8 days /7 nights / 6 walking days

It is worth taking time to enjoy this crossing of D'Artagnan country, which, at the heart of the old provinces of Gascony and Guyenne, reveals their gentle landscapes, symbolic of a certain rural sophistication.

Day 1: Arrive Lectoure

Day 2: Lectoure – La Romieu
Altitude at departure: 186m/614ft
We initially head west, passing Marsolan (171m/564ft) and then the chapel at Abrin, at ewhich point the route forks northward for La Romieu. This is not the historic route (pilgrims would before have headed directly for Condom) but La Romieu, with its collegiate church of St. Peter, served as a staging post for pilgrims coming from Rocamadour and Agen and it is where we pass the night.
Altitude at arrival: 167m/551ft, 19 kms/11.9 miles, 4 hours 45 mins Day 3: La Romieu – Condom
Altitude at departure: 167m/551ft
A short section to Condom, via Castelnau sur l'Auvignon, and the old Romanesque chapel of St. Germaine. Conoisseurs may like to try a glass of Armagnac, for which Condom is famous.
Altitude at arrival: 81m/267ft, 16 kms/10 miles, 3 hours 45 mins Day 4: Condom – Montreal du Gers
Altitude at departure: 81m/267ft
Into the heart of Gascony, with its gastronomic and rural traditions. It is worth making a short detour to Larresingue and its ramparts, before crossing the Osse via the ancient bridge at Artigues and heading to Montreal, ancient bastide overlooking the Auzoue.
Altitude at arrival: 135m/446ft, 16.3 kms/10.2 miles, 4 hours Day 5: Montreal du Gers – Eauze
Altitude at departure: 135m/446ft
The route heads due south across country. From Lamothe (167m/551ft) the path is along the former railway line, guaranteeing good, easy walking.
Altitude at arrival: 142m/469ft, 16.3 kms/10.2 miles, 4 hours

Day 6: Eauze – Nogaro
Altitude at departure: 142m/469ft
Today: undulating landscapes, vineyards, fields of maize, forests...half-way is Manciet, the old meeting point of the Via Podiensis and the route from Auch.
Altitude at arrival: 98m/323ft, 20 kms/12.5 miles, 5 hours Day 7: Nogaro – Aire-sur-Adour
Altitude at departure: 98m/323ft
Gradually the landscape changes. At first it is wooded and then, when we arrive in the Landes departement, we are on the Adour plain. A curiosity here are the dovecotes hidden in the treetops.
Altitude at arrival: 81m/267ft, 30 kms/18.75 miles, 7 hours

Day 8: End of holiday after breakfast.