French chateau retreats, weekends, events

Find your joie de vivre on a magical retreat in southern France. Discover wellness, relaxation, gastronomy and art retreats in a historic chateau in gorgeous countryside in the Ossau Valley in the heart of the Pyrenees – surrounded by glorious nature, a truly uplifting location.

Welcome to Château de Gère, a 14th-century château with a breath-taking mountain backdrop in southwest France, tucked inland between Biarritz and Toulouse. In this largely undiscovered area, it’s a secret treasure you can retreat to. Majestic yet charming.

Themed retreats in France

You can enjoy the very best of Château de Gère and this amazing location thanks to regular stays offered throughout the year. Your stay includes activities organised with local professional partners, comfortable accommodation and delicious meals that showcase local produce and ingredients. All of this in the type of picturesque historic property that you would normally only see in the movies – by coming here, you get to wake up within this incredible setting and experience life in a French château.

Which event might you choose?

You could choose a weekend that celebrates one of the traditional events in the region, such as the cheese festival or the unveiling of this year’s new wines, making the most of the opportunity to explore the local villages and soak up the French culture and centuries of history. Alternatively, how about a holiday that also gives you the chance to try a new hobby or improve your skills? For instance, wellness, hiking, photograph and watercolour painting breaks led by experienced artists, and culinary retreats where you can learn to cook French cuisine featuring locally-grown produce. The advantage of these retreats is that you’re learning in small groups, so you get personal, individual feedback and plenty of opportunity to hone your skills in a supportive, encouraging atmosphere.

Wellness retreats in France

Of course, this setting lends itself to true relaxation, so it’s no surprise that pampering and wellbeing escapes are popular. The local spa welcomes you for your choice of facials, relaxing treatments and massages, as well as a sauna and steam room, and once all the tension of everyday life has slipped away and you feel completely pampered, you can return to your spot in the château to enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the ancient dining room.

Outdoor activities

There’s also plenty on offer if you’re more energetic by nature. As the château is located at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains, it’s a wonderful base from which to head to the peaks and enjoy skiing or try sledding led by huskies, as the château is just 30 minutes from the ski resort of Gourette and its snowy slopes. Outside the winter season you can go hiking, climbing or canyoning, or of course enjoy the sport that is France’s national passion: cycling! From family-friendly routes on former railways to challenging trails for mountain bikers, there are superb cycling options in this fantastic countryside, framed by mountains and blue skies.

For day trips, you can explore the historic town of Pau, filled with classic French architecture and a funicular railway, or head to Lourdes – under an hour from the château – a town filled with medieval buildings, fountains and spiritual destinations that have drawn pilgrims here for centuries.

About the Château de Gère

Built in the late 1300s, this château was originally a fortress, as evidenced by the number of arrow slits strategically placed across the property so it could be defended. During its long and impressive history, it was used as a hunting lodge for King Henri IV, and you’ll also see several curious features outside, including gargoyles and a plaque above the main entrance that reads, ‘Wisdom begins with the fear of Jean de Gère – 1388’.

Today’s château is surrounded by gentle sheep. You can hear their tinkling bells as they graze in nearby pastures or, occasionally, in the large field next to the château grounds. You’ll also notice the restful background noise of trickling water thanks to a small stream that runs from the mountain above, through the 5-acre grounds and cascades over the embankment below, so the combination creates a soundscape that invites you to unwind and relax from the moment you arrive.

While the property is centuries old, it has modern conveniences that include underfloor heating, an outdoor pool available for guests, and four comfortable bedrooms that are occasionally available for B&B stays. American owner Trish Jasinki’s adventures, renovating and updating the Château de Gère have featured in the Channel 4 series, Chateau DIY, and she strives to achieve maximum sustainability from composting and recycling to sourcing local products and services.