The Gers is crossed by two roads going towards the pilgrimage destination of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle in Spain. The Via Podiensis from Arles and the Via Tolosana from Toulouse which pass through the north and south of the territory. The GR65 follows part of the trail of these historic roadways. Many people enjoy travelling these roads to discover the pleasant rural regions of the Gers , with its many towns and villages of great interest.
The religious heritage, the abbeys, cathedrals, churches, historic monuments and culture of the Gers allows pilgrims to really appreciate their journey. On foot, by bike, by horse During the 1 1th century this fantastic history of pilgrimage started.
Being unable to go to Jerusalem due to the political and religious troubles of the time, the pilgrims travelled the roads leading to Rome and Santiago , Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle , to honour their saints. It is still the most popular road used today as many other roads in France and northern Europe converge here. The pilgrims' route became very popular and well known in the 13th century. But wars and European conflicts slowed down the flux of walkers from the 14th century, and it was even forbidden under Louis XIV.
In , there was a renewed interest in Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, with the rediscovery of the Saint's relics. The 20th century is marked by the ever increasing popularity of the roads leading towards Santiago , amongst the religious, but the non religious also walk the route!
Art enthusiasts, sports people, hikers, the young and the less young , now join the religious pilgrims. Spanish mainly pilgrims , Italians, Germans, Americans, Portuguese, French walk these roads: in , different nationalities were counted on the roads of Compostelle! Why do they walk? For therapeutic reasons we talk about " road therapy " for a sporting challenge, to cleanse the mind and to have a break from daily life, and, of course for a religious reason.
