We recently stayed in Abbital Faget for 2 1/2 weeks. The house is truly "ideal for recharging". While very rural, it was also very close to both small villages and larger cities. The house itself was lovely. A 200 year old farmhouse, very modern inside, very large kitchen by European standards, full sized refrigerator, large dining table seating 6 with large table outside on covered patio for al fresco dining. 2 large screen TVs with dish TV and wifi. Very comfortable beds, modern bathrooms, extremely clean house with all necessary utensils.
Philippe and his sister Aline could not have been more welcoming and helpful. They gave us suggestions and advice and we visited many of the villages they told us about. Helpful to download a translation app before you go unless you speak French. We left our maps and travel books at the house. It is imperative to rent a car. The villages are closer than they appear and Auch, the largest close city is only about 20-25 minutes drive. Simorre is the closet village and we preferred the smaller bakery for bread and amazing quiche. The best pastry shop we found was about a 10-15 minute drive to Lombez. Fantastic selection of pastries, chocolates and bread. Be sure to try their amazing flat bread with both grated cheese and mounds of fresh goat cheese. Also, not to be missed is Albi, a beautiful city just
past Toulouse, a little over an hour from the house. The only museum we visited was the Toulouse-Latrec Museum in Albi, which was wonderful if you are a fan of his. Philippe left a list of the local market days and it is very easy to buy fresh produce, dairy products and prepared food. The roasted chicken was delicious! We hardly ate out, the market food was
superb and the house is so welcoming, it was nice to eat our meals there. Not to be missed is Euaze, a lovely city with the best local market we found. The central market in Biarritz was
wonderful, had everything you could possibly want or need. In an enclosed building in the center of town. Biarritz is only a 2 hr drive. We stayed there 2 days. Well worthwhile visiting if you love fresh seafood. Abbital Faget is the perfect place to relax and explore Gascony at your own pace. We hope to return for another visit soon.