L'Ancienne Gendarmerie offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Lectoure, the heart of the Midi Pyrenees.

Located in the walled town of Lectoure above the south facing wall, ensuring the best of the sunshine from morning to evening, with a magnificent view overlooking the beautiful Gers countryside all the way to the Pyrenees.

A glorious sunrise, during breakfast on the terrace, sets the scene for a great day sightseeing or other activities. At the end of the day, after a delicious dinner at one of the many fine restaurants, you can relax and enjoy the sunset from the same terrace with a glass of the local wine. A perfect end to the day.

There are many facilities in the town itself: a world class thermal Spa, cinema, theatre, museum, cathedral, churches, sports facilities, an outdoor pool, tennis court, shops, charming boutiques and about a dozen cafes and restaurants. There is a wealth of interesting architecture dating right back to the 12th century.

Treat yourself to a break in the south of France with a stay at L'Ancienne Gendarmerie.

Chas and Liz

A view from the terrace of The Old Gendarmerie in Lectoure

L'Ancienne Gendarmerie

Built in the 18th Century, L'Ancienne Gendarmerie started life as a convent before, as its name suggests, it was converted to the main police station in Lectoure. The sympathetic conversion into a guest house retains the original charm of this magnificent stone building while retaining some of the original features. In fact some of the original cells on the ground floor have been preserved here for viewing with some original fixtures and fittings.

Accommodation consists of 8 en-suite bedrooms on the first floor. Each room features en-suite bathroom with toilet, sink and shower. and is individually decorated reasonably simply but very comfortably. We have chosen to enhance rather than completely cover up the original features. Along with the restored wooden flooring you will notice that part of the original stonework has been revealed in each of the rooms.

The kitchen/dining room is situated close to the terrace, with a great view, a full English or Contintental breakfast can be taken here. There are many excellent restaurants in the town, all within easy walking distance. However, should you require an evening meal at the Old Gendarmerie, this can done on request. Liz has plenty of experience in the kitchen, having run three very successful restaurants in the heart of Wales.

Lectoure

One of the oldest towns in Gers. Situated in the heart of the Midi Pyrenees, Lectoure was once an important Roman town and contains a variety of museums, galleries and well-preserved medieval houses. Situated on a ridge and overlooking miles of rolling farmland, the area is well renowned for its melons, sunflowers and a special blue pigment referred to as "the blue of Lectoure".

A town on the Via Podiensis, one of the three major French arms of the Way of St. James. This route is followed by those making the pilgrimage from Le Puy by way of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostella in northwest Spain. Pilgrims arrive at Lectoure after Miradoux and next pass through La Romieu.

A Freindly town. One of the first things you will notice while exploring Lectoure is how friendly and welcoming the local people are. Practically everyone will say hello to you and there is a real family atmosphere here. The local people love to share their traditions, food and way of life.

A clean town. Like a lot of French town's you will find that Lectoure is kept absoltuely spotless. The people of Lectoure are desevedly proud of their town and strive to keep it clean and beautiful.

Plenty of recreational facilities. There is a really great outdoor pool up by the Cathedral which is surrounded by a grass lawn. Perfect for a swim followed by a sunbathe and a picnic. The entrance fee is very inexpensive. The facility is quite high up on the south side of the City and afords the same stunning view across to the Pyrenees that you get from The Old Gendarmerie. Other sports facilities include tennis, cycling, rugby, football and a golf course is located within 15km. Amenities also include 12 restaurants, a cinema and a world class spa.

You can find out more by clicking on the link at the top of the page.