Fontrailles is in the Gascony region lying between the Pyrenees and the River Gironde to the north. Gascony is the home of D’Artagnan (of The Three Musketeers fame) and is also a region which was long fought over by England and France.
Castles, fortified churches, bastide towns and villages dating from that time can be found all over the area. Caesars Way and the Pilgrimage Way are a testament to the time of Roman occupation and later, when pilgrims pass through en route for Santiago di Compostella.
Towns and villages nestle amongst the fields of maize, tobacco and sunflowers in a rich, rolling landscape and, in contrast to their turbulent past, local communities now pride themselves on their Armagnac and prowess in rugby. It is the gastronomic area of France and is famed for foie gras, confits and garbure, a meaty soup which is best enjoyed with a local red wine. There are a number of restaurants in the area and we can advise you on their location and fare. The local Ferme Auberges offer superb local traditional menus.
The local town of Trie sur Baise offers all the basic requirements – Bank ATM, UK & international newspapers, a small supermarket, bakers, butchers and greengrocer are all situated around the pretty main square where a bustling market is held every Tuesday. Many other towns hold markets throughout the week.
From May onwards the town offers various attractions including a Classical Music
Weekend, antiques and night markets as well as the local fete in August with the
infamous Porcailhade and a week of entertainment; the local racecourse holds it’s
annual meeting in August. Nearby Mirande (25kms) has an International Country and
Western week in mid July and Marciac (34kms) hold an International Jazz Festival,
attracting well-
Other villages and towns have their annual fetes and Festivals throughout the summer, details of which are well publicised locally.
Golf, fishing, horse riding, tennis, rafting, cycling, bird watching, painting and walking are among the many activities that can be enjoyed in the area.
There are plenty of lovely places to visit in the Pyrenees, and we can advise on each location depending on your requirements.
