Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Built in the 1820s, this picturesque vine-clad Gascon cottage is peacefully set on the edge of open countryside with long south-west views towards the Pyrenees over small vineyards, woods and landscapes dotted with farms and villages. The property is a traditional, L-shaped building with a latticed open barn on the west side.
The cottage stands alone at the end of a quiet farm lane. To the front, there's a pretty, lawned garden bordered by mature trees and shrubs and a wisteria-covered terrace offering lots of shade. The garden is private and south-facing. At the west side, it opens on to a larger, unfenced area of meadow with fruit trees and a sunny, private terrace bordered by a rock garden/shrubbery. It has long views over lush forests and pastureland towards the Pyrenees.
The cottage is attractively furnished and well-equipped. It has comfortable seating, English and French antiques, beamed ceilings and an open fire. You'll find plenty of reading material (novels, local literature, guidebooks), maps, cards and board games. We provide garden furniture, table-tennis, boules, a telescope and four town bikes (free).
There's no exotic night life or street bustle - come to relax and enjoy the quiet, the birds and rare butterflies, autumn colours, mountain views and southern Gascony's great food and wine, clear air, open spaces and lush green landscapes. View the stars and planets through our telescope - the night skies are amazingly dark and there's little light pollution. But there's also plenty more to do and see in the area, making this an ideal base for a very varied holiday.
La Faloute
Night view
Kitchen/dining-room
Mezzanine
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/12918
The Midi-Pyrenees / Hautes-Pyrenees region
One of France's most tranquil and unspoilt regions, southern Gascony offers a relaxed pace of life, a rich choice of scenery and breathtaking views. It lies to the west of Toulouse, its lush, rolling farmland stretching from the Gers and south-west Haute Garonne into the Hautes-Pyrenees and Bigorre. Echoing the writer Albert Camus, this beautiful region of the south-west is often described as the 'Tuscany of France'. It extends down to the snow-capped peaks of the central Pyrenees on the Spanish border, where the rugged scenery is dotted with waterfalls and lakes, sheltering a unique flora and fauna. Tourism in the area is still very low key and there's no traffic congestion or pollution from industry.
The climate is generally mild, with summer temperatures not as excessively hot as in the south-east, long Indian summers extending well into October and plenty of winter sun. The weather tends to be more changeable than in the Mediterranean area. Winters are generally mild and you'll usually only find snow closer to the mountains.
Gascony is famed for its gastronomy and specialities like foie gras, goat's and sheep's cheese, fine wines (Jurancon, Buzet, Tursan, Cotes de St. Mont and Madiran, made famous by winegrower Alain Brumont's Chateau Montus) and of course, Armagnac. Mixed with grape juice, Armagnac makes the local aperitif - Floc de Gascogne. There are very good local 'fermes auberges' and restaurants serving delicacies made only from their own produce, and farmer's markets, supermarkets, hypermarkets and patisseries. Controlled organic produce is also increasingly easy to find.
The south-west is famous for golf (Pau is home to the oldest course in continental Europe), coarse/fly fishing - on some of France's best salmon and trout rivers (holiday licences are sold locally June - Sept.) - and downhill and cross-country skiing. Each July the Tour de France is a regular visitor to the area and Bigorre hosts some of the most challenging ascents in the Tour circuit.
Major towns are Auch, Lourdes, Tarbes, and Pau in neighbouring Pyrenees-Atlantiques. The region is also host to ancient castles and abbeys (Mauvezin, Escaladieu and St. Sever), the Cathedral of St. Bertrand de Comminges (on the pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela) and bastide towns and historic villages (Marciac, Trie-sur-Baise, Galan, Tillac etc.). Low-cost carriers now serve Biarritz, Pau and Toulouse airports making travel to the area easy.
Geographically, Bigorre consists of two distinct areas: the plains to the north around Tarbes and the high mountains to the south. In between are the undulating landscapes of the foothills - lush forests, valleys and peaceful countryside studded with farms, hamlets and small market towns. Although Tarbes is in fact the administrative centre and capital of the Hautes-Pyrenees, nearby Lourdes, still a major destination for pilgrims, has eclipsed it in recent years. To the south and in the mountains are the Pyrenees National Park and the Neouvielle Nature Reserve and the lively little towns of Bagneres-de-Bigorre and Argeles-Gazost. The highest peaks in the region are L'Arbizon (2831 m), Pic du Midi (2877 m), Pic du Balaitous (3144 m), Pic Long (3192 m), Vignemale (3298 m) and Mont-Perdu (3355 m).
The history of Bigorre dates from the 6th century BC when the Bigerri occupied the region. In Celtic times Tarbes was known as Turba or Bigorra. Conquered by the Roman general Crassus in 56 BC, Bigorre entered into the Roman province of Novempopulanie. After the disorder of the Vandal and Frank invasions, Bigorre was controlled by the Dukes of Gascony in the 9th century. In 1080 it was incorporated into the county of Bearn. In 1097, Bigorre became an independent county and remained so under the English occupation in the 14th century. Recaptured by Jean de Foix in 1407, Bigorre was reincorporated into Bearn in 1429. After the French Revolution, the new departement Hautes-Pyrenees followed the lines of ancient Bigorre.
Trie-sur-Baise area
The cottage is situated about 10km to the north-west of Tournay and about 12km south of the popular market town of Trie-sur-Baise with its supermarkets, patisseries, newsagent, bars, cafes and cheerful wine shop. Tournay is a small market town about an hour's motorway drive from Toulouse (A64) and just under an hour from Pau. Both towns have swimming pools, tennis courts, banks and medical services.
The region is rich in historical and culinary attractions. There are daily farmers' markets offering local produce and there's a wide range of local supermarkets and hypermarkets (20 mins). It's just a short drive to Marciac for the International Jazz Festival in August. The Tour de France is a regular visitor to the area. Opportunities abound for enjoying nature, wildlife, walking, stargazing, sunsets, golf (Bagneres-de-Bigorre/ Pau/ Lannemezan/ Tarbes/ Chateau de Pallane, Tillac), riding (Aubarede) and other relaxing activities.
We've put together a special visitors' file full of information on local activities and events, theatre and jazz festivals and places of cultural and historic interest. We regularly update our list of recommended bistros, restaurants and traditional 'fermes auberges'.
Things to do and see: Relax in thermal springs at Capvern-les-Bains; enjoy the springs, saunas and open-air solarium at Bagneres-de-Bigorre's thermal centre 'Aquensis'. Visit ancient castles, bastide villages, abbeys and cathedrals (Mauvezin; Escaladieu, St. Sever and Flaran; St. Bertrand de Comminges) or historic sites like Montmaurin (Roman ruins), Auch, Tillac and the beautiful town of Pau. Go skiing, explore hills, valleys and mountain peaks. Take the cable car from La Mongie to the top of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2877m), site of the famous observatory.
Visit the nearby bird sanctuary at Puydarrieux. Go lake swimming or boating: Mielan (c.26 km), Lourdes (c.38 km), Marciac (c.45 km), Lac de la Gimonne (c.30km). Water-sports centres: Boulogne-sur-Gesse (c.35 km) and St. Pe de Bigorre (c.48 km). Browse the big Thursday market in Tarbes or Castelnau-Magnoac's well-stocked Saturday market. Lunch afterwards at Hotel Dupont or people-watch on the square. Go wine-tasting, visit night markets (July/August) or sample local Gascon and Spanish cuisine (Spain is just over the border). See the Tour de France in July.
Enjoy a day out at Biarritz or St. Jean de Luz on the Atlantic coast, tapas in San Sebastian. See wildlife in the Pyrenean National Park. Visit the area's famous international summer festivals: - Jazz in Marciac - Country Music in Mirande - Latin American music in Capvern-les-Bains - Street theatre/mime in Bagneres-de-Bigorre - 'Fete des Battages' in Burg, a show of traditional agricultural machinery & methods (book for dinner in the evening) - 'Nuits Musicales' and the July antiques fair in Trie - 'Grande Pourcailhade' or Pig Festival and five-day local fair in Trie in early August - 'Piano aux Pyrenees' festival in Bagneres, Bareges, Cauterets, Escaladieu etc - 'Festival du Comminges' (classical music) in St. Bertrand
Access to the cottage is easy by road, air and rail. It's conveniently located for the A64 Toulouse-Bayonne autoroute and Toulouse/Pau airports. Several low-cost carriers serve the area. Biarritz and Carcassonne are about 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. Car-hire facilities are available at all the major arrival points.
Travel links: www.brittany-ferries.com - from western channel ports www.condorferries.co.uk - from Poole and Weymouth www.stenaline.com - Dover ferries www.travelfusion.com www.ferrysavers.com www.cheapflights.com www.buzzaway.com www.gofly.com www.britishairways.com www.ryanair.com www.easyjet.com www.sncf.fr www.frenchmotorail.com RailSavers: + 44 (0)870 750 7070 www.viamichelin.com
Note: addresses may be subject to change
Ferry ports: St. Malo 480 miles; Calais 710 miles; Bilboa 200 miles; Santander 240 miles (approx. distances in miles). Nearest motorway exits (A64 Toulouse - Bayonne): Capvern, Tournay (20 mins.). Nearest airports: Tarbes-Ossun-Lourdes (30 mins, for domestic flights from Paris/Lyon/Nice etc.); Pau (40 mins, served by RyanAir); Toulouse (1 1/4 hrs, served by BA/AF/EasyJet/BMI); Carcassonne (2 hrs) and Biarritz (c.90 mins, both served by RyanAir).
Nearest Motorail stations: Tarbes, Toulouse. Nearest rail stations: Tournay, Lannemezan, Tarbes, Pau, Toulouse. Excellent TGV link to Bordeaux/ Paris; TGV several times daily from/ to Paris-Montparnasse/ Tarbes-Lourdes (5 3/4 hrs).
Pays Basque c. 60 mins; Atlantic coast (Bayonne, Biarritz, St. Jean de Luz) 1 3/4 hrs; San Sebastian 2 1/4 hrs; Narbonne and Mediterranean coast c. 2 1/2 - 3 hrs; Barcelona 3 1/2 hrs. (approx. travelling times).
Local taxis: Tournay, Capvern, Lannemezan, Trie and Tarbes. The local bus runs about once a day. If you're a cyclist you'll need good gears and brakes!
Map Ref.: Carte Michelin No. 85.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Tarbes-Ossun-Lourdes: 26 km
Railway:
Tarbes: 17 km
Ferry:
Bilboa: 322 km
Activities near Trie-sur-Baise
Sports: Tennis in town Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats A winter sun break Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, DVD player
General:
Central heating, Air conditioning, TV, CD player, Telephone, Table tennis, Satellite TV
Sofabeds (1), Single beds (3), Double beds (2), Cots (1), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 6, Sleeps maximum of 6
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: Baby bath and changing mat are provided. Free-standing fans are provided in both bedrooms. The polished wooden staircase leading to the first floor may be unsuitable for small children (or the elderly/infirm). The stairs aren't gated.
The downstairs bathroom (new in 2007) has a bath, shower area, washbasin, WC, wall radiator and underfloor heating.
The kitchen area has a 4-burner hob; electric oven with grill; fridge/ freezer; and mixer. Wheelchair access: some doorways are narrow and there are differences in level inside the house. Dialup Internet access by arrangement.
Mobile phone reception is good.
Long winter lets negotiable at discounted rates.
Further details outdoors: The west terrace in the open area of the garden is a suntrap from midday until sunset. It looks out over lawns and open fields, offering panoramic south-west views over oak and chestnut forests, pastureland and distant villages to the snow-capped Pyrenees.
For hot summer days there's a garden shower (plus hose). Four new mountain bikes (3 sizes) can be hired by arrangement at a moderate charge. The property has private offroad parking (carport).
Access to local amenities, markets and hypermarkets is quick and easy.
Conditions
Discounts: 5% discount for bookings of 3 weeks or more and for repeat bookings.
Booking deposit: 40% of total rental (on booking with signed copy of booking form).
Balance (60%): 6 weeks prior to start date of holiday, with cheque for refundable breakages deposit (£300) plus separate cheque for extras:
Cleaning: £20 (35 Euro) per booking. Single week supplement: £12 (16 Euro).
Bed linen and bath/hand towels: Hire is optional (by arrangement): double set £17 (25 Euro), single set £12 (16 Euro). Cot hire (incl. linen): £10 (15 Euro). Power/heating (mid Oct.- Apr.): £15 to £45 pw (15-70 Euro) depending on dates.
No charge: For basic supply of tea towels, oven gloves and bath mats. For use of high chair, baby bath and changing mat. For local and incoming calls, TV, DVD, water, power (mid-May - mid. Oct.). For use of town bikes.
Mountain bikes (4) can be hired on a weekly basis. Special rates offered for long (winter) lets.
The house is let from Saturday to Saturday. Wherever possible, we try to accommodate other arrival and departure dates, particularly in low season.
Arrival and departure: Please plan your arrival for a time after 4 pm. We ask our visitors to leave the house as tidy as possible, to put any hired linen and towels in the bathroom and to try and set off by 10 am to give us time to get ready for the new guests.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
11 Oct 08 - 2 Jan 2009
11 Nov 08
3 Jan 09
295£295
0-
0-
2 Weeks
3 Jan - 27 March 2009
3 Jan 09
28 Mar 09
290£290
0-
0-
2 Weeks
28 March - 22 May 2009
28 Mar 09
23 May 09
300£300
0-
0-
2 Weeks
23 May - 26 June 2009
23 May 09
27 Jun 09
370£370
0-
0-
1 Week
27 June - 4 Sep 2009
27 Jun 09
5 Sep 09
420£420
0-
0-
1 Week
5 Sep - 9 Oct 2009
5 Sep 09
10 Oct 09
370£370
0-
0-
1 Week
10 Oct - 30 Oct 2009
10 Oct 09
31 Oct 09
300£300
0-
0-
2 Weeks
31 Oct 09 - 2 April 2010
31 Oct 09
3 Apr 10
290£290
0-
0-
2 Weeks
3 April - 21 May 2010
3 Apr 10
22 May 10
300£300
0-
0-
2 Weeks
22 May 10 - 25 June 10
22 May 10
26 Jun 10
370£370
0-
0-
1 Week
26 June 10 - 10 Sep 10
26 Jun 10
11 Sep 10
420£420
0-
0-
1 Week
11 Sep - 8 Oct 2010
11 Sep 10
9 Oct 10
370£370
0-
0-
1 Week
9 Oct - 5 Nov 2010
9 Oct 10
6 Nov 10
300£300
0-
0-
2 Weeks
6 Nov - 31 Dec 2010
6 Nov 10
1 Jan 11
290£290
0-
0-
2 Weeks
131
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Please contact the owner for a booking form and booking conditions.
To reserve your preferred dates, please book via email, fax or phone.
To secure your booking, please post us a signed copy of the booking form and enclose your booking-deposit cheque (40% of rental). We'll send you formal confirmation when your cheque has been cleared.
We regret that bookings can only be held provisionally for a few days.
If you're booking within 6 weeks of the start date of your holiday, please send full payment with your signed booking form, including two separate cheques for the refundable breakages deposit (£300) and any chargeable expenses (see below).
For non-UK bookings, please send payment by international bank draft, wire transfer or cheque in GBP on a UK bank. For any other cheque, please add £20 for bank charges.
Payment in euros can also be arranged. We will use the rate of exchange prevailing on the day of booking.
May - September: minimum stay 1 week
October - April: minimum stay 2 weeks (mid-week bookings by arrangement).
Guestbook
'Many thanks for a fantastic holiday in your lovely home. It was so well equipped and homely - the best gîte we've had in 20 years of gîting! (...) We shall certainly be recommending it to our friends! It was our first visit to the area & we all felt it was the nicest part of France we'd visited. We shall certainly be returning.' (RP 07/08)
'We thoroughly enjoyed our 4th stay at La F., which really does feel a home from home.' (EL 07/08)
'Thanks again for providing such a well organised and comfortable (and wonderfully quiet) holiday base.' (RT 07/08)
' La F. va rester longtemps dans nos mémoires. Il ne manquait de rien, vous nous avez reçu aux ptits oignons (comme on dit ici lorsque que nous avons été bien accueillis). Merci encore.' (MH 05/08)
' We have many enjoyable memories of our stay and our trips in the mountains and hinterland. The gite was a real pleasure - so well appointed and in such a tranquil location.' (JM 8/05)
'Had a wonderful time, mountains were fantastic; we could not believe how much snow there was still! The House was the perfect peaceful retreat.' (AR 04/05)
'We really appreciated having shade & just watching the activity of the birds, butterflies & lizards was quite energetic enough for us much of the time!' (JC 8/03)
'We had a wonderful time. La F. was certainly located in the most beautiful part of France I have visited.' (GC 6/03)
'We had a completely relaxing time in one of the most welcoming houses we've ever had in France.' (CS 6/01)
Availability
See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/12918
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