Discover Bassoues: Heritage, Hiking and Wine

On a trip to Bassoues, you can explore the area from three different perspectives: its architectural and religious history, a hike with a named starting point and destination, and a tour of aspects of winegrowing and cellar work. Its heritage spans everything from the medieval keep to religious buildings, each with its own story. The route and the tour offer different focuses: the hiking trail can be understood through its length and stops, while Domaine de Bilé brings together vineyards, Armagnac ageing and winemaking.

The keep and religious architecture

The Donjon de Bassoues was built from 1368 to 1371 under the direction of Arnaud Aubert, Cardinal and Archbishop of Auch. It was listed as a historic monument in 1840, becoming the first protected building in the Gers département. On a clear day, its summit offers panoramic views across the Gers countryside, the hills in the south of Gers and the Pyrenees.

The Basilica of Saint Fris was built over the tomb of Saint Fris. The church was a place of pilgrimage from the outset and has a crypt; its tomb, religious use and underground church space are therefore central features. Another religious landmark is the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The entire building was listed as a historic monument by decree on 13 September 2018. Around 1520, the church was restored and fitted with two Renaissance-style portals: one on the west side and the other on the south side.

The dates mark different points in time: 1368 to 1371 refers to the construction of the keep, and 1840 to its protection as a historic monument; around 1520 dates the church’s restoration and the addition of its portals, while 2018 marks the listing of the entire church.

A hike to the Chapelle Saint-Fris

The La randonnée de Saint-Fris hiking route is 5.6 kilometres long and suitable for beginners. It starts at the market hall in the centre of Bassoues. From there, it follows the lakeshore to the Chapelle Saint-Fris. With the market hall as its starting point and the chapel as its destination, the route is clearly defined; the lakeside section describes the route between them. Before setting off, check the trail conditions and signage, as both may change.

Vineyards, cellars and wine tasting

A tour of Domaine de Bilé takes visitors through vineyards, Armagnac ageing cellars and winemaking cellars. The combination of vineyards, winemaking cellars and Armagnac ageing cellars brings together different aspects: cultivation, production and ageing. In 2026, a complimentary tasting of Côtes de Gascogne, Floc de Gascogne and vintage Armagnac is planned at the end of the tour. Check booking details according to the season. The two activities have different focuses: the hiking route describes a trail to a chapel, while the tour explores vineyards and cellar spaces.

Discover more destinations: Castelnavet, Sauveterre, Laujuzan, Lectoure, Saint-Léonard, Barcelonne-Du-Gers, Miradoux, Saint-Lary.

For the regional travel overview: Gers.