GasconY
Gascony is the hidden province, the secret heartland of old Aquitaine, facing towards the Pyrenees but missed by those rushing from coast to coast. Its gently rolling valleys and woodlands hide villages, fortified towers and medieval strongholds which betray a past when Gascons, renowned for their valour, were all too often called to arms. D’Artagnan, the leader of Alexandre Dumas’ three musketeers, was a famous Gascon. Where armies once traversed, now the fields are a checkerboard of sunflower yellow, tall maize, melon plants and vineyards, and the pigeons circle peacefully around the dovecotes.
Nowadays the Gascons are mostly famous for good living, strong wines and foie gras, their many local markets sought out for fine meats, fowl and fruit. The peace of the Gascon countryside is sought after more and more by those who want an escape from the pressure of modern life. Here the old traditions and rhythms of the year are kept, the quality of local products ensured by keeping to a time-honoured gentle pace.
Gascony is crossed by pilgrim routes which lead into Spain, and on eventually to Santiago de Compostela, with its small towns marked by the Romanesque churches which sprang up along the way. Now these towns are also known for festivals of music and jazz, such as Jazz in Marciac, Tempo Latino which draws international artistes, and Vic Fezenzac with its traditional feria.
Gascony is crossed by pilgrim routes which lead into Spain, and on eventually to Santiago de Compostela, with its small towns marked by the Romanesque churches which sprang up along the way. Now these towns are also known for festivals of music and jazz, such as Jazz in Marciac, Tempo Latino which draws international artistes, and Vic Fezenzac with its traditional feria.
The Gascon lands face, too, towards the sandy pinewoods of the Landes, mile after mile of Atlantic coastline with endless beaches extending from Arcachon down to Bayonne. With mountain, river and sea all at hand, every sport is available.
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