Au Chicot » Condom, Midi-Pyrenees, France

A carefully restored, characterful, family friendly home, Au Chicot offers breathtaking views of real France, stunning sunsets and dreamy sunrises. Close to three of France’s listed “plus beaux villages”, crumbling castelnaux and bastides, the countryside is a delight to sketch or explore. This is the centre of Armagnac production though, so beneath the sleepy facade there’s life here year round, and a warm Gascon welcome awaits!

The house and grounds are suitable for those with independent but limited mobility. Extremely spacious and light, and converted from the original stone fermette and barns, Au Chicot has beams galore, three fireplaces, some lovely exposed stone walls, solid wooden floors, high ceilings and four sets of double French doors to throw open and breathe in the pure air: said to be the cleanest in Europe! It is furnished with a mix of French country antiques and quality contemporary pieces: a place to please your senses, and in which to relax at the same time.

Between Biarritz, Bordeaux and Toulouse, in the Gers department, home of the Three Musketeers, Au Chicot sits at the head of a plateau on three acres, surrounded by sunflowers, maize and vineyards. A stroll away is the Chateau du Busca-Maniban, the finest example of 17thC architecture in Gascony and prominent Armagnac producer - you’re welcome to tour and taste.

Nearest major commerce is at the small town of Condom,(10 mins,) bisected by the pretty River Baise and dominated by a splendid cathedral. Armagnac’s business centre, it has super shops and restaurants, and markets on Wed and Sat. In summer especially, the region is alive with festivals, fairs, concerts and exhibitions. The main St Jacques de Compostela pilgrim route to Santiago passes near the house, and the countryside’s great for bicycles, so BYO or hire them from Condom. There are lakes for fishing, many excellent golf courses, the river Baise for guided trips, boat or canoe hire, water parks, a major theme park, Parc Walibi at Agen (40 mins,) a racing circuit at Nogaro, Armagnac chateaux and wine producers to visit, Roman ruins to see - and tiny museums everywhere! Lots close by to suit all without it becoming a military exercise!

For a day trip however, the Atlantic beaches plus the ski stations of the Pyrenees can be reached in 2 1/2 hrs.

Be sure to check our website at the foot of the page for interactive floorplans, gallery with masses more photos of the house and area, comprehensive information on what to see and do, and on getting there.

Please check our website (see contact details below) for the complete rates table.

Normal arrival day from mid-June to end of Sept is Thursday: benefit from lower mid-week fares and quieter roads, then get settled and unwind before the weekend's events - fairs, night markets, music festivals, corridas!

Flexible changeover days possible outside main season, including (UK) Easter and half-term holidays. Rates include a lovely welcome pack, towels (but not pool towels,) utilities, local phone calls, weekly linen/towel delivery, and final clean. The pool is open from mid - to end of May, to the end of Sept. In late June, and July/Aug, 2-week bookings are given priority over requests for single weeks. A non-refundable holding deposit of 25% of the total rental cost is payable at time of booking and the balance is due 8 weeks prior to your holiday, together with a refundable security deposit of £200 per week of stay.

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