plenty of opportunities to sample both Madiran and the mellow white wines of Pacherenc.