In a tiny village surrounded by rolling countryside in the heart of Gascony, this glorious château embodies the spirit of the Gers with its character, relaxed ambience and tranquillity. Within a short drive of three of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, Château Armagnac is perfectly positioned for exploring this glorious region.

This 19th century maison was formerly a small well-regarded hotel but has recently been converted into a self-catering holiday home for up to 15 guests across its seven impressive en suite bedrooms and suites. The owner’s kind hospitality is still evident through the range of optional services they can offer such as a beautifully laid out buffet breakfast of delightful regional produce, wine-tastings at the château or private vineyard tours (after all, one of the owners is an oenologist!) and a concierge service for any other requests you may have.

Throughout the château you’ll find touches of Gascon character such as the oak beamed ceilings, exposed walls, stone floors, grand working fireplaces and charming reminders that you’re in the land of Grand Armagnac. There’s also a perfect blend of old and new furnishings, alongside modern décor, creating a true sense of homeliness in otherwise grand surroundings. Sit back on the sofas in one of the two living rooms, perhaps with a roaring winter fire or the sun pouring in through the windows, with a glass of local Armagnac or Côtes de Gascogne wine from the elegant bar.

The seven bedrooms each have their own individual style yet all feature air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and an en suite contemporary bath or shower room. There are four particularly spacious suites upstairs, two with a terrace with charming village views and one with a bathroom and private sauna. In the meantime, every guest can take their turn relaxing in the sauna! 

Enjoy views of the undulating countryside from the long swimming pool outside, open in the summer for swimming lengths or simply cooling down and admiring the scenery surrounding you. The original moats are also still within the grounds, a lovely spot for eco-friendly fishing (indeed, the owners have been ecologically mindful in many ways when renovating this beautiful home and its gardens).

The delightful medieval villages of Montréal-du-Gers, Fourcès and Larressingle are within a short drive, all three classified one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ whilst the charming towns of Éauze and Condom are also close by with their weekly markets and excellent restaurants. A little further afield, you can visit historic towns such as Auch and Agen or listen to summer jazz in Marciac.

Food-lovers will rejoice in this region where arguably some of the best French food is produced, not just the well-known meat dishes such as foie-gras and magret but all sorts of seasonal fruit and vegetables as well. Of course, there are endless vineyards as well, producing excellent Gascon wines and famous Grand Armagnac; the owners can provide lots of information on restaurants and wineries to visit.

Cycle, horse-ride or hike through the beautiful landscapes, canoe along the river Baise, play golf in stunning surroundings or swim in thermal baths and nearby lakes. There are plenty of ways to experience the slow pace of life of the Gers before returning to your relaxed abode at Château Armagnac.