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Uncover Villefranche, Gers, Midi-Pyrénées

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Nestled in the heart of Gers in Midi-Pyrénées, Villefranche is a hidden gem of the region. Discover this picturesque village where culture, history, and nature blend harmoniously. Begin by strolling through the cobbled streets and be charmed by the traditional architecture of the southwest, then visit the lovely Saint-Pierre Church, an emblematic monument.
Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the h...
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Walking around Villefranche

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Walk through the natural landscapes of Villefranche.
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Sentier a p'Art
2.7 km

Sentier a p'Art

Works of art are installed in the middle of nature, on a hiking trail, for the pleasure of young and old curious. This walk invites you to take a close and artistic look at the natural environment. The artistic creation was entrusted to Coline Vergez, a local artist already well known in Simorre. His reflection on rural art and environmental concerns lead him to work with local artists and artisans for the realization of his 5 works and the signage of the course, using sustainable materials and/ or recovery. Collaborations: Jean-Michel Carcy, ironman of art in Seissan realized the arrows, Kriss Fabr'Hic, artisan of art recycler in Biran created the birds, Crhistophe Moine "Xof" recuperist diverter has realized the "Cycloraptosaurus", Aliénor Rajade glass artist in Simorre has realized "Insects in light", Jeff Cervera, cabinetmaker in Simorre has directed "La Pause des deux horizons", Stéphane Vincent carpenter of marine in Simorre, has realized "L'oeil du cocon", Juju and Dédé (MH Services) in l'Isle-en-Dodon have realized "The flight of flavors". A dossier "under the magnifying glass" gives you all the details about the artists, as well as the small exhibition presented in the tourist information office of Simorre. Discover or rediscover the p'Art trail with a series of audio guides. Along the trail, discover the explanations of Coline Vergez, the creator of the trail. Get on the trail using the materials available at the tourist information offices of Gimont and Simorre and flash the QR code of the document as you go. The audio files are also available for online listening on our website. Starting point at the car park of the railway in Simorre Distance: 4 km (walking time 1h-1h30) Detailed file on the Path to p'Art available at the Tourist Office Coteaux Arrats Gimone.

2 h
4.6 km
Very easy
Parking du Foirail 32420 Simorre
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What to do in Villefranche

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Plan your leisure time in Villefranche by booking activities that suit your preferences.
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What to visit in Villefranche

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Visit the museums and galleries of Villefranche.
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Artistic Structures with Vegetable Use
2.7 km

Artistic Structures with Vegetable Use

This artistic project was born out of the desire of the ‘Food’ collective of the Bouche A Oreille cooperative to bring art to the ‘village kitchen garden’. The idea was not just to bring gardeners, villagers and visitors into contact with artistic works, but for them to be a vehicle for questioning and reflecting on the environment in which they are displayed: the kitchen garden. The artistic work of Coline Vergez, scenographer, is always a witness to the environment in which it takes place. She seeks to highlight and question it, while integrating her pieces within it. In this way, the works fit into a logic of harmony between materials, images that make sense and/or their utility. She created her first work ‘MMMMH!’ in the village of Simorre, as well as 5 ½uvres that make up the Sentier à p'Art - a 4km walking trail starting from Simorre based on the principle of Land'Art. ‘In this project, I want to remain faithful to this way of working and propose works that are fully integrated into the intention of the vegetable garden; that respect its gesture, reveal it and serve it. My artistic approach is intended to be accessible to everyone, in a language that is clear and easy to understand, and that does not compartmentalise. I want to speak to everyone and I want my work to speak to everyone". A little corner of the kitchen or...behind the scenes of life. This first work, installed in May 2020, highlights a central element of the kitchen that plays as essential a role in the processing of food as it does in that of the people who live there: its table. ‘I chose it for its most basic function. It's the heart of the kitchen, the place where food is cut and chopped, de-boned, sorted, cleaned, weighed, pressed... The place where food becomes a meal. But it's also the place where people reveal themselves, alone or to each other. I love the idea that a single edge of the kitchen table could have witnessed the birth of love, the passing of culinary or family secrets, the tearing apart of people, the making of major decisions, the creation of projects, the growth of children, the sharing of desires... No matter how insignificant, this little corner of the table works on living things, transforms them and makes them evolve. Its scale has been enlarged to emphasise its importance, but also to make it a useful structure in the vegetable garden. Both the chair and the table can accommodate climbing plants and cucurbits, and their heights allow the gardener to pick fruit with ease, while creating a shady spot in summer. In winter, the table is covered in strips of woollen fabric coloured with plants from the garden or picked nearby. Artistic structures for kitchen use. Un petit coin de cuisine ou...les coulisses de la vie’ is part of an overall concept that will see other installations created in the same spirit. The idea is that each artistic installation should be made up of three essential elements: it should provoke questioning, it should be useful and it should be legible. These elements will be developed in different ways for each piece. In this context, Coline's work will question what is not visible to the naked eye: the purpose of market gardening (for what purpose do we cultivate, how do we transform what grows there, what is the future of what we create there? etc.) or will highlight the invisible but essential players in the life of the vegetable garden (its microcosm: earthworm, beetle, lucanus, dragonfly, etc.). The works will all have a real function within the garden, whether in the gardening process, in providing amenities for native flora or fauna, or in improving the living spaces for gardeners or visitors. This work will be aimed at a lay audience and is intended to speak to everyone. Each person will interpret the works in their own way, depending on who they are and what their artistic background is, but the creations will use a very direct and clear visual language. To facilitate this, humour and paradox will be used to demystify art and make it accessible to everyone.

Place de la mairie 32420 Simorre
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Bouche a Oreille kitchen garden
2.7 km

Bouche a Oreille kitchen garden

You can visit the vegetable garden at Le Bouche à Oreille restaurant, to the delight of young and old alike! Le Bouche à Oreille (‘BAO’ for those who are used to it) is a SCIC, a not-for-profit structure, bringing together more than 120 cooperators around 4 colleges: 1- Food, from the vegetable garden to the plate. 2- Culture and popular education. 3- Development of local economic initiatives. 4- Ethics and transmission, which drives the project's democracy. In addition to delicious meals and cultural events throughout the year, Le Bouche à Oreille has created its own vegetable garden in the village of Simorre. Situated along the footpaths, the kitchen garden is open to the public and allows visitors to discover the many and varied vegetables, herbs and edible flowers that have been carefully cultivated to create the sublime menus proposed by chef Séverine. The kitchen garden is accessible by a few wooden steps from a footpath, and is open to the curious. The names and varieties of the plants are listed on small slates that sometimes reveal surprises. Take your time on site, as wooden chairs and tables have been set up for resting, picnicking, chatting, watching the frogs or admiring the portraits of the women vegetable gardeners! The ‘Structure artistique à utilité potagère’ project was born out of a desire on the part of the BAO's ‘Alimentation’ collective to bring art to the ‘village kitchen garden’. The idea was not just to bring gardeners, villagers and visitors into contact with artistic works, but to use them as a vehicle for questioning and reflecting on the environment in which they live: the vegetable garden. Trained as a scenographer, Coline Vergez's artistic work always bears witness to the environment in which it is set. She seeks to highlight and question it, while integrating her pieces within it. In this way, the works fit into a logic of harmony between materials, in images that make sense and/or in their utility. The first work, ‘Un petit coin de cuisine ou...les coulisses de la vie’, is part of an overall concept that will see other installations created in the same spirit. Coline Vergez has also created an installation in the heart of the village and, in 2019, the ‘Sentier à p'Art’, a 4km walking trail made up of 5 works based on the principle of Land'Art, starting in Simorre. To get to the kitchen garden, ask for directions at the Bouche à Oreille in the village square, or from the Foirail car park, follow the signposted footpaths and the artistic signposts of the Sentier à p'Art to find the kitchen garden (100m on your left).

32420 Simorre
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Notre-Dame Abbey Church
2.9 km

Notre-Dame Abbey Church

The Church of Simorre is a 14th-century abbey church built on a 5th-century oratory created by Cérats, who became the patron saint of Simorre. This church was linked to the Benedictine abbey, which has now completely disappeared. Built in the shape of a Latin cross, it has an octagonal tower at the junction of the nave and transept, which should have been a bell tower like Lombez cathedral. The nave has only two and a half bays and is finished off by a stone wall. Almost the entire building is in pink brick. The stained glass windows are remarkable for their age, colour and design (14th, 15th and 16th centuries). The 16th-century choir stalls have beautiful and moving sculpted details, particularly on the cheeks. In 1964, during restoration work in the sacristy, some very fine 14th-century wall paintings were discovered. Today, you can admire many religious objects, both simple and sumptuous, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. There are 4 statues to admire: a wooden piéta from the early 8th century, a stone piéta from the 7th century, a statue of St Cérats from the 15th century and a processional cross from the 14th century. In the 19th century, Violet le Duc undertook the restoration of the building, changing its appearance and transforming it into a fortified church. A document with historic details is available inside as well as signs on the walls. An audio tour in French has been recorded and is available in the church.

32420 Simorre
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Village of Simorre
2.9 km

Village of Simorre

A charming village, with its fortified church, its old central market hall, its museum, its half-timbered and corbelled houses, its foirail and shady squares that invite you to visit. Simorre surprises and amazes. The atmosphere of this small village is pleasant, as are the friendly musical nights in the square opposite the Bouche à Oreille. A little history: The village's picturesque narrow streets are particularly striking for their impressive fortified church, which rises up between the roofs of the houses and gives the impression of taking a trip back to the heart of the Middle Ages. After a devastating fire in 1141, the village, formerly the capital of Astarac, was rebuilt around the abbey, and the whole complex was fortified in the 12th century. To resist the Count of Astarac, the abbots constantly improved their abbey, which was given a cloister, an octagonal bell tower and extended to the west. The Abbey Church, an architectural jewel: A masterpiece of brickwork lost in the Astarac of stone. Dedicated to Notre Dame, it was built on the site of the previous church, which may have extended further west, as work carried out in 1900 uncovered remains of the construction in the extension of the current nave. Major restoration work was carried out between 1844 and 1858 under the direction of Viollet-le-Duc. The roof, which covered the walls, was lowered so that it rested directly on the vaults, and a crenellation was built around the building. ‘Simorre, a slow and committed commune! It belongs to the network of the national Cittaslow label’.

32420 Simorre
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COMMUNE DE L'ISLE EN DODON
10 km

COMMUNE DE L'ISLE EN DODON

1 hour from Toulouse and the Pyrenees, L' Isle-en-Dodon offers on the heights of its hillsides a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees. Labeled Station Verte for nature holidays! Situated in the heart of Le Comminges, Isle-en-Dodon is the ideal town to appreciate the joys of the countryside while being close to all the amenities of the big cities. Its medieval fortified village of the 11th century, reminds us of the bastides of the Toulouse region. The town centre has retained its historical and architectural character: its boulevard (which was once the ditches of the town), its narrow streets, its old half-timbered houses typical of the Gascony region... From the castle of the Counts of Comminges, there remains the 16th century church with its fortified chevet with a Gothic porch and its 33 metre high bell tower. Restored between 2010 and 2012, you will be able to admire the stained glass windows in the intense and deep colours of Arnaud de Moles, the frescoes in its choir, the listed organs and the treasure room. In the town centre you will also discover the town hall and its market hall, an imposing building built between 1852 and 1854. Entirely built in brick, it is composed of 2 symmetrical halls and the town hall in its centre. In the latter's Town Council room, you can admire the magnificent frescoes by Gaston Lagorre illustrating the four seasons in Isle-en-Dodon and the triptych in homage to the martyrs of the Maquis de Meilhan. The surrounding villages also preserve a few treasures. For example : In Agassac, the PIERRE BLANCHE, a Gallo-Roman stele in Saint-Béat marble, can be seen at the town hall. In Saint-Laurent, the ruins of the Priory and the frescoes of the Painter Lagorre in the church. Also to be discovered, Puymaurin, Saint-Frajou... But this heritage, should not make us forget the gastronomy: several restaurants propose a traditional cuisine, very appreciated. You can also easily find on the market or on their farms, the producers of fat ducks, cheese, vegetables or organic meat. There are many marked hiking trails in the hills with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees. Discover our landscapes with the "RANDO COMMINGES" application. A botanical trail to discover the flora In April, local producers sell their best products at the Spring Fair.

31230 L'ISLE-EN-DODON
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Where to eat in Villefranche

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Establishments in Villefranche offer dishes for all tastes.
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Where to sleep in Villefranche

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Find an ideal lodging in Villefranche.
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LE PIED DU RIST
21 km

LE PIED DU RIST

Renovated old farmhouse away from the village with swimming pool, in the middle of meadows, on the edge of a wood with a private garden, 15km from the Gimone swimming lake, at the gateway to the Hautes-Pyrénées. Group gîte with character, combining traditional materials (stone, earth, wood) with contemporary features (large picture windows, staircases, fireplaces, metal...). Good tips nearby : swimming at the Gorges de la Save 5km away, Boulogne-sur-Gesse 6km away (restaurants, shops, market), Gallo-Roman village and museum at Montmaurin 8km away, restaurant inn at Escanecrabe 13km away, Cardeilhac forest arboretum 14km away, Gimone swimming lake 15km away, 25km north of Saint-Gaudens (train station, Garonne river), Montréjeau 27km away (swimming lake, train station, golf course), Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges (France's favourite village and Grand Site Occitanie) 36km away, Auch (Gers department) 52km away, Tarbes (Hautes-Pyrénées department) 65km away, Bagnères-de-Luchon (skiing and thermal baths) 67km away and Toulouse 90km away. Gîte on 2 levels: - Ground floor: traditional kitchen with separate washing-up area (dishwasher and washing machine) and large fireplace. Dining room of 85 m² with fireplace and TV/reading area for 40 people, with access to the outside. 2 bedrooms, each with 2 twin beds (90*200cm). Spacious toilets for communal areas (2 washbasins, 2 WCs, 2 mirrors, 1 shower). Accessible to the disabled. - Upstairs, under-roof function room with ping-pong table, exposed roof frame (meetings, seminars, parties...), accessible from the ground floor dining room, direct access to the swimming pool. 4 bedrooms (1 bed 140*190cm)(1 bed 140*190cm)(1 bed 140*190cm and 1 bed 90*190cm on the mezzanine, steep staircase and low ceiling)(1 bed 140*190cm and 2 beds 90*190cm, bunk beds). Each bedroom has a shower and washbasin opening onto the sleeping area, and a separate closed WC. 5 foldaway beds are also available.

Route de Lannemezan 31350 BLAJAN
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CAMPING PRE FIXE
23 km

CAMPING PRE FIXE

Come and melt into a green environment facing the Pyrenees mountain range. You'll discover a soothing setting that respects nature, where parents and children can enjoy a truly relaxing and friendly atmosphere. Camping Pré Fixe is a 4-star campsite with 43 pitches located in the Occitanie region, between Toulouse and the Pyrenees, in a small Comminges village just a few minutes from Aurignac. It is part of a respectful approach to the environment (member of La Via Natura campsites). The geographical location of the Pré Fixe campsite offers the advantage of proximity to the Pyrenees and the towns of Toulouse, Albi and Lourdes, while guaranteeing the peace and quiet of the Pyrenean foothills. Our campsite in Gascony offers you: heated swimming pool, fresh produce restaurant, wine bistro (carefully selected), free Wi-Fi around the bistro, grocery shop, games for young and old... The accommodation is surrounded by lush vegetation. There are several options for nature lovers: pitches for tents, caravans, motorhomes or unusual accommodation such as our luxury lodges, wooden chalets and unusual accommodation, which are very popular with our campers. The grounds, planted with trees, are laid out in terraces and offer a lovely view of the Pyrenees and the surrounding valleys. You'll enjoy quiet, shaded areas, separated by hedges to ensure your privacy. At Camping Pré Fixe, you'll get to know a magnificent region still unspoilt by mass tourism, and discover all its facets: hiking, cycling, mountain activities... Your hosts, Céline and Cyril, will give you a warm welcome and all the ingredients are there to make your stay a relaxing one.

175 Rue de l'Abbé Duthil 31420 CASSAGNABERE-TOURNAS
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EN DOUCET
30 km

EN DOUCET

Experience the discreet charm of the South-West from our gîte in Empeaux, a haven of peace less than 40 minutes from Toulouse, perfect for getting back to basics by the pool. Come and recharge your batteries in a green setting with a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees! In the heart of the Coteaux du Gers, between l'Isle-Jourdain and Saint-Lys, our gîte opens the doors to an enchanted interlude. In a house typical of the region, combining the charm of yesteryear with modern comforts, you'll enjoy a swimming pool to share with the owners, a private garden planted with trees and, above all, a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Pyrenees, visible from sunrise from the bedrooms upstairs. Less than 30 minutes from the gîte, you can : explore the markets of Samatan and the narrow streets of L'Isle-Jourdain, a lively, gourmet bastide in the Gers; stroll around the lake at Saint-Lys and enjoy a picnic by the water; escape to the heart of nature in the Bouconne forest, on foot or by bike; discover the elegance of the gardens at Château de Caumont in Cazaux-Savès ; get up close to the stars at the Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse, just 40 minutes away; immerse yourself in the world of aviation with a visit to Airbus and the Aeroscopia museum in Blagnac; and experience an authentic immersion in the small villages of the Savès, with their heritage, gastronomy and art of living. The gîte in detail: ground floor: a cosy living room for relaxing, a fully-equipped fitted kitchen with a convivial dining area and a separate toilet. Upstairs: a children's bedroom with 3 single beds, a master bedroom with a double bed and spectacular views of the Pyrenees, and a modern shower room with WC. Adjoining the owners' house, swimming pool on the owners' side. The gîte is designed to comfortably accommodate up to 5 people, whether on a tourist break in the heart of Gascony or a business trip in the peace and quiet, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Book today for this little corner of paradise between sky and countryside, where every detail has been thought of to make your stay unforgettable.

2006 chemin d'En Doucet 31470 EMPEAUX
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LES BICHOUS
31 km

LES BICHOUS

Eco-responsible, single-storey, detached wood-frame house with all comforts. Above-ground swimming pool, 35km west of Toulouse, at the gateway to the Gers. Situated in the heart of the countryside, just outside the small village of Saint-Thomas, this brand-new timber-frame house has been built to welcome you! Timber-frame construction is ecological and economical: low CO2 emissions, 12 times better insulation than concrete, warm and welcoming. Nothing has been left to chance for your comfort and to minimise the impact of this activity on the planet; materials and heating methods have been carefully chosen with eco-responsibility in mind. The house has a gravelled courtyard at the front where cars can be parked, and an enclosed lawned garden at the rear. From the gîte, it's easy to get to the hiking trails on site, including the famous GR86 Toulouse Luchon trail, just 1km away. For walking and fishing, the Sainte-Foy-de-Peyrolières lake is 5 km away. Swimming pool and shops in Saint-Lys, 7 km away. Téoula golf course and African Safari zoo in Plaisance-du-Touch, 15km away. Toulouse, the Cité de l'Espace, the Halle des Machines, Aéroscopia... Entrance hall, storeroom/laundry room, large living room with open-plan kitchen and dining area, and sitting area with pellet stove, protected by a fence. On one side of the living room: 2 bedrooms for 2 people (2 single 80cm beds in each) and a shower room/WC. On the other side: 1 bedroom (2 twin 80cm single beds + 1 90cm single bed), shower room, separate WC with washbasin. Enclosed garden, covered terrace and private courtyard. The owners, Sébastien and Carole, live in the house next door, at the same address. Arrivals between 4pm and 6pm and departures before 11am. TELETRAVAIL: a desk and a lamp are available (close to an electrical socket for plugging in a laptop, extension cord and power strip on request). High-speed internet connection (wifi). 4G telephone coverage (operator: SFR)

928 route de Saint-Lys 31470 SAINT-THOMAS
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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾