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“Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between Man and the Universe.” Anatole France |
Swimming pools and lakes. The Lac de Plaisance, with its sandy beach is ideal for children and only 10 minutes away and the lake at Lupiac provides beach swimming on a grander scale. Madiran and Castelnau Rivierre Basse, our nearest towns, both have lovely outdoor swimming pools which are open during the summer months.
Fishing. There are well-stocked fishing lakes at Prechac sur Adour, Plaisance (both just over 5 minutes drive) and Marciac. River fishing is offered on a short licence basis throughout the area on the River Adour.
Golf. If you’re into golf, there’s Chateau de Pallanne which is an 18-hole course, only 40 minutes away and is built around a beautiful 18th century castle. There’s also a stunning course, a bit further a field in Bagneres de Bigorre.
Walking and Biking. Bikes can be hired at nearby Maubourguet and we are happy to recommend walking routes.
Spa’s. There’s the small, local, La Source Spa in Marciac which offers some great treatments in very pleasant surroundings or if you fancy “the works”, you should head for Aquensis in Bagneres de Bigorre or Caliceo in Pau.
Horse-riding. This area boasts a number of stables offering horse-riding in superb settings for everyone from the absolute beginner to the most competent.
Chateaux. There are some spectacular donjons, chateaux and towers to visit in close proximity of La Teranga, many of which hold year-round exhibitions, concerts and firework displays. Some hold son et lumières, Mediaeval markets and historical re-enactments.
Gardens. Gascony is the home of no end of adorable private and public gardens. As a former Chelsea Gold medal winner, I’d be delighted to show you round any one of these! (If you’re into gardening, take a couple of minutes to visit my Gardens 4 People site at www.gardens4people.co.uk ).
Car and motorbike racing. If you have the time or inclination you could visit nearby Nogaro or Aydie, both of which play host to significant race meetings throughout the year. At Nogaro, you could also become Captain of the Skies at its flying club or enjoy a hot-air balloon ride.
Vide greniers (or empty attics!). These French equivalents of car boot sales are a must if you love rummaging. Anything and everything goes and summer time in particular there’s vide greniers most weekends.
D’Artagnan. The Gascons are rightly proud of their origins and the museum at nearby Lupiac is dedicated to one of their most famous sons, d’Artagnan of the Three Musketeers fame. If you fancy a trip to Auch, you’ll see his statue near the cathedral overlooking the river.
Bull-fighting and Course Landaise. There is a strong Basque cultural connection, with the wearing of red berets, neckerchiefs and sashes much in evidence at the well-supported attendances at bullrings in almost all the small towns and villages. During summer, either traditional bullfights will be held or the local, more athletic Course Landaise, a breath-taking and courageous sport which is best described as bull-vaulting!
Café society. If all or any of the above seem like too much hassle, plump to pull up a chair at one of the local cafés, where, for the cost of a coffee you’ll be welcome to spend as much time as you want just watching the world go by.
If you want more detailed information on any of the activities we’ve mentioned, or you want us to pre-book for you before you come, don’t hesitate to ask.
