Thinking about holidaying in Gascony, South West France? With its wonderful long summer climate and so much to see and do, there’s many reasons why spending a summer holiday in Gascony is a good idea – it’s just naturally a great place to unwind with friends and family. Read on to find out the best time to visit, the best places to see in Gascony, and why it’s France’s most under-the-radar holiday destination.
When is the best time to holiday in Gascony?
It’s no exaggeration to say that Gascony is a great place to visit any time of the year. It benefits from a generally mild climate throughout the whole year, enjoying particularly warm and dry summer months. Auch, the capital of the Gers department and Gascony, is located approximately in the centre of the department and of our Simply Gascony properties. According to weatherspark.com, Auch, has a warm summer season which lasts from mid-June to mid-late September, with average daily temperatures in July and August reaching about 30°This makes for the best time from a tourism point of view, as the days are largely clear and rainless, and very rarely muggy.
Of course, when you choose to visit depends on where you want to stay, e.g. inland or by the coast, and what you intend to do when you’re in Gascony. If you’re looking for an active holiday, then you’ll want the nice weather of the summer, but it’s perhaps advisable to avoid the very peak heat months. If you’re looking for a holiday to truly relax, unwind, enjoy a few (or many) glasses of Gascon wine and catch a tan by the pool – then July and August are the best times to book.
Where to stay in Gascony?
Gascony is home to an array of charming market towns, fortified villages, larger cities and of course, perhaps most importantly, miles and miles of unspoilt rolling countryside. You can learn more about some of Gascony’s best market towns here, or some of the best locations easily reachable from the region’s major airports:
Places to stay in Gascony within 1-2 hour of Toulouse airport
Beaumont de Lomagne
The very attractive 'bastide' market town of Beaumont de Lomagne is home to supermarkets, banks, restaurants and an excellent weekly Saturday market.
Simply Gascony properties close to Beaumont de Lomagne:
Montfort
The lovely 13th century 'bastide' village of Monfort has a restaurant, boulangerie, epicerie, post office and tennis court. Saint-Clar is nearby and has a restaurant, supermarket and children’s water park.
Simply Gascony properties close to Montfort:
Marciac
Marciac, which has shops, bank, restaurants, supermarket, and a Wednesday morning market, is also home to the renowned Marciac International Jazz Festival held every summer in late July/early August. This is a world-class event which every year attracts some of the top names in Jazz and contemporary music.
Simply Gascony properties close to Marciac:
· Serres
Fleurance
Fleurance was founded as a ‘bastide’ in 1274 and is today a flourishing market town, with one of the largest local markets every Tuesday morning and a smaller market on Saturday mornings. The old market hall burned down but its 19th century replacement is a very fine and distinguished building. Fleurance takes its name from Florence in Italy.
Simply Gascony properties close to Fleurance:
· Le Piot
Eauze
Eauze has a great selection of local restaurants, artisan bakeries and butchers, plus a bank, pharmacy, supermarket and other amenities. Eauze is also a centre for Gascon wine production and Armagnac making, and is close to the famous Tariquet vineyards – ideal for tastings.
Simply Gascony properties close to Eauze:
Jegun
Jegun is a very attractive 12th century 'bastide' village, with an excellent restaurant, bank, post office, mini-supermarket and pharmacy.
Simply Gascony properties close to Jegun:
Why book a summer holiday in Gascony?
There are so many reasons why Gascony is the perfect summer holiday destination. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, food and drink exploration, an active holiday or simply just a relaxing week by the pool soaking up beautiful scenery – there’s something for all the family in Gascony.
Active holidays in Gascony
With its miles of open countryside filled with walking and cycling trails, Gascony is the perfect place for a walking holiday, or if you fancy exploring the landscape on two wheels, then Simply Gascony has a special partnership with local business, Gascogne Bike Hire. Find out more about cycling holidays here.
Relax and unwind
Looking to catch some sun by the pool? Fortunately all of our properties come with their own private pool, find one that catches your eye here.
Gascony for Good Food and Gascon Wine
Gascony is home to some of France’s most widely regarded wines, and no holiday in Gascony would be complete without sampling some of the local produce or a vineyard tour or two. Find out more about the area’s wine production here and delicious food scene.
Water sports and coastal holidays in Gascony
Surf, wild swim and paddle-boarding? You can do all three in Gascony, and there’s no better time of year to explore Gascony’s waterways than the summer months. Find out more about surfing on France’s South West coast here and swimming and water-sports.
Book a holiday to remember with Simply Gascony:
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