La Vieille Source

If you’re searching for gites with pools, traditional French cottages or just somewhere with great character and charm in a beautiful setting then...

Welcome to 'La Vieille Source'.

This lovely gîte, which can sleep up to six guests in comfort, is available for rent all year round. Perfect for a family holiday or  ideal for a couple seeking somewhere romantic. The gite is set above the old stables of Domaine de Vaucluse, a beautifully restored 18th century manor house, flanked by two magnificent pigeonnier round towers.

The estate consists of nearly 2 hectares of mature gardens, with large trees providing shade and privacy, surrounded by 30 hectares of farmland. All the water used at Vaucluse including the gîte apartment, ponds and swimming pool comes directly from our private spring or "source". This Vauclusian spring is believed to predate Roman times. The water starts its journey as melting snow from the Pyrénées and bubbles up underground. It’s then filtered through limestone rocks before arriving into the floodlit grotto in the first of our three terraced gardens.

The manor house, towers, old stables and original bakery building are built in local limestone, giving it the attractive honey colour particular to the stone houses and old  French cottages in this region. The house and grounds are set in the Valley of the Gers just one mile from the thermal spa town of Lectoure, giving you easy access to the route nationale and set in the idyllic Gascon countryside. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by fields of golden wheat, swaying corn, bright sunflowers, melons, garlic and beautiful French cottages. The Vaucluse estate has historical connections to Marechal Jean Lannes, the Duke of Montebello. He was one of Napoleon's generals and his closest friend. A local born hero his statue dominates the entrance to the park and panoramic viewing area in the town.

The Roman hilltop town of Lectoure has magnificent views over the surrounding  countryside with sumptuous landscapes as far as the eye can see, giving frequent views over the snow capped Pyrénées shimmering 100km in the distance. The ancient rampart walls were built during the time of the barbarian invasions and have been preserved to this day. As a 3 star ville fleurie, and listed as one of the Michelin green guide’s most beautiful detours in France, Lectoure is one of only four of France’s National Centres of Photography. There are many imposing monuments, the 14th century Saint Gervais cathedral, the old royal tannery, the chateau of the Counts d'Armagnac, and an interesting archaeological museum set in the cellars of the old bishop's palace.

Apart from the many shops, restaurants, bars and boutiques, Lectoure has a weekly street market selling local crafts, regional delicacies and fresh produce. The beautifully restored 18th century Goulard hotel is now a renowned thermal spa and treatment centre.  Why not relax in the hot mineral-rich waters of the hydrotherapy massaging pools, steam rooms and spa, or indulge in one of the many beauty treatments on offer.

Gites with pools and charming French cottages are always in high demand in Gascony during the hot summer months, so we recommend you contact us for an early reservation to avoid disappointment. If you want a gite holiday with a relaxed easy pace, surrounded by stunning countryside, warm welcoming people and a great climate, then La Vieille Source awaits…