Discover your joie de vivre on a magical retreat in southern France. Uncover wellness, rest, gastronomy and artwork retreats in a historic chateau in attractive countryside within the Ossau Valley within the coronary heart of the Pyrenees – surrounded by wonderful nature, a very uplifting location.
Welcome to Château de Gère, a 14th-century château with a breath-taking mountain backdrop in southwest France, tucked inland between Biarritz and Toulouse. On this largely undiscovered space, it’s a secret treasure you’ll be able to retreat to. Majestic but charming.
Retreat to paradise
You’ll be able to get pleasure from the perfect of Château de Gère and this wonderful location due to common stays supplied all year long. Your keep contains actions organised with native skilled companions, comfy lodging and scrumptious meals that showcase native produce and components. All of this in the kind of picturesque historic property that you’d usually solely see within the motion pictures – by coming right here, you get to get up inside this unbelievable setting and expertise life in a French château.
Which occasion would possibly you select?
You may select a weekend that celebrates one of many conventional occasions within the area, such because the cheese pageant or the revealing of this yr’s new wines, taking advantage of the chance to discover the native villages and take in the French tradition and centuries of historical past. Alternatively, how a couple of vacation that additionally offers you the prospect to attempt a brand new pastime or enhance your abilities? As an illustration, wellness, mountaineering, {photograph} and watercolour portray breaks led by skilled artists, and culinary retreats the place you’ll be able to be taught to prepare dinner French delicacies that includes locally-grown produce. The benefit of those retreats is that you just’re studying in small teams, so that you get private, particular person suggestions and loads of alternative to hone your abilities in a supportive, encouraging ambiance.
Wellbeing
After all, this setting lends itself to true rest, so it’s no shock that pampering and wellbeing escapes are well-liked. The native spa welcomes you to your selection of facials, enjoyable remedies and massages, in addition to a sauna and steam room, and as soon as all the strain of on a regular basis life has slipped away and you’re feeling fully pampered, you’ll be able to return to your spot within the château to get pleasure from a luxurious dinner within the historical eating room.
Out of doors actions
There’s additionally a lot on supply should you’re extra energetic by nature. Because the château is positioned on the foot of the Pyrenees mountains, it’s an exquisite base from which to move to the peaks and revel in snowboarding or attempt sledding led by huskies, because the château is simply half-hour from the ski resort of Gourette and its snowy slopes. Outdoors the winter season you’ll be able to go mountaineering, climbing or canyoning, or after all benefit from the sport that’s France’s nationwide ardour: biking! From family-friendly routes on former railways to difficult trails for mountain bikers, there are excellent biking choices on this implausible countryside, framed by mountains and blue skies.
For day journeys, you’ll be able to discover the historic city of Pau, crammed with basic French structure and a funicular railway, or head to Lourdes – below an hour from the château – a city crammed with medieval buildings, fountains and religious locations which have drawn pilgrims right here for hundreds of years.
In regards to the Château de Gère
Constructed within the late 1300s, this château was initially a fortress, as evidenced by the variety of arrow slits strategically positioned throughout the property so it may very well be defended. Throughout its lengthy and spectacular historical past, it was used as a searching lodge for King Henri IV, and also you’ll additionally see a number of curious options outdoors, together with gargoyles and a plaque above the primary entrance that reads, ‘Knowledge begins with the concern of Jean de Gère – 1388’.
Right this moment’s château is surrounded by mild sheep. You’ll be able to hear their tinkling bells as they graze in close by pastures or, sometimes, within the giant area subsequent to the château grounds. You’ll additionally discover the restful background noise of trickling water due to a small stream that runs from the mountain above, by means of the 5-acre grounds and cascades over the embankment beneath, so the mixture creates a soundscape that invitations you to unwind and loosen up from the second you arrive.
Whereas the property is centuries previous, it has fashionable conveniences that embrace underfloor heating, an out of doors pool out there for visitors, and 4 comfy bedrooms which can be sometimes out there for B&B stays. American proprietor Trish Jasinki’s adventures, renovating and updating the Château de Gère have featured within the Channel 4 sequence, Chateau DIY, and he or she strives to realize most sustainability from composting and recycling to sourcing native services.
For extra particulars
To search out out extra about upcoming retreats, hiring the château to your personal occasions or just coming to remain, go to: chateaudegere.com
