Pays des Coteaux, a land of nuances

Close to the Gers region, between Gascogne and Bigorre, Pays des Coteaux has a varied landscapes, between hills, forest-floor, fertile valleys and small authentic villages, with panoramic views of the Pyrenees Mountains. The traditional housing has been preserved (abode, rammed earth, L shaped farms…) and restored as per the ancestral methods. It is a country of nuances with a varied fauna and flora.

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TOURNAY, ANCIENT BASTIDE

The entry gate of Pays des Coteaux and situated at the heart of the Pyrenean Piémont; Tournay is a bastide built in the 14th century by King Philippe le Bel, who wanted a fortified town near the Castle of Mauvezin, Tournay has preserved all its architectural characters, with its oblong place and main streets. Saint-Etienne Church burnt in the 16th century by the Protestants, has been rebuilt. 

The Astarac Square houses the home of Francis Jammes (1868-1938), poet, novelist and playwright; and in 1952 Benedictine monks settled in the Notre-Dame de Tournay Abbey. There are many hiking trails and ridge path.

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CASTELNAU-MAGNOAC and its 14th century church

This little village is located at 385 metres above sea level, and the Pays des Coteaux highest point, at the heart of the hills of Magnoac. Its church, with its square style tower bell, is listed Historic Monument as well as its furniture including the organs. 

This land was an important place of the Resistance, the Memorial du Corps franc Pommiers 49eRI and the museum are part of the legacy. The Magnoac Lake covers75 hectares (185 acres) and is a preserved nature area. 

In the surrounding area, there are two gardens that are a must see: le “Jardin de la Source” and the “Jardins de la Poterie Hillen” in Thermes Magnoac, listed “Jardin Remarquable”.  

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TRIE SUR BAÏSE AND ITS TWO CHURCHES 

Trie sur Baïse was built as a bastide in 1322. The town suffered many attacks during the One Hundred Years War and was rebuilt after the lootings stopped in 1363.Carmelite monks settled there and created a monastery in 1365, a citadel emerged as well as hospitals.

These installations contributed to the grandeur of the town; which became prosperous during the 15th century. Built outside the fortifications, the monastery was partly destroyed during the Religious Wars of the 16th century during. Today, only the church remains, as per the parish church situated at the centre of the town and surmounted by a 60 metre high spire.