Things To See And Do In Authentic Southwest

Published: July 18, 2025 by Justin Postlethwaite

MUSEUMS

Through interactive exhibits and events, Musée Fermat in Beaumont-de-Lomagne reveals the life and work of the mathermatical pioneer Pierre de Fermat, in the house where he was born (museefermat.com).

The story of the spectacular and ingenious Montech Pente d’eau (water slope), which allowed boats to bypass five locks, is brought vividly to life in a superbly transformed barge – perfect for inquisitive young scientists (www.pentedeaudemontech.fr). More canal side beauty can be enjoyed at the impossibly picturesque Double Lock at Graziac (www.tourisme-gers.com/en). With its unmatched collection of works by local artistic icons-painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and sculptor Antoine Bourdelle – Montauban’s Musée Ingres-Bourdelle is housed in a former bishop’s palace and is a must for art lovers (museeingresbourdelle.com).

For the ultimate beginner’s guide to the medieval origins of 350 new towns’ called bastides, head to Le Musée des Bastides in beautiful Monflanquin, housed above the tourist office in the main central square (monflanquin-museedesbastides.com)

Beaumont en Lomagne Fermet statue

EVENTS

This year Monflanquin also hosts the 33rd edition of the Fêtes Médiévales on August 15 and 16-always a very popular event with medieval music, street theatre, parades, fire shows, a medieval banquet and market, and historical re-enactments (www.facebook. com/medievalesmonflanquin).

Every second weekend in May for over 50 years, the historic streets of Condom have come alive in joyous style to the sound of the Festival de Bandas amateur brass and percussion musicians (www.festivaldebandas.fr).

HISTORIC SITES

As well as the stunning Château de Bonaguil., which stands imposingly near Saint-Front-sur Lémance, do not miss the castle located in the small village of Gavaudun. Especially remarkable for its keep, which towers over the village at a height of 70m, it sits in the heart of a valley classified as a natural site (www.tourisme-lotetgaronne.com/culture-patrimoine/chateau-de-gavaudun). For a memorable step-back-in-time experience, the Abbaye de Flaran (www.patrimoine-musees-gers.fr) is unmatched. Learn about monastic life in serene surroundings, take a stroll in the magnificent gardens and enjoy one of the many cultural events laid on throughout the year.

MARKETS

One of the true joys of exploring real France is to time village visits with market day. There are weekly markets on Thursdays in Monflanquin and Saturdays in Villeréal, as well as night markets in summer on Thursday evenings in Monflanquin and Monday evenings in Villeréal. These markets are very different from traditional ones: you can eat what is directly produced and sold by the producers (melons, strawberries, cheeses, magret cooked à la plancha…) and there is usually musical entertainment. There is a summer farmers’ market at the Ferme de Souleilles.

Musée du Foie gras in Frespech. Every Friday at noon, people eat in the shade of plum trees, with local producers serving freshly cooked food. There’s also entertainment and games for children (www. souleilles-foiegras.com/marches-paysans.htm l).

In Condom, Summer Tuesdays from mid-July to the end of August are a perfect way to explore the sights and tastes: at I lam, a one-hour guided tour of the cathedral; at 3pm, a lecture in the church Musée d’art sacré du Pradau at 6pm, a Vespérales organ concert (free, no reservation required) at the cathedral, and from 6.30pm, a traditional gourmet market featuring local producers offering gourmet food, wine tastings, Armagnac and Gascon tapas -all to the sound of bandas around Place Bossuet.

PRODUCERS

Agriculture is at the heart of Authentic Southwest and you can experience this in person with a visit to the Ferme Martin Neuf near Larressingle, where a wide range of porc noir (black pig) and duck products are prepared and sold by farmers Jérôme and Roseline (www.martinneuf.fr).

In the vineyards, producers who craft IGP Côtes de Gascogne, Floc de Gascogne and France’s oldest brandy, Armagnac welcome you for tours, tastings and the chance to buy a bottle or two.

From France Today Magazine