The ancient region of Gascony is considered by many to be the gastronomic heart of France. Located south of Bordeaux, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Garonne River to the east and Spain to the south, Gascony remains one of the most unspoiled regions in the country. This beautiful area is characterized by undulating green hills dotted with picturesque castles, farms and fortified villages, dating from the time of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Hundred Years' War. Gascony is famous for its superior production of Armagnac and foie gras as well as the rich red wines of Madiran, Jurançon and Béarn. It is also known for the prehistoric cave drawings of Les Eyzies and Lascaux, not to mention as the home of Charles de Batz de Castelmore (a.k.a. d'Artagnan, the fourth musketeer).

Two of the best restaurants in Gascony are the 3-star Michelin restaurant Michel Guérard and Guérard's more casual La Ferme Grives, which are both located at the world-renowned spa in Eugénie-les-Bains. Others include the Hotel de France, famous for its duck, in the medieval town of Auch and Pain Adour et Fantasie in Grenade sur L'Adour. This is also a wonderful area for touring and within easy reach is the celebrated wine region of Bordeaux and its great châteaux, the golden sand beaches and casinos of Biarritz, the historic pilgrimage town of Lourdes, the Pyrénées Mountains and Spain. Gascony is a one-hour drive west of the Toulouse International airport. The cuisine, excellent wines, Armagnac and above all, the very hospitable Gascon people, make this a perfect place to visit.