This idyllic 17th century château is in a tiny rural village with a neighbouring church, just over an hour west of Toulouse in the Gers department of southern France. It’s amazing to be able to be able to gaze over the undulating countryside landscapes towards the distant Pyrenees.
The nearest village with amenities is just a 5-minute drive away, home to a supermarket, pharmacy and traditional French restaurant open for lunch (and summer weekend evenings). There is also a pretty little market on a Friday morning showcasing some wonderful local produce such as cheeses, meats, pastries and, in the summer, artisan products. A larger supermarket is just a 5-minute drive in the other direction.
Of course, the Gers is all about dreamy landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, summer sunflower fields and authentic French cuisine best experienced in local restaurants and atmospheric markets. It’s a paradise for cyclists too – you can request to use the château’s bikes or arrange e-bike hire for part or all of your stay.
Nearby Mirande (16km) is a picturesque market town not to be missed on a Monday morning whilst the famous town of Auch (21km), the historic capital of Gascony by the banks of the Gers, is a beautiful day out with its historic architecture, excellent restaurants, bars and twice-weekly traditional market.
A little further afield are the historic market towns of Lectoure, Fleurance and Condom, all reached in around an hour or less by car, whilst the trio of picture-perfect Gers villages, Larressingle, Montréal and Fourcès, are also worthy of a visit for their beauty and charm.
For a spectacular day out in the mountains, venture south to Saint-Lary-Soulan in the Hautes-Pyrenees close to the Spanish border. Here you will find superb hiking and biking opportunities as well as white-water rafting or simply enjoy the ambience of this attractive town with its spa, restaurants and inviting shops.
The Region
A relatively new addition to France, the Midi-Pyrénées was created to surround the cultural capital of Toulouse in the late 1970s. You might think that its relative youth would mean the Midi-Pyrénées is short on character or identity, but remember, this is France we’re talking about – the whole country is steeped in history and tradition.
Encompassing parts of Gascony, Languedoc, the Gers and several others, you’ll get a varied slice of the whole French experience here, not least if you stay at one of our beautiful chateaux in the Midi-Pyrénées!
