Bounded by the Pyrénées, the Gironde estuary and the central plateau, south-west France is dense in geography, history and resources. Maison Manéchal is an early-19th century wine house, built to supply the French army with rough red wine., located on the borders of two French departments, between the far north of the Hautes Pyrénées (65) and the southern border of the Gers (32), in the heart of Gascony, a region for food lovers where Armagnac, pork, foie gras, confit de canard, are all here, and calories are never counted. Set within this inspiring vantage point of surrounding valleys, the extensive grounds include tranquil lawns, fruit and vegetable gardens while enjoying a fabulous view of the Pyrénées. In this refreshingly relaxed and intimate environment house and garden provide a perfect setting for you to experience sheer indulgence. Maison Manéchal welcomes all with warm hospitality and pleasurable pastimes to experience French Country life at its best.

Maison Manechal is a Place born from a Passion for French Art de Vivre and Nature. John and Christiane live in a separate wing of the house and have their own private entrance, but are on hand if you need anything. John is a retired sheep farmer from Orkney, now studying marine ecology (and French!) and his charming French wife Christiane works during the week in London.

Monfaucon sits on a long ridge formed by the grinding of ancient rocks as glaciers scoured their way from the Pyrenees to the sea at Bordeaux. Manechal sits half way down one side of this ridge. A walk around the village is a succession of steep climbs and descents – very good for the cardiovascular system. Turn left out of the gates and down the hill you will go past the house of Claude Laniesse, our famous potter, the only living ceramicist to have had an exhibition at Sevres Museum in Paris, whose exquisite garden has featured in many glossy magazines. If the gate is open you are free to go in and look at his exotic wares, but beware you will be tempted to buy these fabulous creations. You will, though, have to speak French. Next door is the long-serving and always helpful mayor, Roland Dubertrand, who lives in the oldest house in the village. At the cross at the bottom of the hill retrace your steps up rue de la Mongie and climb up the hill past Manechal and turn left at the little crossroads at the top. This takes you to the old heart of the village, now a shadow of its former self.