Chateau Rural by Drone | Midi Pyrenees | France | Oliver's Travels
In the heart of Gascony, surrounded by landscapes of sunflower fields and hills, is the magnificent estate of Château Rural. This charming and historical residence is a true reflection of this traditional region and is a wonderful retreat for families and friends looking for authenticity and peace.
The foundations of the estate date back to the Middle Ages yet it was in the 18th Century when the existing château was created by a famous countess who designed the magnificent park featuring statues and a small chapel where locals could go and worship. In the 19th century the new owner added an innovative irrigation system using windmills, two of which remain to this day, alongside other historical features such as the ancient wine cellar and the château’s original towers.
Inside, the style of the modern-day château is one of rustic charm and rural warmth, with twelve charming bedrooms featuring sweet and comfortable furnishings, delightful living and dining rooms, a games room with French pool and a historic library featuring thousands of books.
The château’s managers, who live on site, are experienced instructors in yoga, pilates and circus arts and can host individual or group classes for guests in their fantastic yoga studio on the estate. Whether aerial yoga, meditation or Hatha and Vinyasa, this is the perfect place to practice yoga or pilates in a serene environment.
Outside you are surrounded by six acres of parkland featuring ancient oaks, wonderful walks and a swimming lake or stay closer to home and relax by the heated swimming pool. For the more active guests, you can kick a football around, play darts, ride the château’s bikes or play French pool in the games room. There are also tennis courts within walking distance, as well as golf, horse-riding and canoeing within a short drive.
Gascony is one of the most unspoilt and rural regions of France with a fantastic reputation for its gastronomy with amazing Farmer’s markets dotted around local villages and towns and many fine local producers of Grand Armagnac. Just ten-minutes away is the delightful hilltop village of Lectoure with its lovely restaurants, antique shops and a great market on a Friday morning or head to nearby Fleurance on a Tuesday morning to experience one of the largest markets in the region.
Other villages and hamlets in the area to explore include three of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ within forty minutes by car; Fourcès, Larresingle and Montréal du Gers.
Further afield the cities of Toulouse and Bordeaux would make exceptional days out before returning to the peace and tranquillity of Château Rural.