Gimont’s main street runs through the central market hall—a concrete indication of how closely the building and street layout are connected. Churches, a museum and seasonal offerings provide additional highlights. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the Musée Cantonal’s opening times and the period when the Marché au Gras takes place.

Founding and Church Architecture

Gimont was founded in 1265 under a Paréage agreement between the local lord, the abbot of Planselve and the Count of Toulouse. The parish church of Notre Dame du Gimontois was built at the exact centre of the bastide and is the work of the Cistercians who founded it. Together, these details offer two perspectives on Gimont’s history: its founding framework and the Cistercians’ role in building the church.

The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption has an octagonal bell tower of the Toulouse type; its architectural elements show echoes of Southern Gothic architecture. The tower’s shape and the stylistic elements offer two distinct clues to the building’s design: the tower belongs to a named type, while the other elements evoke an architectural movement.

The Chapelle de Cahuzac has been a pilgrimage site since the 16th century. Since 2 October 2017, it has been listed as a Monument historique and is open to the public; visiting arrangements may vary.

Museum and Market History

The Musée Cantonal de Gimont displays prehistoric, Gallo-Roman and medieval objects, including stones, fossils, ceramics and mosaics. The collection thus brings together different periods and types of objects. The museum is near the central market hall, in a former room used for the market’s weights and measures. Its former function gives the museum itself a connection to the history of the market.

The museum is open in summer; outside this period, visits are available by appointment. Check the visiting arrangements in advance if you are planning a museum visit. This lets you plan your visit around the access arrangements in effect at the time, rather than assuming the museum is open throughout the season.

Market Hall, Market and Puzzle Game

Gimont’s central market hall was built in the 14th century and continues to host markets and events. Individual events may change, so check the dates if you want to attend a specific one. Here, the building’s history and public use come together in a single structure, while the main street’s route through the hall is also a striking feature of the town’s layout.

The Marché au Gras takes place every Sunday morning from November to March and is dedicated to the sale of waterfowl for foie gras. If you are planning your trip around the market, check the seasonal dates for the year you want to visit. Gimont’s puzzle game offers a different kind of activity: it includes a backpack full of clues, a story to solve and a series of puzzles. The practical details may change, so check the current arrangements if you are planning to play.

There are two different points to consider when choosing when to travel: the Marché au Gras takes place on Sunday mornings from November to March, while the museum is open in summer and accessible by appointment outside this period.

Discover more destinations: Riscle, Callian, Panjas, Terraube, Barran, Toujouse, Labastide-Savès, Leboulin

See the wider travel guide: Gers.