Maison Bearnaise

About this property

The views of the snow-capped mountains are incredible from this sensitively restored holiday home in a wonderful setting for exploring the landscapes of the Béarn des Gaves, close to the historic riverside towns of Sauveterre-de-Béarn and Salies-de-Béarn.

Arrive via the tree-lined driveway then follow the old stone steps down to the farmhouse, the main part of the residence sleeping 6 guests. The traditional lounge features a stylish L-shaped sofa and wood-burner for cooler months whilst the kitchen is fully-equipped to prepare feasts using delicious regional produce from local markets. Two pretty en suite bedrooms both have king-size doubles and there is a third en suite bedroom in the attic with twin beds – all three bedrooms are cosy with wood-beamed ceilings.

The charming attached barn sleeps another 6 guests with its family lounge, a double en suite bedroom and two twin bedrooms with a shared bathroom. The owners take great pride in making their guests feel as comfortable as they can – they provide 100% cotton linen and bath towels as well as picnic blankets and pool towels.

Step out to the garden and admire the beautiful scenery as you read beneath a shady spot or sip your morning coffee overlooking neighbouring fields and orchards. Gaze towards the Pyrenees and relax by the swimming pool with its poolside terrace. The setting is especially idyllic at sunset - the red-hued skies surround you as you enjoy mountain cheeses and wine from the vineyards of Jurançon.

Across the Béarn des Gaves, admire pretty villages, historic towns, rivers and forests whilst you explore this beautiful region of southern France. Partake in river-based activities (swimming, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, rafting and so on), hikes along part of the Camino de Santiago, cycling routes and a wealth of family-friendly activities including the wonderful Château des Enigmes in the pretty village of Laàs, just over a 5-minute drive away.

Nearby Sauveterre-de-Béarn is so picturesque by the banks of the Gave d'Oloron whilst Salies-de-Béarn, known as the ‘Venice of Béarn’ is loved for its riverside setting, thermal baths, beautiful architecture and historic salt production. Relax by the lake with water-based activities near Orthez or stroll along the incredible fortified walls of Navarrenx, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

Potter around markets selling delicious local delights such as seasonal fruit and vegetables, river fish, Gascon pork, sheep’s cheese and Béarnaise beef. You could even venture to the beach – the glitzy seaside town of Biarritz is around an hour away or head to the vast sandy shores and surfing beaches of trendy Hossegor for a superb day out by the sea.

In the Béarn des Gaves region of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, this rural abode is located close to the picturesque towns of Sauveterre-de-Béarn and Salies-de-Béarn. The city of Pau is 56km away whilst the surfing beaches of Biarritz and Hossegor are around an hour away by car. 

The nearest train station is Gare d'Orthez (14km) with arrivals from Paris, Bordeaux, Pau and other destinations across south-west France (if travelling from Paris you may find more frequent departures to Dax). If arriving by aeroplane, consider flights to Pau-Pyrenees Airport, Biarritz, Tarbes or even San Sebastian Airport across the Spanish border.

With its inclined setting, reached via a tree-lined driveway, the house enjoys incredible views of the distant snow-capped mountains. The entrance gate is just off the road connecting Orthez and Sauveterre-de-Béarn, meaning that local villages and towns are easily reached.

Laàs (6km) is considered to be one of the region’s prettiest villages, once on St James’ way pilgrimage route.  The village’s Château de Laàs is now home to the Serbat Museum with a wonderful collection of 18th century French furnishings and decorative arts whilst the estate’s Château des Enigmes will enchant all ages with its treasure hunt-style games and escape room.

Dating back to the 11th century, Sauveterre-de-Béarn (8km) is a charming medieval town by the banks of the Gave d'Oloron. Stroll by the river until you reach the historic Pont de la Légende for the most beautiful outlook, then discover the river island, L'île de la Glère, for peaceful nature walks, picnic spots and possibly even summer swimming opportunities.  Back in the town, the weekly market takes place on a Saturday morning and if you are staying in August then look out for the Blonde d’Aquitaine Fair celebrating the endangered cattle breed.

Known as the ‘Venice of Béarn’, Salies-de-Béarn (10km) is famed for its historic salt production, thermal baths and pretty riverside setting. Appreciate characterful houses as you wander around the elegant town, and learn all about its salt history at the Musée du Sel. Salies-de-Béarn’s main thermal spa dates back to the mid-19th century, when it used to attract celebrities from Paris, and its Belle Époque architecture can be admired to this day.

Other highlights of the area include Navarrenx (17km), listed as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ with its fortified walls and stunning vistas, and the historic town Orthez (13.5km) with its 13th century bridge crossing the Ousse River. Further afield, spend the day exploring the attractive city of Pau (56km) or drive west to the Atlantic coast with the surfing beaches of Biarritz, Capbreton and Hossegor reached in around an hour by car. 

Furthermore, there is an abundance of outdoor activities to experience across the Béarn des Gaves region such as rafting, canoeing, stand-up paddle-boarding in the Gave d'Oloron, hiking routes including stages of the Camino de Santiago, cycling and walking paths by rivers and through the countryside as well as canyoning, tennis, golf, fishing, hot-air balloon rides, tree-top adventures and so much more. For winter skiing, venture into the mountains to Arette la Pierre Saint-Martin (74km).

Accommodation

Maison Interiors

Main Farmhouse (some sloping ceilings)

-    Open-plan lounge and dining area with wood-burner
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom
-    Attic bedroom with twin beds and en suite bathroom

Attached Barn

-    Family living room
-    Kitchenette and lounge (with games)
-    Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom
-    2 x twin bedrooms
-    Shared bathroom

Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (10x5m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately Easter to end-October
-    Poolside terrace with sun loungers
-    Al-fresco dining area
-    Barbecue
-    Fire pit
-    Potage
-    Small garden pond with fish (fenced)
-    Garden and grounds (2.5 acres, partly unenclosed, including steps and sloping grounds)
-    Parking
-    Security cameras (at entrances of property)

Other Facilities

-    Study/yoga space
-    Ancient Wine press/store
-    Picnic rugs