Plaisance – Bastide, Market and Leisure Activities
Accommodation in Plaisance
Plaisance combines a historic bastide with cultural and outdoor activities. If you are planning a stay, you can explore different aspects of the town: its arcaded squares and church, its market, or leisure activities such as canoeing and hiking.
Bastide with two arcaded squares
The bastide of Plaisance was founded in 1322. Plaisance is one of the few bastides in Gascony laid out around two arcaded squares. The town’s present-day layout developed from the merging of two urban areas: one medieval and one dating from the 19th century. The town’s structure therefore brings together different historical periods of development.
The church of Plaisance was built between 1854 and 1862 by diocesan architects Barré and Durand. The organ is located at the rear of the church. Organist Francis Chapelet inaugurated it in 1988; today, it provides the setting for numerous musical events. Check the latest dates separately.
The town’s history is also reflected beyond the church: the current bullring was inaugurated in 1936. The square corner tower is the only surviving remnant of the fortifications. Together with the town’s founding story and its two arcaded squares, it adds to the varied picture of historic Plaisance.
The Arros and outdoor activities
The Arros is an important part of the canoeing experience: the river flows gently and meanders, with some stretches suited to relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Canoe trips run by PCK – Plaisance Canoë Kayak start in Plaisance-du-Gers. Led by a state-qualified instructor, PCK offers an introduction to navigation and paddle handling. Check availability before your trip.
PCK also rents boats for independent outings. Whether these are possible depends on the weather and the river’s condition. If you are considering such an outing, take these factors into account when planning. Plaisance also has hiking trails for walkers and mountain bikers; check current trail conditions before setting out.
The municipal leisure complex includes a Wake Park and a guinguette. Check current operating conditions before visiting. Other leisure activities in Plaisance include fishing, canoeing and tennis. These activities offer different ways to spend time in the town, although they are not all part of the leisure complex.
Market day on Thursdays
The traditional market takes place every Thursday morning at Place du 11 Novembre. Local producers, traders and craftspeople offer fresh produce and regional specialities. The selection may vary from one market day to the next; check the current schedule before your trip if you want to plan your visit around the market.
When choosing where to stay, consider which aspect of Plaisance interests you most: the bastide and its architectural history, musical culture, activities on the river or the weekly market. If you are looking for a hotel in Plaisance, this overview of the town’s different attractions can help guide your decision. Information about hotel offers and booking is available through the designated booking channel.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Le Houga, SĂ©ailles, Avezan, Malabat, Bazian, Saint-Mont, Maupas, Armous-Et-Cau
For the main travel overview: Gers.
