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Located in southwestern France, the Gers is part of the Midi-Pyrénées region. It is surrounded by the departments of Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne, Tarn-et-Garonne, Lot-et-Garonne, Landes, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The Gers is often referred to as amongst the least densely populated, or most rural, areas in all of Western Europe.
Major towns and cities include
Auch
Auch is the historical capital of Gascony. Auch is known for its Renaissance Cathédrale Sainte-Marie with its magnificent organ, carved stalls and rose stained-glass windows, La Tour d'Armagnac - a 14th century prison, as well as a statue of d'Artagnan who was based on the real life person, Charles de Batz, Comte d'Artagnan born nearby in the château de Castelmore, and written about by Alexandre Dumas.
Condom
Condom is a town on the Via Podiensis, one of the three major French arms of the pilgramage route, the Way of St. James. This particular route begins in Le Puy and ends in Santiago de Compostella in northwest Spain. Pilgrims arrive at Condom after Miradoux and continue on to Larressingle.
The city is a popular target for street sign stealing tourists. It is also home to a museum of famous contraceptive devices.
It is known for the production of Armagnac, an international music festival of "bandas", an international chess tournament and an international chess marathon. It is also known for its tourism with farm campings and boating on waterways.
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