Villa Harmonie

About this property

Only 5km from Marciac, Villa Harmonie is a charming gite set in a landscaped estate with a private swimming pool and glorious views of the undulating Gers countryside, also known as the ‘Tuscany of France’.

Once an 18th century farmhouse, this part of the building has been lovingly renovated into a pretty 2-bedroom home for up to 7 guests. The open-plan lounge and dining area features a Smart TV with French, British and International channels and doors leading out to a terrace for al-fresco dining or a glass of local wine with a beautiful outlook. The kitchen is brilliantly equipped whilst there are two bedrooms, one with a double and a single, the other with two doubles, alongside a good-sized family bathroom. All ages are welcome here – there are plenty of books for young and old as well as board games and toys.

For more than 7 guests (or if you are simply looking for more space), adjoining La Maison Des Harmonies is also available to rent alongside this cottage, allowing the estate to sleep a maximum of 15 guests across both abodes. Rest assured that when Villa Harmonie is booked alone, La Maison des Harmonies will not be rented out separately although the hospitable yet discreet owners may be present.

Outside, enjoy evening meals with the most wonderful vistas of the Gers landscapes from the raised terrace near the swimming pool or find a tranquil spot beneath a shady tree for a glass of Armagnac or local wine from the vineyards of Saint Mont or Madiran. Embrace the glorious views as far as the Pyrénées as you stroll around the estate near the large natural pond.

It’s a short cycle or drive to Marciac with its impressive square, cafes, restaurants, weekly market and of course the famous ‘Jazz in Marciac’ festival that takes place over three weeks in late July. It’s known throughout the world of music and has attracted big-name artists in the past as well as visitors from across the world.

The Gers countryside offers endless opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, mountain biking and horse-riding as well as historic market towns and picturesque villages dotted amongst the hills. Heading south, admire the parks and gardens of Tarbes, the religious significance of Lourdes and the breathtaking scenery as you gaze the Pyrénées in this incredible part of southern France. 

Part of a one-hectare estate with glorious views of the Gers countryside, also known as the ‘Tuscany of France’, Villa Harmonie is just 5km away from the historic town of Marciac which hosts a famous summer jazz festival attracting artists and visitors from across the world.

The estate has two electric adults bikes, perfect for cycling to Marciac in the morning for fresh bread and breakfast pastries or a top-up of groceries (alternatively, it’s just a 5km drive). This 13th century fortified town is a delightful place to explore with its large square, cafes, restaurants, good-sized supermarket and Wednesday morning market.

Look out for concerts throughout the year but the actual Jazz festival in Marciac takes place over three weeks in late July and it has attracted big-name musicians since the late 1970s. Just north of the town is Lac de Marciac (7km), ideal for long nature walks, carp fishing and pedalo hire in the height of the summer.  

Golf-lovers note that Golf du Château Pallanne (13km) is easily reached whilst wine connoisseurs can enjoy tastings of Armagnac as well as other wines of the region in the vineyards of Saint Mont and Madiran, both around a 30 to 40-minute drive away. The Gers is also much-loved for its walking, hiking and cycling trails and there is horse-riding nearby. The most adventurous of guests can reach the Pyrenees by driving south, a paradise for hiking and even skiing enthusiasts.

Indeed, you can view magnificent vistas of the mountains as you head south to Tarbes (35km) in the Hautes-Pyrénées by the Adour River. The town is a great day out with its impressive Cathédrale Notre Dame de la Sède alongside Tarbes’ parks and gardens including the 19th century Jardin Massey. The French National Monument, Haras National de Tarbes, is worthy of a visit for horse lovers and there is a fantastic covered market on a Thursday morning for keen gastronomes.

A little further afield is the amazing network of caves at Grottes de Bétharram (70km), close to the one of Europe’s most significant religious destinations, Lourdes (58km), which welcomes millions of visitors every year.

Back in the Gers, the historic capital of Gascony is Auch (52km), a classified ‘City of Art and History’ whilst other beautiful market towns include Condom, Fleurance and Lectoure. Another highlight of this region is the much-loved trio of characterful Gers villages reached in just over an hour by car - Larressingle, Montréal and Fourcès.

Accommodation

Villa Interiors (120m2)

Main Floor

-    Open-plan lounge/dining area with sofa, TV, dining table, desk and French windows leading to terrace with pool and lake views
-    Kitchen (via step), fully-equipped including dishwasher, fridge, oven, microwave and coffee machine
-    Bedroom with double bed and single day bed
-    Bedroom with two double beds and library
-    Family bathroom with bath/overhead shower, sink and WC

Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (8.5x4.5m) with safety alarm. Open approximately May to end-September
-    Raised poolside covered dining terrace
-    Poolside covered drinks terrace
-    Landscaped grounds (one hectare) with places to relax
-    Large natural pond/lake with 120m long path around the pond
-    Terrace overlooking the pond
-    Electric adult bikes (x2) within the estate

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating
-    Smart TV
-    Fans (bedrooms)
-    Library
-    Board games
-    Children’s books and toys
-    Electric adult bikes (x2) within the estate
-    Washing machine