Le Merlat is situated between Condom and Auch in Gers - Department 32. It is placed within the heart of idyllic Gascony, land of d’Artagnan, beautiful countryside with rolling landscapes and in the winter, frequent stunning views of the Pyrenees. The area is sparsely populated, steeped in history, and is well known for its gastronomy. There are many music festivals, sport and leisure facilities.

There are many local restaurants and we have two great local cafes (3km) away. Both offer daily menus 11 Euros for 5 courses of food including wine. Great local food, friendly service, world's greatest crème brulee. Record for our guests so far is 8 visits in 10 days!

Condom is the centre for Armagnac producers. Try tasting Armagnac at the many local chateaux - nearest one is ½ km away. Easily (thankfully) within walking distance. Very friendly owner who will help you taste Armagnac and the local aperitif called Floc. No pressure to buy - but not many people can resist.

Canoeing
Hire a canoe (3km away) for an hour at a time or go on an escorted trip. Safe and peaceful, great wildlife. End of one journey finishes at a canal port with good local food. Guests of all ages have loved this trip.

We call this Chariot Racing and there are 2 local courses (5km and 7km away). In the summer children often go free, with family activities provided and a minimum bet of 1 Euro. Great way to spend an afternoon - just don't expect to get wealthy!

There is an International Jazz Festival at Marciac - 40 mins away. International artists perform and loads of bands playing for free by the local bars and in the square. Runs for 2 weeks in July/August. Locally there is a Latin Music Festival in July in Vic Fezensac and many smaller music festivals, often free.

Monuments:

The Abbaye De Flaran is 4km away. This is a beautiful 16th Century monastery and houses art exhibitions and holds music performances.

Leisure Lakes
Two great local leisure lakes - one 9km away the other 15km away. Both with lots of activities, slides, lifeguards, and shade. Loved by children of all ages. Get up late, go to the lake, come back to the gite, stay by the pool, sunbathe and have an evening barbecue. Perfect relaxation.

Local Fetes
Every commune has an annual fete which involves games and meals in the evening - plus music. It would be impossible to stay between June - September without one happening within the local area.

Condom (14km) is a lively market town, and holds a large market on a Tuesday. Auch (28km) is the historic and vibrant capital of the area offering many facilities, with a huge market on a Thursday and Saturday.

Further afield Toulouse and Bordeaux can be reached in around one and a half hours, great for shopping with Galleries Layafette and designer shops.

Local market
Vic-Fezensac Friday morning market. (9km) Great local produce - fantastic fruit and veg, local cheese and flower stalls. Very popular all year - lovely to shop and stop for a coffee.

Night market
Night market in July and August in Vic Fezensac. This town knows how to party - these markets start at 7pm and go on until past midnight. Lots of music, stalls and large trestle tables set up in the market square where you can eat. Typically a meal will cost 10-12 Euros (includes wine).Very friendly and great fun.

Vide-Grenier
A Vide Grenier is a French car boot sale. These are very popular in the local area and happen most weekends. Come bargain-spotting in the sun.