Just perfect for a mini moon is the rugged beauty and Armagnac vineyards of Gascony at La Bastide
For those seeking excellent food, wines, culture and a little French spa village brimming with character, the stunning four-star French hotel of La Bastide is the perfect place. Situated in the small spa village of Barboton, the beautiful French house-hotel is surrounded by enchanting gardens and lush vines. Guests can relax in the 20,000 year old hot springs or take a stroll through the seemingly endless Armagnac vineyards. As one of Michelin Star chef Michel Guérard’s Houses which includes the five-star sister hotel ‘Les Prés d’Eugénie,’ and Chateau de Riell the historic hotel of La Bastide resonates with Guérard’s passion for good food, hospitality and rejuvenation, celebrating the very best of France.
The Hotel – Located in the heart of Gascony, the beautiful house of La Bastide lies hidden behind the impressive façade of a XI Century church overlooking the charming spa village of Barboton. Each room is uniquely decorated using natural tones – from dusty pinks to saffron and ochres – to give a sense of serenity and well-being which is felt throughout the property. For those looking to cosy up with a good book, The Fireplace Lounge with its elegant Louis XIII fireplace provides the perfect setting. The outdoor swimming pool surrounded by luxuriant gardens offers an idyllic spot for making the most of the Gascony sun. The hotel is set within meridional gardens where guests can stand by a succession of Andalusian fountains underneath the canopy of plane trees.
The Spa – Tucked away in the gardens is the hotel spa which covers an intimate 450 square metres. Decorated with stone and ivory enamels, the spa has a wonderful sense of tranquillity and calm. Guests will experience the heavenly effects of the thermal waters in the thermal steam baths, before stepping into the mud wrap cabin for a treatment which will leave skin feeling supple and looking younger. For those following Michel Guérard’s passion for healthier living, there is also a jacuzzi pool with current swimming to work up an appetite. The spa includes three Vichy shower cabins, hydro massage baths and a Decleor beauty salon offering a range of superb treatments.
The Gastronomy – As one of Michel Guérard’s Houses, at La Bastide guests will be spoilt for choice with the exceptional cuisine on offer. The Chef of the hotel has developed two menus; one which celebrates ‘Fine Country Cuisine,’ with seasonal dishes such as Gascony black pig, roasted hare, and soft cod with pine nuts and citrus crust. The second menu embodies Michel Guérard’s passion for healthy eating and his firm belief that healthy food must be delicious; the Santé-Nature Cuisine menu features carefully created dishes that aim to improve digestion, aid weight loss and improve blood sugar levels, all without compromising on exceptional flavours and ingredients. Guests can dine al fresco on one of the cosy terraces overlooking the gardens, or enjoy an intimate dining experience in front of the dining room large fireplace.
Exploring the Outdoors – Bordered by 40 hectares of Armagnac vineyards which have been producing Château de Sandemagnan wine since 1967, guests can explore the vineyards with a curated tour by Max Dumolié, the vineyard oenologist who has been part of the Guérard-Barthélémys’ journey since they purchased the vineyard in 1957. Guests can explore the impressive cellars of Laberdolive and Tariquet, Château de Laubade, and Château de Maniban for a complete immersion in the world of wine. For those looking to see more of the beautiful countryside, the hotel offers mountain bikes and guests can head out on the 50 kilometres’ forest track which is a no car zone making it perfect for families. The hotel’s chefs will prepare ‘The Royal Picnic Basket’ filled with local delicacies that are perfect for an outdoor dining by the shores of Uby Lake. For walkers, the area is covered with ancient St James Pilgrimage routes and guests can follow the legendary Le Puy route, retracing the footsteps of pilgrims through the pretty Gascony villages and across the stunning landscape.
BOOK IT
Two nights’ accommodation in the beautiful Carthusian house including buffet breakfast, 1 gourmet A la Carte Dinner, 1 30-minute relaxing massage per guest and complimentary access to the Thermal Spa and Mountain Bikes start from €698 for two guests.
