Night Markets

July and August see the annual round of night markets get underway in various villages throughout the Gers.

They're great fun and a good way to mix with the locals over a bowl or two of moules frites washed down with copious amounts of local Gascogne wine.

All the usual stalls from the day markets are present showing off the local produce and the bars and restaurants usually do a roaring trade, as this is the time when the French themselves are on holiday and the numbers of visitors in the area is at its greatest.

The two markets we like are those at Vic Fezensac and Lavardens, the latter taking place in the shadow of the beautiful hilltop chateau.

We've seen fire-eaters, jugglers and mime artists, so it's a good night out for all the family and it needn't cost you a fortune.

As with most French evening gatherings, the entertainment doesn't usually get underway until after 9pm, although if you want to get a seat at the long trestle tables serving food, it's best to get there around 7:30pm.

So, give it a try - after all, you're on holiday and you can always have a lie in the next morning !