Welcome to Pontacq

32110 Panjas, Gers, France

+33 (0)562 08 80 41

Property Summary: Cottage, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 10, Floor area 160 m² - 3 King size doubles & 2 twin bedded rooms, Seperate WC, Shower & bath, Shower room + WC

SAVOUR THE BEST OF GASCONY The pace is slow, the food sublime, the local’s friendly. There is a beguiling corner of southwest France that politicians refer to as la France profonde; where stressed Parisians dream of buying their holiday homes. The landscape is as unscarred today as when d’Artagnan, one of Alexandre Dumas’ famed musketeers, walked his native land. This is Gascony. The sleepy villages, vineyards, maize and sunflower fields that define the countryside are still free of the crowds of tourists that flock to neighbouring regions. There are no motorways, no power stations or industry, and no well-known tourist honey pots; it has remained a rural backwater, undisturbed by modernity. The region is clearly defined by its hearty food and drink; duck is the culinary king, foie gras has attained reverential status, and Armagnac, cognac’s earthier cousin, is the local digéstif. Life is slow and relaxed and it is little wonder that locals enjoy the longest life expectancy in France.

PONTACQ is a recently and tastefully renovated farmhouse offering the opportunity to get off the 'stress merry-go-round' and leave any problems at the gate, to relax in peaceful surroundings. It offers you well equipped, secure and comfortable accommodation. It is in an ideal location from which you can launch your exploration of this beautiful and historic region and begin to discover the hidden secrets of rural France. To savour its amenities, heritage, tradition, cuisine and beauty.
 

The house is situated outside the village of Panjas 15km north of Nogaro and west of the Market town of Eauze, Gers. 90min from the Atlantic beaches and the Pyrenees, two hours from Spain and the airports of both Toulouse and Biarritz. One hour from Pau (Midi Pyrenees) airport with budget flights by Ryanair. It is located on the Route D'Armagnac lined with vines that produce the wines and Armagnac of the region. Set amidst the beautiful rolling countryside that typifies this heart of Gascony. Positioned outside this typically styled and quiet old French village with local shops including the best boulangerie in the area, two butchers, two food stores, a seven day shop, hairdressers, post office, antique shops, restaurant, bar and tennis courts in Estang 3 min drive. Greater selection of shops and major supermarkets, an excellent golf course in Eauze, market town and capital of the Armagnac region, 20 km (16 mins by car). Nogaro 15km. (12mins by car) provides additional supermarkets and retail choice together with its light aero club and formula two race track. All three have arenas with regular events including Course Landaise. www.courselandaise.org/calendrier.php

The quiet country roads, profusion of roadside restaurants and bars, the French laid back attitude to life and fantastic scenery make visiting and travelling the area a pleasure. A strong Spanish influence pervades the region; the unique mix of culture is evident & fascinating. Tradition, custom and courtesy are not forgotten here, they are not cast off as ‘old fashioned’ but respected and used as an integral part of life. Many of our visitors find this refreshing as it gives oxygen to the old fashioned values of trust and respect adding to the feeling of being safe and secure.
 

Seclusion, relaxation, peace and quiet comes as standard on Pontacq as you enjoy the pool and gardens, surrounded by the glory of the French countryside. Enjoy the convivial atmosphere of alfresco dining after a rewarding day of enjoying yourself. It’s tough but someone has got to do it!

Try the many fetes though-out the holiday season together with music festivals including the internationally acclaimed Jazz festival at Marciac (1st 2 weeks in August) The country and western festival at Mirande and Pentecote at Vic Fezansac with its International Salsa Festival in July (more detail bellow).

There are many local markets and regular night markets where the locals buy, dance and party through the night. Follow the d’Artagnan trail to Aignan, sample the local wines and Armagnac, savour the renowned cuisine, perhaps finishing at Lupiac 35 km, with d’Artagnan centre. While away a day in the historic Bastide villages of Fourcès, Montreal and Larressingle.

For the traditionalists among you, the Paul Ricard sponsored Spanish style bull fighting is freely available most of the year as all towns and most villages have their arenas. There is also Course Landaise (heifer-running) - no cruelty, only fun for family entertainment, locally in Estang, Eauze, Nogaro or Vic-Fezensac 37 km. www.touradour.com/towns/bull.htm

Golf – Mature 18 hole golf course with practice drive, putting greens, restaurant, bar and swimming pools at Guinlet, Eauze 15 mins by car, with more around Auch & Mont de Marsan. www.golf-midi-pyrenees.com/English

Fishing - Le Gers has a profusion of lakes and the Adour river with it hundreds of feeder rivers and streams make for ample choice for the enthusiast. Permits covering the whole of Le Gers can be purchased locally.

Motor sport – Nogaro race circuit hosts many events throughout the season. Bike, formula two, classic cars, super cars and truck racing are featured regularly. Track days throughout the year offer the enthusiast the opportunity to compete the circuit themselves. Qualified instructors also offer race-driving lessons. For a calendar of events and information about the course click on www.circuit-nogaro.com

Horse riding – The area boasts a profusion of opportunities to ride the beautiful countryside. You may want to go early or late to avoid the heat of the midday sun. What better way to come across the local wide life than a quiet hack through the forests that dot the landscape visiting lakes, crossing streams and taking in the breathtaking scenery. I ride regularly, please let me know if you want any recommendations.

Fun for the kids – Parc Walibi  30 minutes by car offer a full day of entertainment for the younger members of your group (including the young at heart). A thumbs up from previous guests saying “good fun” and “excellent value for money” www.sixflagseurope.com

Larressingle (5km (3 miles) west of Condom) is like a life-size model fort. Protected by a moat and an outer wall, this 13th-century village has towers, a huge castle keep, impressive machicolated entrance and pretty medieval houses — all huddled within its two-acre site surrounded by vineyards. Three decades ago, it was all but abandoned; today the quiet streets boast a couple of shops, a cozy museum, gallery and crêperie and a collection of medieval war machines.

Within 15 mins drive there are 3 lakes for leisurely walks, for the more energetic two have sandy beaches, play areas, swimming and water-sports. The majestic mountains of the Pyrenees 90 mins by car. Superb for touring with walks and picnics in the summer, spectacular scenery and of course good skiing in the winter at the resorts of La Mongie, Cauterets and Formigal. Visit Lourdes, shop or coffee in the beautiful and historic centres of Auch and Pau.

Visit Auch (rhymes with posh) Perched on a cliff overlooking the river Gers, medieval Auch is the capital and heart of Gascony. The labyrinthine streets of the old town are linked to the river by a monumental staircase embellished with a statue of d’Artagnan. The cathedral houses two wonders of the Middle Ages; probably the best carved choir stalls in the world and some of the finest stained glass in France. Not forgetting the quaint old markets, the world-renowned festivals and local fetes of the region that dot the calendar throughout spring, summer and autumn.

The 12th-century Abbaye de Flaran near Valence-sur-Baïse is an exquisite example of Cistercian architecture; pale stone and shafts of light create a breathtaking harmony in Flaran’s cool corridors; The abbey is now a cultural centre and visitors are treated to edifying exhibitions. Last year’s main display covered the pilgrim routes to St Jacques de Compostelle and there was a colourful show of a local cartoonist’s work that ran until early August. Just off the D930 north of Valence-sur-Baïse on the road to Condom.

Fetes & Festivals

Bandas à Condom @ Condom – The 32^nd battle of the bands. May 7-8-9^th. Thirty-five local town and village bands, 2000 musicians from all over the region compete in this prestigious event. In addition there are 10 other vocal groups in concert with street barbeques, bars and restaurants providing the backdrop to this music fest.  www.festival-de-bandas.com

Pentecote  @ Vic-Fezensac, usually held the end of May / June. A celebration of the bull (Ferria).

Tempo Latino festival @ Vic Fezensac that takes place over three days and nights around the bullring and streets of this normally sleepy little town around the third week in July. Where all Salsa in the street to the vibrant sounds of Cuban bands in a wild but well-behaved atmosphere. Details: 00 33 5 62 06 56 66, www.tempo-latino.com

Country & Western Festival @ Mirande takes place 2^nd week of July – one of the largest gatherings in Europe drawing international artists and celebrities from around the world to celebrate everything country and much more www.country-musique.com/bienvenu.html  

Fete d’Eauze @ Eauze held each July – three days of partying around this town full of character with bands competing with each other to get the crowd dancing and singing. A well-behaved family occasion with funfair attractions, kiddies rides, market, eating and drinking in the streets and for the teenagers - street discos, all often going through the night. Memorable for the atmosphere.

The International Jazz Festival @ Marciac from around August 1-15 attracts stars from all over the world www.jazzinmarciac.com. Last year they ranged from the pianist Oscar Peterson to the Cuban vocalist Ibrahim Ferrer. Real enthusiasts attend the daily concerts, but many just come along to sip a cool beer and hear the jam sessions held in the beautiful square. DETAILS: 0033 562 09 33 33; 

Nogaro en Fete @ Nogaro – Mid August over four days, usually linked with motor racing and events at the aerodrome during the days, with Course Landaise or Ferria and various events and street parties in the evening.

GETTING HERE: Ryanair (0871-246 0000, www.ryanair.com) from Stansted to Pau, return flights from £26.99.· GUIDE BOOK: Lonely Planet, www.lonelyplanet.com  £11.99. South West France (ISBN 1 86450 382 3), MORE INFO: French National Tourist Office www.franceguide.com
 

We thank you for visiting our website and hope to welcome you to Pontacq in the near future.