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“We live in a world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open” Jawaharial Nehru |
The surrounding area offers a host of cultural, gastronomic and leisure activities which will leave you never having to look for something to do.
Marciac (25 minutes drive). The Marciac Jazz Festival takes place at the beginning of August. It has been running for over 25 years and has grown into an enormous event during which the sleepy town of Marciac is transformed. Nearly every building turns into a restaurant or bar, many with their own live jazz. The music winds down around 3am and the atmosphere is laid back and informal.
Mirande (55 minutes drive). For a few days in July, Mirande tranforms itself into an American town. It is now recognised as the main Country Music festival in Europe. Over 200 stands, on both the festival site and in the centre of town, propose numerous articles for sale including indian and western clothing and, of course, local gastonomic delights.
Vic Fezensac (45 minutes drive). Tempo Latino is held at the end of July. The best concerts are normally on the Friday and Saturday nights. Vic Fezensac is transformed and the bars and music run through the nights of the festival. The main street becomes a huge market and the atmosphere is non-stop.
Condom (70 minutes drive). Around mid-May there’s the Bandas y Penas Festival which offers a lively weekend of music with international bandas (brass bands) from Gascony, Spain and Belgium – a sight and sound that’ll keep your toes tapping for days.
Madiran (5 minutes drive). During mid-august, Madiran holds its fete du vin (wine festival). It’s a fun day out for the whole family and quite simply involves buying a glass and tasting wine at the many local wine producers’ stands. Just make sure you’re not the driver!
Saint Mont (20 minutes drive). The Saint Mont wine festival is held during the last weekend of March every year. It’s a superbly organized wine and culinary experience. In addition, thanks to its new owners, the grounds of the monastery are open for all to explore and enjoy.
Markets
- Monday - Mirande which has a big market on Mondays and Saturdays. It’s a 55 minute drive but on market day makes a good day out.
- Tuesday – Maubourguet – a bustling town only 15 minutes drive away with nice shops, cafes and a good buzz on Market day.
- Wednesday – Marciac which is 25 minutes away and well worth a visit. Stop and have a coffee and croissant in Café de l’Hotel de Ville.
- Thursday – Plaisance, which is a short 10 minute drive and although the market is reasonably small, you can often pick up some nice unusual items. If you fancy a longer trip then Eauze, only 45 minutes away, has all the hustle and bustle of one of the biggest markets in the area.
- Friday – Vic Fezenzac, a drive of 45 minutes where you will find an interesting market with lots of local producers selling cured meats, farmhouse cheeses, luscious home-baking and local armagnac.
- Saturday – Nogaro, 25 minutes drive to a market which takes over the whole of the main street - look out for the garlic lady and call at the patisserie to try the scrummy chouquettes.
- Sunday – Bassoues- a drive of 30 minutes -worth a visit for the ambience and maybe stay for lunch.
If you want more detailed information on any of the places we’ve mentioned, don’t hesitate to ask.
