Chateau Les Deux Cygnes

It’s said that Napoleon gifted this elegant château in Gascony to one of his generals. On a hill with glorious views of southwestern France, how wonderful to be able stay in this 19th century abode that has been beautifully restored to sleep up to 16 guests.

Château Les Deux Cygnes is set within five acres of grounds with a heated swimming pool, children’s play area and woodland with pathways for nature exploring. Step into the handsome home and unwind across the lounge with its cosy sofas, fireplace and Smart TV with Netflix, check emails quietly in the library and prepare feasts in the sociable kitchen with an Everhot range cooker and other high-end appliances. Dine in the charming Orangerie overlooking the garden or on the covered terrace in the courtyard.

There are five light-filled bedrooms with air-conditioning in the main part of the château, each one en suite – guests should expect high standards of comfort with excellent mattresses, cotton linen and beautiful bathrooms with rainfall showers or splendid bath tubs. There is a sixth bedroom (twin) on the ground floor and a final double bedroom (and shower room) in the south-wing that is simpler in style with a double bed and mezzanine bed, perhaps best suited to accompanying teens.

Step outside and be captivated by the sweeping vistas from the château’s hillside setting. Stroll through the grounds to reach the heated swimming pool, relax on one of the sun loungers or watch as youngsters play on the trampoline, slide and swing. Whether holidaying with good friends or extended family, Château Les Deux Cygnes is ideal for all generations.

For a touch of decadence, breakfast can be served each morning for an extra cost and a private chef can be arranged to cook delicious French meals making the most of seasonal local products. Other extra services that can be organised in advance include baby-sitting, yoga, massages and extra cleaning, allowing you the opportunity to truly embrace Gascony’s slow pace of life.

Less than a 10-minute drive away is the picturesque bastide town of Beaumont-de-Lomagne with its medieval lanes and lovely Saturday morning market. Beaumont-de-Lomagne’s lake is great for fishing, nature walks and summer water-based activities or look out for other seasonal Base de Loisirs dotted across Tarn-et-Garonne and Gers.

Try the Lomagne white garlic in the fortified village of Saint-Clar, potter around the two ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ of Sarrant and Auvillar and soak up the atmosphere of the traditional weekly markets in Fleurance and Lectoure. Pass rolling hills, historic villages and summer sunflowers as you cycle or drive through the region – no wonder Gascony is often referred to as the ‘Tuscany of France’.