Rachel Southwood

6 August 2026

Travel & Places to Visit

From Railway to Greenway: Exploring Le Gers by Foot and Bike

Historic railway bridges add character and heritage to the Greenways of Le Gers.

"Some of the best journeys begin long after the trains have stopped running."

One of the loveliest surprises awaiting visitors to Le Gers isn't found in a guidebook or tucked away inside a museum. Instead, it stretches quietly across the countryside, following the gentle curves of former railway lines that once connected villages throughout the region.

Today, these historic routes have found a new purpose.

Where steam trains once travelled, walkers, cyclists, runners and families now enjoy peaceful greenways that wind through the heart of Gascony, offering an entirely different way to experience one of France's most unspoilt landscapes.

For many people arriving from countries where walking and cycling form an important part of everyday life, discovering these traffic-free routes is an unexpected delight. Unlike mountain trails or busy roads, the former railway lines are naturally gentle, their gradients designed for trains rather than cars. That makes them wonderfully accessible for all ages and abilities, whether you're enjoying an afternoon stroll, introducing children to cycling or setting out on a longer countryside adventure.

As you follow the old tracks, the landscape unfolds at an altogether more leisurely pace. Fields of sunflowers sway gently in the breeze during summer, ancient oak trees provide welcome shade on warmer days and small villages appear almost unexpectedly, each offering its own cafés, churches and quiet corners where time seems to slow.

There is something rather fitting about these routes. Once built to connect communities, they continue to do exactly that today. They encourage people to spend time outdoors, discover local businesses, visit weekly markets and experience villages they might otherwise have driven straight past.

The Greenways of Le Gers offer peaceful cycling routes through the heart of the Gascon countryside.

Cycling has always held a special place in French culture, and nowhere is that more evident than in rural areas such as Le Gers. While the Tour de France may capture international headlines each summer, everyday cycling here is less about competition and more about enjoyment, exploration and spending time together.

The love of cycling extends well beyond Le Gers and can be found across the wider Occitanie region, where communities continue to embrace innovative and family-friendly ways to enjoy the outdoors. From dedicated greenways to imaginative locally made bicycles designed for families, cycling has become an important part of everyday life, reflecting the region's commitment to sustainability, wellbeing and making the countryside accessible to everyone.

For those considering making Le Gers their home, these greenways offer something that is increasingly difficult to find: safe, peaceful spaces where walking and cycling become part of everyday life rather than activities reserved for weekends or holidays. Morning walks, evening bike rides and leisurely Sunday outings soon become part of the rhythm of living here.

In many ways, the greenways perfectly capture the character of Le Gers itself. They are unhurried, welcoming and quietly beautiful, inviting you to leave the car behind and discover a landscape that reveals its greatest treasures one gentle mile at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Exploring the Greenways of Le Gers by bike is a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy the region's peaceful landscapes.

Are there dedicated cycling routes in Le Gers? Yes. Le Gers is home to a growing network of quiet country roads and former railway greenways that provide excellent opportunities for walking and cycling through beautiful rural landscapes.

Are the greenways suitable for families? Many sections are largely flat, making them particularly suitable for families, casual cyclists and walkers of all ages.

Why were these routes originally built? Many of today's greenways follow historic railway lines that once connected villages throughout the region before being transformed into recreational routes.

Thinking of Buying or Selling?

Every journey along the Greenways of Le Gers reveals sweeping views of rolling hills, fields and woodlands.

The greenways of Le Gers are just one example of the lifestyle that attracts people from around the world to this beautiful part of France. Whether you're searching for your dream home or preparing to sell one, understanding the experiences that make this region so special helps tell a story that goes far beyond bricks and mortar.

Local Insight

This article was inspired by conversations with Sarah Thacker, one of our property experts at Occitanie Properties. Having made Le Gers her home, Sarah's intimate knowledge of the region's landscapes, villages and traditions helped shape this guide, offering insights that only come from living here every day.