Le Tournesol is a charming Bed and Breakfast overlooking the church. This beautiful old stone village house is situated in the heart of Saint Clar, the white garlic capital of France and next to the famous pilgrame walk Le pèlerinage de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, a picturesque village in the department of the Gers, affectionately known as the French Tuscany, only an hour's drive from Toulouse airport, two from Bordeaux airport and two and a half hours from the Pyrenees, plus a brilliant stop off for Spain. The Gers are famous for its Armagnac, Duck confit, Foie gras, Melons and of course Garlic. this is reflected in the regions exquisite dishes and rolling countryside.
Also famous for D'Artagnan, Dumas' most famous musketeer during the time of Eleanor of Acquitaine and the Hundred Years War, he was born here in the Gers. His statue dominates the vast stone staircase that climbs from the river Gers up to Auch catheral.
The house dates back to the 17th century. It was originally four cottages, with a shop being added to the north end at a later date.
Le Tournesol chambres d'hotes has recently been renovated to a very high standard, including the three chambres d'hotes, adding a spacious en suite room to each, giving them a luxurious feel.
And has gas central heating throughout, a wood burning stove in the dining roon creating a cosy environment all year round.
Breakfast and evening meals are served in the dining room on our family table.
We also have a spacious sitting room with comfy settees, ideal for relaxing and reading.
While we hope you enjoy the privacy of your own room, we would like you to feel free to use the sitting room and garden too.
We have created a welcoming and comfortable environment and look forward to having you stay with us.
The village of Saint Clar has two cafe bars, the first, "Chez Claude" is situated on rue Gambetta leading to the Halleor square. . Claude's bustling cafe is frequented by locals and tourists alike and an ideal place to brush up on your French.
The second is on the Place de Lomagne and is attached to the Pizzeria restaurant who serve an excellent "plat du jour"
The village also boasts two Bakeries both producing delicious traditional breads and pastries, a supermarket, which is well stocked with local wines and produce and is conveniently located on the edge of the village.
Saint Clar also has a Post office, a Butchers shop & a Green grocers shop, Tabac/news agent, two chemists, 2 Doctors surgeries, a dentist and a Bank and the all important cash machine.
The local rugby team "La Coeur de Lomagne" have recently merged with neighbouring Tournecoupe and play in the Armagnac bigorre region 2/3 serie.
Saint-Clar is in the area of Lomagne, a part of Gascony, home of D'Artagnan. It is the region of good cooking, good living and beautiful landscapes.
The Gers is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution in 1790 and is named after the Gers river. Located in south west France, the Gers is part of the Midi-Pyrenees region. The culture is largely agriculture, with great emphasis on the local gastronomic specialities mentioned above (Duck comfit, Foie gras, Armagnac brandy and Floc, Melon and Garlic).
The Gers are one of the least densely populated regions in France. Since there is no heavy industry or auto routes, it has some of the cleanest air in Europe and so it is no surprise that Gascons have the longest life-expectancy in France.