Explore
Our area of France is one of the most diverse in the country, offering activities and opportunities for people of all interests to discover at their leisure. We provide our handy guest guide for all guests to use, and you also may find some of the department’s own tourism websites (Haute-Garonne Tourisme & Destination Comminges Pyrénées) useful to plan your activities during your stay with us.
Cycling
The Midi-Pyrénées are a great location for cycling – indeed we all know it’s one of France’s national sports. Cyclists of all types and disciplines are extremely welcome at La Coutère and as keen cyclists ourselves, we even have our very own cycling team in the UK called Team Jakrabbit, who are leaders on the amateur circuit.
If you wish to bring cycles with you, we can store them in our outbuildings and can even lend any tools you may need for you to service your own bikes.
Walks
The château is situated in a very rural setting and has 30-acres of its own park and woodland. There are a number of walks to experience, several direct from the chateau itself. A guest favourite is that of the ‘waterfall walk’, walking through our own pasture and woodland to reach the waterfalls on the River Save.
Sports
There are tennis courts at Salerm, next to Saint Frajou, just ten minutes away. There is also a holiday village with sports facilities and a large outdoor pool at L’isle en Dodon our closest town.
In our Guest Guide, we outline more ways to take part in other sports activities, including golf and water sports.
Restaurants and Cafés
You are of course in France, and it goes without saying that there are many great local restaurants and eateries close to the château, including some great street food too. We include some of the best in our Guest Guide, available the grand salon. We would advise calling ahead to make a reservation.
Markets
The local and nationally renowned market of Samatan is just 20 minutes away and takes place each Monday. Saint Gaudens is an ancient market town 25 minutes’ drive on the way to the Pyrénées and holds its market on Thursdays. At nearby Bolougne Sur Gesse, only 10 kms drive, the Wednesday market is one of the most varied and the market at L’isle en Dodon takes place on Saturdays.
Make a Day of It
Spain and the Pyrenees
The Spanish border and the Pyrénées are just an hour’s drive south from the château and offer so many exciting opportunities for a full day’s excursion. Water sports, hiking, cycling, walking, and skiing in the winter months are all on offer, along with exploring ancient villages and towns, great restaurants and more. Why not breakfast at the château and have Spanish tapas for lunch!
The Sea
A little further afield you will find the Mediterranean coast at just over two and a half hours. You could be in Narbonne and Perpignan by mid-morning, smelling the salty air and building sandcastles with the family.
Cultural places to visit
We offer many more suggestions of local cultural places to visit in our Guest Guide. If you prefer, after your booking with us you can request an advance copy by email.
Local Lakes
There are many lakes in our department and some quite local for you to enjoy. For the full list please see our Guest Guide during your stay with us. Whether you wish to take part in water sports, enjoy a meal by the water or just sunbathe on the white sands, there are lakes to suit everyone.
