In this episode Join Us in France, Annie and Elyse embark on a remarkable journey through the Gers region in France, uncovering its hidden charms and age-old allure. And how about delicious gastronomy? It's all here! Our adventure begins at the serene Abbaye de Flaran, a historic Cistercian abbey now serving as an art museum, where we delve into centuries of history and art. The Gers region, with its seasonal attractions, reveals its best-kept secrets between March and early November. We weave through the picturesque bastide town of Montréal du Gers and the unique circular village of Fourcès. Here, we encounter the friendly local hospitality at a bakery, indulging in the delightful regional specialty, croustade. Our journey takes us to the impressive Roman site of Séviac, famed for its well-preserved mosaics, a testament to the region's rich Roman heritage. Time constraints lead us to bypass the museum in Eauze, but the visit to Séviac alone leaves us in awe of the historical depth of Gers. The day's exploration culminates in the enchanting village of Larressingle, a miniature version of Carcassonne. This small, circular walled village, complete with medieval ramparts and a church, stands as a symbol of historical preservation, partly restored thanks to international contributions, notably from American donors. Throughout the episode, we highlight the importance of planning, especially for dining options in these rural settings, and the role of global efforts in historical preservation. The Gers region, not just a stop on the Camino but a destination in its own right, is rich in both history and gastronomy. We delve into the culinary delights of the area, from its famous duck dishes to the renowned wines of Madiran and Jurançon. Join us on this enchanting journey through Gers, as we uncover the timeless beauty, culinary richness, and historical depth of this lesser-known French treasure.   Table of Contents for this episode Today on the podcast Services related to the podcast Bootcamp 2024 The magazine part of the podcast: the price of bread Annie and Elyse about The Gers Exploring the Gers Region The Beauty and Simplicity of Gers Le Bonheur est dans le Pré The Serenity of Rural Life in Gers How long to get to The Gers? Visiting the Abbey of Flaran Art Exhibition at the Abbey The Village of Montréal du Gers Electric car charging troubles Fources, small circular village When in the Gers, try a croustade! A visit to Montréal The Roman Site of Séviac The Preservation of Séviac’s Mosaics The Villa of Saviac The Village of Larressingle Restoration work Gastronomy and agriculture in the Gers Le Festival du Gras (aka le Marché du Gras) The Town of Condom and Armagnac Thank you Patrons Itinerary Consult Service Feedback from Lucy Hicks Self-guided tours of Paris The Price of Bread in France Keeping your phone safe while touring Next week on the podcast Copyright