Our next French adventure took a detour to the Gers, a land where ducks outnumber humans and history oozes like Armagnac in a chateau cellar.

It all started with a last-minute holiday scramble, our usual Dordogne havens full as a duck’s pond. So, we gambled on visiting a region that was a mystery to us, armed with nothing but Google Maps and a gut feeling.

Sunset in Toulouse

Toulouse welcomed us with open arms and a forgotten driver’s licence (thanks, hubby!), while the countryside unfurled like a green velvet carpet dotted with stone mansions and chateaus fit for a Musketeer. Talk about fewer cars and more charm!

Our gite, nestled near Bascous, wasn’t just a house, it was a portal to paradise. Lavender-scented air, a garden with more flowers than a Monet painting, and absolute peace – unless you count the resident duck chorus at dawn. Did I mention ducks everywhere? They practically own the Gers, 28 feathered friends to every human. No wonder d’Artagnan hailed from here – this place breeds swagger!

Country house in the Gers

We hopped from the phenomenal ancient Auch , with its d’Artagnan statue (naturally), to the bustling market of Eauze where shopkeepers smiled wider than sunflowers.

Statue of d'Artagnan in Auch

Lac d’Aignan was our playground, an acrobatic park in the forest canopy where we Tarzan-ed like pros, ending with a zipline over the shimmering lake. It was 38 degrees hot, but who cares when you’re screaming with laughter and a cold beer awaits?

Lac D'Aignan, Gers

Two weeks later, hearts full and cheeks sun-kissed, we knew this wasn’t just a holiday – it was a declaration of love. Ditch the Dordogne, forget the Charente, the Gers had stolen our souls.

So, here’s to the Gers, the undiscovered jewel where life is laid-back, laughter is guaranteed, and every day feels like a scene from a fairytale. Follow along as we move our search to the land of sunshine, swagger, and seriously good brandy. And remember, when life gives you lemons, turn them into Armagnac margaritas.

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Bon courage!