The house is ideally situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. A day trip to the beaches at Hossegor on the Atlantic offer ideal conditions for watersports, whereas nearby Bayonne is a stylish shopping and gastronomic centre. From Basque to Catalan influences on the Mediterranean coast, the cities of Montpellier and Perpignan provide a change of atmosphere and architecture.

With access to ski resorts all through the Pyrennees, only 90 kms away, this is a perfect place to make the most of the slopes during the winter months. The summer is a time for stunning hikes and bike rides for the sporty. Of course, push on a little further over the mountains and Spain is literally on your doorstep.

The South West is rich in wine, from Bordeaux in the West to Corbières in the East. The Gers itself is up and coming in the wine stakes with exciting vineyards at Lagajan, Herrebouc and Pellehaut. Mention of grapes of course should include Armangnac for which the region is so well known.

The area is awash with high quality festivals throughout the summer and beyond catering for all tastes. The jazz festival in nearby Marciac, Tempo Latino at Vic Fezensac and the astronomy festival in Fleurance add dynamism to this lovely area. In addtion, Circa is an internationally renowned circus arts venue, based in Auch, with performances all year round.

The South West remains a haven for discovering majestic cities, medieval bastides and fortified villages. The list is long and local treasures include Fourcès, Larressingle and Montréal-du-Gers which dates back to 1255. Further afield Carcassonne, Rocamadour and Cordes sur Ciel are well worth a visit.

There is plenty of possibility for those wishing to practice a wide range of sporting activities. Golf courses, for example, can be found at Tillac, Auch and Masseube. For those who prefer to simply watch, Toulouse is renowned for its Rugby club and the Tour de France frequently passes through the area.