Sainte-Marie (Gers) walks

The history of Sainte-Marie is closely linked to that of the Cistercians of Gimont, who were lords of these lands as far as La Grange du Hour near Saint-Martin. At that time, the village was called Manville. The depopulation of the countryside gradually led to the amalgamation of parishes and local authorities. Sainte-Marie now has five churches: the parish church in the heart of the village, and those at Saint-Martin du Hour, Saint-Germain, Le Travès and Saint-Pé du Bosc. Magnificent footpaths lead you through fields, along a stream and through the woods of a castle… without ever losing sight of the charming village of Sainte-Marie.

Gimont, a hilltop bastide founded in 1266 by Cistercian monks, stretches out on either side of its main road, spanned by a market hall and dominated by the brick bell tower of the Gothic church.

From the heart of this charming village, set off on the footpaths and admire the beautiful views of the Pyrenees mountain range. The arboretum will particularly catch your attention.

The Gimone and its three main tributaries cover more than 600 hectares of natural floodplain meadows. These meadows occupied the entire floodplain at the beginning of the 20th century. They have declined significantly, even disappearing from some municipalities with the development of intensive agriculture and the decline of livestock farming. Nevertheless, these meadows play an important role in flood control and represent a heritage that deserves to be promoted.

Short walking route (PR®) starting from Aubiet. The village is said to take its name from ‘albinellum’, meaning a place covered in plants with white leaves or flowers (hawthorns or willows). The last Castarle settlement in Armagnac, it holds a municipal charter dating from 1288.

A pleasant and easy hike with some sections on quiet roads.

Cologne, near Toulouse, remains one of the most beautiful bastides in the South-West. In the surrounding area, open farmland offers glimpses of brick houses, hydraulic and tourist facilities, and more.

Through the hillsides, the village fields and the surrounding area. A complete change of scenery guaranteed.

A short, easy route, accessible to all. There is little traffic, beautiful views, the lake shore... 30% of the route is paved.

This walk will allow you to discover three villages, mainly along paths.

Marsan’s Short Walk (PR®) route, offering a chance to explore the village. Saint-Pierre Church was once an outbuilding of the castle. It features a bell tower and an arcaded wall, with one of its bells bearing Gothic inscriptions, and is listed as a Historic Monument. The castle, built in 1750 on the foundations of a former12th-century fortress, has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1991, but is not open to the public (private property).

In a landscape of woods and meadows where deer reign supreme, attentive and silent walkers will discover the school of nature.In Polastron, Arrats and Saves, in the south-east of the Gers, you will discover panoramic views, magnificent landscapes and the village itself. In Samatan, there is a market every Monday morning.

At the start of this route, you will have a beautiful view of the Arrats valley, a narrow valley bordered by hillsides, themselves composed of ridges and valleys. This route takes you to Saint-Guiraud, a village annexed to Castelnau in 1821. On your return to the village, you will discover magnificent panoramic views of the countryside, the Pyrenees mountain range and neighbouring villages from the ridge.

At a place called Le Chalet, you will discover an exceptional panorama of the Pyrenees and the village. The Bois de la Paguère is a haven of coolness on summer days. Further on, before reaching the Domaine des Claux, the Bois de Labesse and the valley you will walk along are also places of beauty and serenity. A quick visit to Castelnau-Barbarens is a must before you leave.

A rural circuit through the valleys of the Gers, starting from Boulaur. The village is known for its abbey, which is open to visitors and offers local products.

Throughout this hike, you can admire the multitude of dovecotes, each one different. The trail takes you back to the bastide town along the banks of the Gimone and ends at the wash house.

By taking the paths once used for trade between the different valleys, discover a remarkable hidden and secret heritage that will surprise you, like a corner of paradise.

Hiking trails starting from Lake Saramon or Boulaur Town Hall. Detailed route guide available for purchase at the Tourist Office (in Gimont and Simorre).

A circular starting from the Saramon leisure centre to discover the gentle slopes of the Gimone, the village of Saint-Élix and a sculpture by a Japanese artist representing the wind (Kazé in Japanese).