Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Nestling equidistantly between Biarrittz, Bordeaux and Toulouse, in the Midi-Pyrenees region of south-west France, home of the Three Musketeers, Au Chicot was converted sympathetically in 2004 by American architects, and is now a well-planned and very comfortable home. Sleeping 8 + baby, the house is furnished with a careful mix of French country antiques and quality contemporary pieces; the overall feel is of relaxed elegance. The house sits neatly at the head of a plateau, on three acres of land, and surrounded by fields of sunflowers and maize, and vineyards. Just a gentle, level (1km) stroll away, is the beautiful Chateau de Busca-Maniban, a prominent Armagnac producer. It is regarded as the finest example of 17thC architecture in Gascony, and you'll be welcomed for a tour and tastings.
Though in a tiny hamlet, Au Chicot offers the perfect retreat for those seeking total peace, quiet and privacy. The views, which can be appreciated from most of the rooms, are very special: there's not a telegraph pole in sight, and the landscape is one of gently rolling hills, dotted by trees and the occasional farmhouse, and the village of Cassaigne (home of a well-known Armagnac chateau) across the valley. Sunsets are spectacular, and the night skies are a star-gazer's dream. Cars are a rarity here, and the only sounds you'll hear will be those of crickets, a bee, the faint whurr of a tractor, or closer to home, happy splashes, pages turning, or corks being popped!
Your holiday home in magical Gascony
The 11m x 5m pool and its beautiful backdrop
The salon - another lovely place to unwind
Ringside seats to unspoilt, panoramic views
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/15796
The Midi-Pyrenees / Gers region
The weather in Gascony is generally sunny and Mediterranean from May to August (average 28C), peaking to temperatures in the mid-30's in July. August remains hot, with the occasional short-lived storm. April and October are pleasant, with an average of 22C, whilst late May and early September are warm and swimmable. Winters here are short, with cold snaps at times, and, just to keep us guessing, sometimes quite warm.
The old historical region of Gascony, of which the Gers (Dept 32 on maps) comprises the major part, was described by famous Algerian writer Abert Camus as Tuscany in miniature, having the highest concentration of bastide villages - around 100 - in France. Unspoilt by motorways, mass tourism and major industry, it has a rich heritage, an exquisite landscape, superb climate, great regional food and wine, and natives who are friendly and welcoming! Once you've sampled real France, you won't want to leave.
Condom area
Though tucked away, don't be mislead: Au Chicot is minutes from commerce - nearest bread and croissants are at Mouchan, 5 mins; for more, Valence-sur-Baise (8 mins), Gondrin (10 mins). And you'll find heaps of things to see and do to suit all ages and tastes without it becoming a military exercise!
Condom, (10 - 15 mins), despite its name, is a delightful, small town on the River Baise and business centre for the Armagnac industry. There are two supermarkets on the outskirts, with many great little shops and restaurants in the town centre, and markets on Wed and Sat. Eauze, 20 - 25 mins, has the largest and best market in the region, on Thurs. Three of France's officially listed 'most beautiful villages' are within 20 - 30 minutes drive, there are lakes for fishing, many excellent golf courses, the river Baise for boating, water parks, including Parc Walibi, a major theme park 35 minutes away, museums galore, Armagnac chateaux and wine producers to visit. In the summer in particular, the region is alive with festivals, concerts, and exhibitions. Year round, the Gers is perfect walking country and the main St Jacques de Compostela pilgrim route through the region is just a few kilometres away. And of course the area attracts cyclists, so BYO, or hire them from the cycle hire shop in Condom. Painters and photographers are drawn to the Gers for its beauty, enchanting little bastide (fortified) villages and clear air. Foodies will find a market somewhere nearby every day of the week, and there is a surprising number of excellent restaurants within 30 minutes or less, as well as those offering the more simple, traditional hearty Gascon fare, based on duck and foie-gras, at very low cost.
How to get there
See photos for map of area and transport links. Au Chicot is just 2 hours from the Atlantic beaches and the ski stations of the Pyrenees. The Gers is bordered north and east by the A62 motorway (Agen exit 7), and by the A64 motorway (exits 10 Pau or 13 Tarbes to the south). From Calais, the drive is around 9.5hrs, and from St Malo, 7hrs. Nearest airports serving Au Chicot are Pau, (Ryanair) 1.5 hrs, Toulouse, (Easyjet, Flybe, BA) 1.5 hrs, Bordeaux, (BA) between 1.5 - 2hrs, and Bergerac, Biarritz and Carcassonne, 2 - 2.5hrs (all served by Ryanair) - and more! There are also excellent rail links to the capital, Auch, via TGV to Agen, or via Toulouse if approaching from the south.
Please check our personal website for comprehensive transport information.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Pau (1 1/4 hrs) or Toulouse (1 1/2 hrs)
Railway:
Agen, 40 mins, or Toulouse - or Auch, 35 mins
Ferry:
Roscoff or St Malo - 7 to 9 hrs, Santander, 5 hrs
Activities near Condom
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Waterpark Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, Internet access, DVD player
General:
Central heating, TV, Video player, CD player, Telephone, Table tennis, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available
Single beds (4), Double beds (2), Cots (1), Dining seating for 10, Lounge seating for 8, Sleeps maximum of 8
Other:
Linen provided, please check with the owner regarding towels. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: There are two bedrooms on each floor, and all have spacious built-in wardrobes. Au Chicot, although not ideal for wheelchair users, is suitable for those with limited but fairly independent mobility, having two bedrooms on the ground floor with en suite facilities, which also makes it perfect for two families sharing. Some of the ground floor rooms are linked by a single step. Two bedrooms have triple aspect and stunning views, the twin rooms (which can be made into double if required) have pretty views too. The salon, our pride and joy, is a wonderful area to wine and dine - the super table and chairs comfortably accommodate 10 - or simply to relax with one of the large range of books (both fiction and non fiction), videos and DVDs, CD's, plus games and jigsaws which you'll find in the old armoire. Satellite and French TV are accessible. Keen cooks will find all they need in the lovely kitchen-breakfast room, with pretty table and chairs seating 6, and a second sofa and TV/DVD/CD player, so no squabbles! Just a few steps and through the French doors, and you're on the terrace where there's a range of herbs to pop in the pot. Two full-sized fridge freezers are supplied, one being housed in the utility room, which adjoins the kitchen. There is a total of 4 bathrooms, 2 on each floor: en suite showers etc to 3 bedrooms, and a separate family bathroom (bath with shower over) on the first floor. Downstairs WC too. Finally, there's a sturdy cot and highchair, a bath, changing mat, stairgate and blender. Babies just love it here too!
Further details outdoors: Au Chicot is approached along a gravel drive, bordered by a laurel hedge, on the other side of which is a tiny orchard and shady picnic bench. The building is L-shaped, in the angle of which is the terrace, dotted with big tubs of white geraniums. Parsely, sage, rosemary and thyme grow there too, plus basil and mint! Just off the kitchen and salon, the terrace has a teak table and chairs seating 8, parasol, Weber Q gas BBQ, and a ringside seat to those panoramic views.
Beyond that and across the lawn stands a huge, beamed, open barn, with storeroom for sunloungers, recliners and cushions, offering shade for table tennis, (an excellent quality table is provided, plus equipment), or badminton - set also supplied. Just down a little slope from there is the 11m x 5m pool with Roman steps, underwater lighting, windable safety cover, and tiled area. Read, mess about, or breathe in the brilliant sunsets, while you sample Floc, the local aperitif and a blend of young Armagnac and grapejuice - delicious. In the still of the night, mellow after a good meal home or away, with the Chateau de Cassaigne illuminated in the distance, and a scattering of lights in the hills and valleys to remind you you're not quite alone, stargaze... A glass of Armagnac to send you to bed with, and oh dear, there's more of this tomorrow!
Further details
Please note that our normal changeover day from June to September is Thursday, to allow our visitors to benefit from cheaper mid-week air fares and crossings. However, flexibility eg Sat to Sat is possible for those short breaks - eg for HALF TERM and EASTER (UK) school holidays, so please enquire. Bedlinen and towels including hand- and tea-towels are provided, but not pool towels. Cot linen and blankets are also supplied. Our caretakers are willing to visit for mid-week or mid-stay spruce-up by private arrangement, and an excellent catering service is available locally. The swimming pool is open from mid - to end of May, to the end of September. We will consider longer lets at reduced rates, for Oct/November, and March to mid-May.
Conditions
In late June, and July/August, 2-week bookings are given priority over requests for single weeks. A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total rental cost is payable at time of booking. The balance is payable 8 weeks prior to the holiday start date, together with a damage deposit of £200 per week of stay, refunded promptly on departure. If booking after 8 weeks prior to the holiday start date, the full amount should be enclosed, including the returnable damage deposit. Euros are also accepted; the currency will be converted at the time of booking. Rates include delivery of clean linen/towels at the end of each week, electricity etc, but exclude non-local calls - or logs, if used. For printable booking form, plus terms and conditions, please see our personal website.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
PEAK SEASON
10 Jul 08
28 Aug 08
1700£ 1,700
0-
0-
2 Weeks
HIGH SEASON
28 Aug 08
4 Sep 08
1650£ 1,650
0-
0-
1 Week
MID SEASON
4 Sep 08
18 Sep 08
1350£ 1,350
0-
0-
1 Week
MID SEASON
18 Sep 08
24 Sep 08
1250£ 1,250
0-
0-
1 Week
LOW SEASON
27 Sep 08
25 Oct 08
1000£ 1,000
0-
0-
1 Week
LOW SEASON
25 Oct 08
31 Oct 08
900£ 900
0-
0-
1 Week
LOW SEASON
4 Apr 09
23 May 09
1000£ 1,000
0-
0-
1 Week
LOW SEASON
23 May 09
29 May 09
1100£ 1,100
0-
0-
1 Week
MID SEASON
4 Jun 09
11 Jun 09
1250£ 1,250
0-
0-
1 Week
MID SEASON
11 Jun 09
2 Jul 09
1450£ 1,450
0-
0-
1 Week
HIGH SEASON
2 Jul 09
9 Jul 09
1750£ 1,750
0-
0-
1 Week
PEAK SEASON
9 Jul 09
27 Aug 09
1850£ 1,850
0-
0-
2 Weeks
HIGH SEASON
27 Aug 09
3 Sep 09
1750£ 1,750
0-
0-
1 Week
MID SEASON
3 Sep 09
17 Sep 09
1450£ 1,450
0-
0-
1 Week
MID SEASON
17 Sep 09
23 Sep 09
1300£ 1,300
0-
0-
1 Week
LOW SEASON
26 Sep 09
24 Oct 09
1100£ 1,100
0-
0-
1 Week
LOW SEASON
24 Oct 09
31 Oct 09
1000£ 1,000
0-
0-
1 Week
161
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion. Euros also accepted, at the exchange rate applicable at time of booking. Rates include towels (but not pool towels) and linen, local phone calls, delivery of clean linen/towels at the end of each week, and final clean. A welcome pack is also provided. Logs, if required, are available but not included.
After September 25 2008, ie outside the main summer season (June to end Sept inc) FLEXIBLE CHANGEOVER DAYS possible: please enquire, including October 2008 Half Term which is offered at the special rate of £900 for the week,Sat - Sat, May 2009 Half Term Sat - Sat, and October 2009 Half term Sat - Sat.
Guestbook
"Just the nicest house we've 'borrowed' in 20 years! Nothing has been forgotten. We've loved every minute, and the area was stunning" - Mr and Mrs C M, Bristol
"We've very much enjoyed staying in this lovely house. The tranquillity and fabulous views (unsurpassed by any other house we've stayed at) have been a special bonus in providing a welcome break from frantic London life. We are very sad to be leaving, and hope to be back" - Mr and Mrs G M, London
"Thanks for providing an absolutely wonderful place for us to have our holiday. We all had a great time, and loved both the house and the surrounding area (especially the views). It was so refreshing to go somewhere still un-blighted by tourism, and really feel part of the French countryside. I've never been to a house so well catered for. Everything we needed was there, which I think is amazing. I would have no hesitation in recommending your lovely house to friends and family, and hope Chicot continues to delight its visitors the way it did us" - Mr and Mrs M W, Surrey
"A lovely week - what a fabulous house, the situation couldn't be prettier or more peaceful and the interior is just stunning. The kitchen's been a huge hit - lots of wonderful meals have been prepared here and greatly enjoyed by all of us. Our baby Louisa slept through for the first time in 9 months, and cut her first tooth!" - Mr and Mrs A E, Essex
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/15796
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/15796
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