Gimont

Gimont is a bastide town in the Gers department, founded in 1266 by monks from the Abbey of Planselve, and set in the Gimone valley in the Occitanie region. Its historic centre features traditional wooden market halls typical of south-western French bastides, around which a local market is held, well known for poultry, foie gras and other farm produce reflecting the region's culinary heritage. The town is also recognised for its arena, which hosts courses landaises, a traditional bull-running event practised without harm to the animal, common across south-western France. The surrounding countryside, with its gentle hills and farmland, is well suited to walking or cycling, particularly along the banks of the Gimone river. Gimont lies within easy reach of Auch, the Gers' county town, and Toulouse, making it a convenient base for exploring the wider region while enjoying the tranquillity of rural Gascony. Visitors interested in heritage will appreciate the bastide's architecture, while those keen on local flavours can sample Armagnac brandy and Floc de Gascogne, both classic products of the surrounding terroir.