Follow in the footsteps of famous French musketeer on new Gers cycling route

Cyclists can now follow in the footsteps of France's most famous musketeer thanks to a new 461km touring route that loops through the rolling landscapes, medieval villages and vineyard-covered hills of Gers, the department closely associated with the legendary d'Artagnan.

The Tour du Gers à Vélo, launched by the FF Vélo Gers Departmental Cycle Touring Committee (CODEP 32) and promoted by the Gers Tourism Board, is designed to showcase the rural southwest French department often described as the historic heart of Gascony.

The route circles the entire department over seven stages, covering 461 km and 5,619 m of climbing through bastide towns, Armagnac vineyards, river valleys and countryside that inspired the stories of the musketeers.

Although d'Artagnan himself was born at the Château de Castelmore near Lupiac in Gers in the 17th Century, his adventures were immortalised worldwide through Alexandre Dumas' novel The Three Musketeers. Today, the department remains proud of its connection to the swashbuckling hero, with museums, statues and heritage trails celebrating his legacy.

Emmanuelle Boyé-Capdet, Head of Outdoor Activities (Nature & Leisure) at the Departmental Tourism Committee, Destination Gers said the project was created in response to a growing demand for long-distance cycling holidays.

"It offers a complete tour of the department through its emblematic landscapes, character villages and major heritage sites," she said.

She explained that the aim was both to encourage sustainable tourism and to create a flagship attraction for the destination. The route builds on existing cycling circuits developed by local cycling organisations and incorporates accommodation suggestions, visitor attractions and opportunities to meet local producers.

While classified as a difficult route, the experience is intended to be about more than simply covering kilometres.

"What makes the Tour du Gers different from other French cycling routes is that it is entirely dedicated to discovering a preserved rural destination," she said. "The kilometres may have plenty of climbs, but they also have plenty of flavour."

She added that cyclists are encouraged to slow down and enjoy the villages, scenery and regional specialities along the way.

The route officially begins in L'Isle-Jourdain, chosen because of its SNCF rail connections, although cyclists can start wherever they wish. It follows the borders of the Gers department, providing what Raphaëlle Lequai from Gers Tourism Board describes as "a complete immersion into the heart of Gascony."

Highlights include the fortified church of Simorre, the jazz capital of Marciac, the vineyards of Madiran and Armagnac, the spa town of Barbotan-les-Thermes, the cathedral city of Condom and several villages officially listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, including Larressingle, Fourcès and La Romieu.

The route is already operational for summer 2026, although it is not yet signposted. GPX (GPS Exchange Format) files and technical details are available online.

The circuit is primarily aimed at experienced cycle tourists, but electric bikes make it accessible to a wider audience.

"With electric assistance and stages of around 50 - 60 km, the route becomes achievable for many more people," she said.

The project also forms part of the department's commitment to slow tourism. Existing cycling routes, local food experiences, Armagnac vineyards, abbeys, castles and historic market towns are all being integrated into what Destination Gers hopes will become a distinctive "cycling and Gascon lifestyle" experience.