Maison Des Sculptures can be found in the heart of Condom, a historic riverside town in the beautiful Gers department of southern France.
Just walk down the lane and within 300m you will be at the magnificent Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Condom. Wander around the medieval lanes of this charming town, admiring historic houses and stopping off in a traditional café-bar for a glass of Armagnac (there is also a small Armagnac museum very close by the maison).
Experience the gastronomy of this authentic region by dining out in some of Condom’s excellent restaurants or simply shopping for local produce at the Wednesday morning market where you can expect to find all sorts of seasonal delights as stalls are set up around the cathedral. Seek out Gascony’s famous foie-gras and magret, some amazing goat cheeses and all sorts of fresh fruit and vegetables including melons, kiwi fruit and garlic.
Rent small motorboats along the Petite Baïse in the summer months, take leisurely boat trips along the river or look out for canoe and kayaking excursions both in the town itself and in Beaucaire, around 15km south of Condom.
In the land of D’Artagnan and the three musketeers, get out and about in the glorious Gers countryside and embrace the slow pace of life in this wonderful region. Visit idyllic villages such as Larressingle (6km), Fourcès (13km) and Montréal (15km) or discover more bustling markets in characterful towns such as Fleurance and Lectoure, both around half an hour away, or Auch (45km), the historic capital of Gascony.
If staying in July and August visit the night markets in local Gascon villages, a great way to spend an atmospheric evening. The vibrant and famous Jazz Festival in Marciac, about an hour away, is also not to be missed for music lovers.
There are some lovely walking trails around the villages, especially Larressingle and Montréal which are part of the Santiago de Compostella pilgrimage route. Arrange a hot-air balloon ride, find summer swimming spots at local Base de Loisirs and visit some of the most beautiful wineries and estates across the region.
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!
