Barran is located on the river Baïse 15 km (9.3 mi) from the capital of the Gers department, Auch.

Not in the village itself but still on the territory of the commune (the third largest of the department in surface area) are several interesting places, like the castle of Mazères, which was the summer residency of the bishops of Auch and then a military hospital during World War I.

In the 19th century Barran was famous for its snails, from which special gums were made to prevent people from coughing.

Before the migration movement from the countryside to the cities, Barran was quite populous, as was Gers, with up to 2,000 people on the eve of the First World War.

All basic private and public services (e.g., doctor, grocery and bakery, school, post office, sport facilities) are to be found in the village.