Gascony is well known for its foie gras, Madiran wine and Armagnac, Its medieval towns and villages nestling amidst green rolling hills, its sunny weather, the beauty of its landscape, with the occasional distant views of the Pyrenees mountain range. All contribute to the popularity of Gascony as a tourist destination. Gascony is one of the least populated areas of France. Le Péninoy is right in the centre of the Gers, outside the village of Bonas. The house is surrounded by farmland with views over the hills and surrounding countryside. The village of Castera Veduzan is 4 kms away.
Péninoy is about 2 1/2 hours from the West Coast and Biarritz. Skiing in the Pyrenees is about a 2 1/2 hour drive. The Mediterranean coast is about three hours away. The house can be reached by road from Calais in about 10 hrs, and from St Malo in 7 hrs. The nearest airport is Toulouse (60 miles/ 100 km). There are also airports at Bordeaux, Pau, Bergerac and Biarritz. Train is also possible to Auch, Fleurance or Toulouse. The name Gascony was officially abandoned following the Revolution, but the Gers department has used the name widely for travel purposes . The Gascony region is one of rolling countryside, of agriculture and fields of sunflowers and vines, of quiet roads and peaceful moments. It is an ideal destination for enjoying unspoiled countryside and for relaxing away from the tourist crowds, with castles, attractive villages and unspoiled market towns to visit. The house sits in an idylic rural position in the heart of the Gers countryside.
THINGS TO DO
To find out more about these, and other places of interest, click on the coloured links below.
Places to visit
Abbaye de Flaran – Founded in 1151 in the Valley of the Baise, the monastic buildings and gardens are a perfect illustration of a 12th–century Cistercian abbey with the Michael Simonov art collection.
Seviac – Roman villa with some impressive mosaic floors.
Fources – Beautiful circular village with two restaurants.
Larressingle – 12th & 13th century fortified village. There is also an outdoor exhibition of siege mechanisms for children
La Romieu – known for its magnificent Collégiale St. Pierre, a 14th-century cloister church and tower. There are also two restaurants.
Gardens of Coursiana – near La Romieu.
Lavardens – fortified village with large chateau. Night market every two weeks in June – August.
Bassoues – 14th century tower worth a visit if you have a head for heights and popular restaurant.
Wine and Armagnac tasting
Château de Monluc – Chateau in St Puy, also the home of our favourite restaurant, Chez Vous
Domaine d’Embidoure – friendly family run vineyard
Chateau Cassaigne – Built in 1247 it became the Bishops of Condom’s country residence in the sixteenth century.
Restaurants
Le Florida – in Castera Verduzan. One of the more expensive restaurants in the area.
Chez Vous – our favourite restaurant in St Puy
La Table des
L’Etape d’Angéline – La Romieu. Great for lunch. Combine with a visit to the village and church.
Golf d’Auch-Embats – lovely views over the golf cousre 4km w of Auch Tel 05 62 61 10 11
Restaurant du Centre, Bassoues – great value, family run restaurant.
Terraube – Pretty village and good restaurant.
Antiques and brocante – There are fairs and markets throughout season. Visit Didier at Un Coin du Passe in Castera Verduzan
Canoeing – The River Baise is our local river. Canoes de Beaucaire: Canoes or kayak for hire to navigate the on a 3km stretch of the Baise river (Open 09:00-18:00). Guided trips leave at 09:00 and 14:00 for half or full days on the river covering 7.5 km or 15 km. Located in the village of Beaucaire sur Baise. 05 62 68 15 95
Water activities – for those seeking some action, various water sports are availabe. Castera-Verduzan, has a sandy beach with swimming, waterslides and pedalos. Others offer waterskiing and windsurfing. These can be found at Gondrin, Lupiac, Montreal, Lectoure, (Lac des Trois Vallees, which also offers mini-golf) and St Clar. For fishing, lists of sites, plus daily/weekly permits available from tourist offices; An all day entertainment, can be had at Parc Walibi Aquitaine, Château de Caudouin, 47310 Rocquefort, with activities for all ages, plus white knuckle rides. (about 5 kms from Agen).
Casino – in Castera Verduzan – (slot machines, poker/ black jack etc ) 05 62 68 01 02
Music
JAZZ IN MARCIAC FESTIVAL (Gers) usually the first two weeks of August
-TEMPO LATINO IN VIC FEZENSAC towards the end of July. Tempo Latino is the biggest European festival of Latino culture and Afro-Cuban music.
the country and western festival in Mirande
Walking and cycling – A lovely quiet part of France for walks in the countryside and very quiet roads for cycling.
Riding – Closest is Les Ecuries d’Armagnac, at Valence-sur-Baise, with hacking in the woods and hills. English proprietor – Jill Trier 05 62 68 15 42
Tennis – nearest courts at Castera-Verduzan and Valence-sur-Baise.
Quad-biking – near Roquelaure, north of Auch;
Horse-racing and trotting – closest at Castera-Verduzan and Auch. Courses also at Fleurance in March, August and September.
Car and bike racing – Circuit Paul Armagnac at Nogaro. Monthly eventssuch as Formula 3 events at Easter and in Sept;
Gliding – There is a Gliding Centre at Auch. There is also gliding at Nogaro, microlighting at Gondrin, and paragliding and hang-gliding at St Clar;
Bull fighting or the more gentle Course Landaise
Golf
Golf d’Auch-Embats with its renowned restaurant 4km west of Auch Tel 05 62 61 10 11
Golf de Guinlet, near Eauze. Somewhat spoilt by holiday homes built close to parts of the course. Tel 0562 09 80 84
Golf de Pallanne, 18 holes, winding around an 18C chateau with the Pyrenees as a backdrop Tel 0562 70 00 06
Golf de Fleurance – 9 challenging fun holes. Less expensive Tél 0562062626