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Le Manoir

Le Manoir (or The Manor), built around the time of the French revolution over 200 years ago is actually a 'Maison de Maitre' or landowner's house, on a hill top on the edge of the tiny village of Saint Justin in the department of the Gers.

The house faces due South and, on a clear day there is a dramatic view of the Pyrénées.

This is hidden France, the ancient region of Gascony and one of the most rural parts of the country, famous for it's Armagnac, foie gras, magret, wine, peace and tranquility. Nevertheless, there is plenty to do in the region around St Justin.

For the more physical there are, amongst other activities, golf, horse riding, fishing, tennis, cycling, walking, paragliding, white water rafting and very good skiing in the winter.

For the more sedate (or, after a tiring day) there is a selection of good restaurants in the area, all offering local dishes at excellent prices. There are also the wines and armagnac for which the region is famous. You are spoilt for choice!

The village of St Justin and le Manoir

Le Manoir is situated within the ancient bastide (fortified) village of Saint Justin, in the historic region of Gascony. The house was built around the time of the French revolution on the foundations of a medieval fortified abbey.

Some of the original walls still form the Northern facade of the house, complete with arrow slits. This village centre is set on a hill, on the traditional route taken by pilgrims on their way from Arles, near the Mediterranean coast between Marseilles and Montpelier, to Saint Jacques de Compostelle in Spain, close to the Portuguese border.

The Saint Justin church is one of the pilgrim churches on the route. Undoubtedly, in medieval times pilgrims were given refuge at Saint Justin, probably in the Abbey and we continue this tradition today by offering meals and a bed to modern day pilgrims as well as Bed & Breakfast.

Saint Justin is in fact an agricultural community of about 140 people, spread over a wide area of hills around and in the valley below the village centre.

The centre itself, the old 'bastide' village on the hill, is entered through a stone archway, once a portcullis. It has a church, the Marie and only 7 houses within its walls. The village is set in the rolling Gascony countryside, with dramatic views South towards the Pyrénées.

The house has been sympathetically restored, endeavouring to retain some of the medieval character plus the 18th Century personality but, incorporating modern facilities.

The surroundings

There are no shops or bars in St Justin but, Marciac is only 6kms away. This is a small country town of about 1,200 inhabitants which has all the shops, restaurants, banks, post office, cafés and bars you will need, plus a very comfortable, small cinema. The town has become famous as a result of the annual Jazz festival, one of the biggest in the world.

More about the area

There is plenty to discover in the surrounding countryside. The Pyrénées, just 50 km away, are clearly visible in autumn through to spring.

The heat haze in July and August makes them a rare summer sight. You could make a visit to the Observatory on the top of the Pic du Midi, with ample for the active to do in the surrounding mountains.

There is no shortage of well marked walking trails or, for cyclists, you can follow in the wheel tracks of the Tour de France that annually passes through the area.

For the less active, can sample the food, the wines and the Armagnac for which the region is well known.

If you enjoy painting, why not try a painting holiday nearby on a well established art course.

The town of Marciac has a water sports centre based on its lake and there is an 18 hole golf course within ten minutes. There are other courses in the region, all within an hour or so drive of St Justin.

The capital of the Departement (region or county) of the Gers is Auch, about 50 minutes by car from St Justin. It is a very picturesque town with a magnificent Cathederal, set on the hill above the river. The region is famous as the birthplace of d'Artagnan of the 'Three Musketeers'.

He actually did exist and there is a statue to him on the steps leading from the river up to the Cathederal. Although there is a village actually called Artagnan, he was in fact born in Lupiac, where you can find out much more about him.

Our Rooms

The double bedrooms are well furnished and comfortable. Each has its own bathroom and wc.

One room has a second double bedroom en suite which can be used by family or friends, sharing the bathroom which stands between the two to make a family suite.

There are spectacular views over the countryside. There is no passing traffic so the house is very peaceful. A continental breakfast is normally eaten outside, either in the shade of the barn roof if it is very hot, or in the sun on the Southern terrace of the house if it is not too hot.

If the weather should be inclement, breakfast can be taken in the large kitchen, in the hall or in the dining room.

How to find le Manoir in Gascony.

Saint Justin is located 6kms from Marciac, the Jazz centre of Southern France. It is about 2 hours by car West of Toulouse and about the same driving time East of Bayonne/Biarritz or South East of Bordeaux and about an hour from Pau, all of which are served by a variety of airlines including the low-cost lines Ryanair, Easyjet and Buzz. There is a TGV train service into Tarbes with car rental offices by the station.

It is about 11 hours of gentle driving from Cherbourg or le Havre and about 8 from St Malo.