Au Chicot is to be found in the north of the Gers, right in the centre of the Armagnac producing area. A delightful home, it sits happily at the head of a plateau, among sunflowers, cornfields and vineyards. Below it, the ground drops away gently, yielding far-reaching panoramas of peaceful hills and valleys, dotted by farms and hamlets, and the village of Cassaigne, 4 kms distant. There are two neighbouring properties, and just a stroll away is the beautiful Armagnac chateau, le Busca-Maniban, regarded as one of the finest examples of 17C architecture in Gascony.
The exquisite, undulating, scenery of the Gers, together with its tiny, ancient 'bastide' (fortified) villages, has prompted comparisons with Italy's Tuscany region, though since all is on a smaller, less dramatic scale, its tourist industry is charmingly low key. There are plenty of attractions and activities to please young and old alike, but no queues of traffic - except on market and festival days perhaps - and the natives are friendly and welcoming, even in the height of summer!
Au Chicot is just 2 hours from the Atlantic beaches and the ski stations of the Pyrenees. The Gers is bordered to the 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 1/2 hrs, and from St Malo, 7 hrs. Nearest airports serving Au Chicot are Pau, Toulouse and Bordeaux, (bet. 1 1/2 - 2 hrs), and Bergerac, Biarritz and Carcassonne, (2 - 2 1/2 hrs). There are also excellent rail links to the departmental capital, Auch, via TGV to Agen (or via Toulouse, if approaching from the south). Many options, but without major roads or industry to blot the landscape or pollute the air, this is real France. Beauty, a rich heritage, lots and lots to do, great regional food and wine. A musn't miss.
Nearest villages with basic amenities: Mouchan 5 mins; Gondrin 10 mins; Valence-sur-Baise 8 mins
Nearest large town: Condom 10 - 12 mins
Other towns nearby: Lectoure 30 mins; Eauze 20 - 25 mins; Vic Fezensac 20 mins
Guest Comments
Guest Book
"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 had the most wonderful time here in this lovely house. We leave reluctantly, and hope some day to return" Mr and Mrs M N, Connecticut USA
"Just a note to say what a wonderful place Au Chicot is. We had lovely weather, and the position of the house is stunning" Mrs B L, Bath
"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
"We had a wonderful holiday. The house was great, plenty of room for us all and everything provided that we could possibly need. Its location was perfect and the peace and quiet very much appreciated. I would have no hesitation in recommending your lovely house to friends and family, and would definitely like to return one day" Mr and Mrs W D, Dorset
