Discovering Haute-Garonne from a Château
This experience was, in one word, fabulous. It was such a blessing to get to know Jean-François, the owner of Château Saint-Martory, and to be invited to discover the beautiful Haute-Garonne region in the French Pyrenees from a castle dating back to the Renaissance. Imagine waking up in a huge bedroom, opening your curtains to see the sun lighting up “your estate,” and enjoying breakfast in the dining room after a morning yoga session in front of the castle. Surreal.
When you rent Château Saint-Martory, you actually own the castle for that period, making it a unique and unparalleled experience. They have all the facilities you need as a cyclist, and they also organize cycling tours. Apart from the castle, you can also rent The Farmhouse, The Gatehouse, or Villa Rouleur, which is a residence in the village of Saint-Martory.
In terms of cycling routes, you’ll have plenty of options, from the famous Col du Tourmalet (which we didn’t ride because we had conquered this climb the year before) to Luchon Superbagnères and the Col de Portet-d'Aspet. What’s also great is that the professional women’s cycling team, Cynisca Cycling, is located on the property, which means all the knowledge about equipment, routes, training, and more is available within the community.
If you take the whole setting into account, with the swimming pool, the beautiful trees, the cycling facilities, and of course, the château itself with its great staff members, staying at this place is one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had. Making memories at its purest in a place that breathes unrestrained luxury.