Samatan, Capital of Foie Gras
Favourite residence of the Comtes de Comminges, it could be yours too ! Well-known for its foie gras market, Samatan is also popular with holiday makers seeking peace and quiet, nature and authenticity.
An ancient fiefdom of the Comtes de Comminges
The village is in the south-east of the Gers region, 45 minutes from Toulouse. The shopping village of Samatan is just 1km from the former cathedral ‘city’ of Lombez.
The ‘castelnau’ whose castle and surrounding walls were totally destroyed, became the village of foie gras, an admirable conversion for this ancient fiefdom of the Comtes de Comminges, ravaged in 1355 by the Black Prince, son of Edward III of England, during the Hundred Years’ War and again by Protestants in 1589! Samatan has always been able to pick itself up, dust itself down and start all over again !
Every Monday morning, one of the best open-air markets in France takes place here including live poultry sales. It is also one of the largest ready-to-cook poultry and foie gras markets in the south-west. The town has forged an excellent reputation for foie gras which extends far beyond the borders of France. If you are intending to cook poultry, a trip to the market is essential !
At the same time you can admire the Place Belleforest, bordered with houses dating from the 17th century. A statue pays tribute to François de Belleforest (1530-1583) a historian, poet, translator and cosmographer who was born in Samatan.
The church of Saint Jean-Baptiste, rebuilt in pure Neo-Gothic style in 1890, houses a relic of Sainte-Apollonie (invoked against toothache) as well as a listed pulpit with banisters made by Bertin, a master metal craftsman born in Samatan and an organ, also listed, built by Callinet and Daublaine.
The fountain is a listed monument dating built in 1843 as a drinking trough for horses. It has become the symbol of the town of Samatan. Stroll on as far as the water mill whose canal flows through the town. It was one of the first power stations in the Gers and supplied the town with electricity from 1897 to 1951.
Samatan – a rural holiday resort with a lake and lakeside holiday village
There are lots of fun activities in and around the 9 hectare lake : fishing, a beach with paddling pool (swimming not permitted in the lake), beach volleyball, beach tennis, children’s play park, fitness trails suitable for older visitors, crazy golf (free of charge, collect equipment from the restaurant), water-relaxation centre with Jacuzzi, hammam and massage (fee-paying, booking required).
Explore the Circuit du Campan and the Circuit des Crètes in Samatan on foot or by bike (mountain bike, electric bike). The paths take you through rolling countryside with splendid views of the Pyrenees on a clear day. For horse riding, go to the Ecuries Massiot. Canoeists can paddle along the rivers Save and Gesse. Samatan is an ideal destination for a vibrant holiday !
Round and about : Lombez and its pink brick Cathedral of Sainte Marie, Simorre and its abbatial church.
The Art and History town of Auch, capital of Gascony is 45 minutes away.
On the way to Auch : stop off at Castelnau Barbarens , a pretty hillside village.
Producers belonging to the Bienvenue à la Ferme network offer farm visits (please book beforehand) : Ferme de Marmot at Lombez for home-made bread, Ferme de Lacassagne at Montadet for farmhouse pork, charcuterie, ready-cooked dishes; Ferme des Mouliots and Gaec de Marcadet at Monblanc for duck products : foie gras, confit, etc. At Noilhan : Ferme de la Mouniche for unpasteurised sheep’s cheese and Ferme d’en Loune snail farm for ready-cooked meals.
To discover another treasure of the Gers, don’t hesitate to visit the Bastide Royale at Marciac
Top tip from Marielle at Gîtes de France Gers : ""You don’t see many markets like this – absolutely huge with more than a hundred stalls selling all sorts in the town centre (the old corn exchange, the library…). A market which has kept its character thanks to the live poultry market and the duck and foie gras market held every Monday at 10.00 on the dot. Don’t be late as everything goes within minutes !!!! There are also stalls of local producers, arts and crafts. There is something for everyone, young and old on Monday mornings in Samatan ! A tradition to maintain and protect. """
