Since 2008 we have stayed at all three of the properties owned by Keren and Chris and cannot fault any of them. We are going back again, for the fifth time, this summer, because we know we are guaranteed clean, beautiful, comfortable accommodation, stunning and peaceful location, superb facilities such as the swimming pool and gym, WiFi and on hand back up from the friendly and knowledgeable owners. Each time we go we find more places to explore, in the surrounding villages and countryside, the Pyrenees themselves, even across into Spain. We have taken our own bikes, but will hire a road bike for our son this year, because he is now old enough to get some cols under his belt. There is a boulangerie a short cycle/walk or drive away and a well stocked supermarket which is open on Sunday mornings too, but is 15 minutes drive away. The property itself is in a one farm hamlet, so very rural, but so quiet! The views of the Pyrenees on a clear day are stunning from Tourmalet or Aspin and are also visible while swimming in the pool. Sharing a site with two other gites came into its own in August 2013 because all three families were into cycling so we summited the Tourmalet, the Col d'Aspin and Horquette d'Ancazan over the week, sharing picnics, tumbles and achievements along the way - and enjoyed many candle lit meals around the huge wooden table in the garden, playing board games and planning the next day's adventures. Not every visit has been the same though and we have equally enjoyed quiet evenings in our own outside space.
We are the sort of family who don't need activities and entertainment provided for us, we aren't looking for shops, cafes, restaurants or special facilities. We are happy to cater for ourselves, perhaps go out for the morning to a local market, or town, have lunch out there, or come back to the tranquillity of the gite and spend the afternoon round the pool, reading, dreaming or swimming. If we want to be more active, we go for a run or cycle on the traffic free local lanes, or head into the mountains and explore some footpaths. On our stays in these gites we have met mainly families with similar interests, or couples here to cycle or walk. It would be a fantastic place to stay if you wanted to get some out of season training on your bike and laze around the pool after. Chris and Keren are both experienced sports people and have a wealth of local knowledge - their style is discreet, friendly and low key. Absolutely recommend.
