View of a small town with old stone buildings, a stone bridge over a river, and a waterfall at sunset.

Gascony, where
time slows down

The Area

Surrounded by rolling fields and vineyards, Plates Farm sits in the heart of Gascony – a region known for its rich history, quiet charm and celebrated cuisine. Here, every journey is scenic, every meal a pleasure, and every moment feels a little longer.

Scenic view of rolling countryside with green fields, trees, farmhouses, and a partly cloudy sky.
Ancient stone cloister with Gothic arches overlooking a courtyard with grass, a small cypress tree, and a stone wall with a tower in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

“Lectoure, a sleepy French town halfway between Bordeaux and Toulouse, has long been a destination for walkers, artisans and those seeking a slower pace of life…”

A close-up of a white cloth with green embroidery and a decorative button or pin.
An old stone church with large towers, surrounded by smaller houses with red-tiled roofs.

Local Towns

Hilltops, cathedrals
and cobbled charm

A field of blooming sunflowers with an old European village and two tall stone church towers in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

15 min drive

On the 'Way of Saint James' as it heads towards Santiago de Compostela in Spain, this pilgrimage village is full of charm, legend and heritage. Located in the north of the Gers, just a short drive or easy cycle from the Farm, La Romieu is a peaceful village with a remarkable past. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Collegiate Church of St Peter - and one of the official 'Most Beautiful Villages in France'.

La Romieu

A narrow European street lined with old stone houses with pastel-colored shutters and blooming pink and red roses climbing the walls, under a cloudy sky.

20 min drive

Our closest town – a town of history, views, and Gascon flavour. Located in the heart of Gers Lomagne, the beautiful town of Lectoure is perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Gers Valley. Rich in history, it was once a Gallo-Roman settlement, the main residence of the Counts of Armagnac, and later a bishopric.

Today, it offers visitors a remarkable mix of heritage architecture, cultural events, and panoramic views – making it a rewarding place to spend a day.

Lectoure

A scenic view of a small European town with a stone arched bridge over a river, medieval buildings, and a church tower in the background under a partly cloudy sky at sunset.

30 min drive

A riverside town full of charm, history, and good living. Nérac is a picturesque medieval and Renaissance town in the Baïse valley, not far from Agen.

Once home to Henri IV, it’s a place rich in history, elegant architecture, and scenic river walks – perfect for a relaxed day out

Nérac

Vineyard on rolling hills with a winding dirt road and scattered trees at sunset.

Wineries

A taste of 
Gascony

Gascony’s rolling countryside is home to independent vineyards producing Armagnac, Côtes de Gascogne wines and local varietals. Visit nearby domaines for tastings, cellar tours and long, scenic lunches among the vines.

Chateau Arton

Biodynamic / organic wines and Armagnac
Cellar visits, tours, tastings and boutique

Domaine de Mirail

Organic vineyard producing Cotes de Gascogne wines and Armagnac offering tastings

Domaine de Danis

Small independent producer of white Cotes de Gascogne wines and Armagnacs using traditional methods offering tastings

Domaine de Chiroulet

Long family history of producing wines, Floc de Gascogne and Armagnac offering tastings Great combination of wines, spirits and heritage

De La Terre au Verre

Our partner wine merchant.  Romain will be pleased to show you all that the region has to offer
Wine and Armagnac tastings and English speaking

“Keeley organised a brilliant wine tasting on night one which set the tone for the week. He was charming and informative, and treated us like we were friends of the family rather than solely as potential customers.”

Alan

A plate of salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and other vegetables, served on a white ceramic plate, with a hand holding a cup in the background on a wooden table.

Dining Out

A region rich 

in flavour

From relaxed bistros to Michelin-starred dining, the region offers outstanding food rooted in local produce and tradition.

We’re happy to share our favourite recommendations – all within reach of Plates Farm. Many offer vegetarian or vegan options inspired by the region’s ingredients.

Person pouring red wine into a glass at an outdoor table with water bottle, glass, and phone.
Scenic view of rolling green hills, farmland, patches of trees, farmhouses, and a winding road under a partly cloudy sky.

Walking & Cycling

Explore at
your
own pace

Person riding a bicycle on a rural paved road through a wooded area during daytime.

The Farm sits on the Way of St James pilgrimage route, with endless paths winding through sunflower fields and soft hills.

Walk or cycle quiet country lanes, or venture on longer routes around Lectoure for panoramic views and peaceful solitude. We’ll gladly share our favourite trails and maps.

View of a lively outdoor market with various stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables. Market shoppers browse the produce under large green umbrellas and leafy trees, creating a vibrant shopping scene.

Markets & Producers

Taste the
region’s rhythm

Display case with various cheeses on shelves, labeled with small black signs showing names and prices. The cheeses come in different shapes and sizes, including wheels, logs, and blocks.

Local markets and farm visits are at the heart of Gascon life. From fresh produce to artisanal cheese and wine, each stop reveals the craftsmanship of the region.

A plate of seafood pasta with mussels, clams, broccoli, and creamy sauce, with a hand lifting a forkful of spaghetti. A cocktail with a lemon twist is in the background.

Weekly markets

  • Lectoure: Friday (8:30–12:00 year-round) | Organic market Mondays (Apr–Oct 16:30–19:30)

  • Condom: Wednesday | Saturday | Sunday (market halls)

  • Fleurance: Tuesday | Saturday (morning markets)

  • Fourcès: Spring flower market, last weekend in April

  • Night Markets: Lectoure Mondays from 18:30 (July–August)

Things to See & Do

Nature, culture
and quiet adventure

Uncover antiques at the Lectoure flea market

Take a pottery or art class in nearby Lectoure

Visit the cathedral of Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais, Lectoure

Immerse yourself in the Collegiate Church of St Peter, La Romieu (UNESCO World Heritage)

Visit Château de Lavardens, 17th-century fortress & exhibitions

Soak in Les Thermes de Lectoure, Roman thermal spa

Step back in time in Fourcès, a perfectly circular medieval village – one of France’s most beautiful

Visit vineyards and distilleries for wine and Armagnac tastings

View of a European city skyline along a river at dusk, with illuminated buildings and two prominent church spires in the background.

Countryside
connections

Getting Around

Perfectly placed, many of our guests travel to us from Bordeaux (162 km) or Toulouse (119 km), providing the opportunity for a brief city stay before or after the farm experience. Both cities offer international airports and easy train links into the area.

Car hire is recommended for exploring the surrounding villages, markets and vineyards at your own pace.

A large stone house with shutters, surrounded by greenery and colorful bushes, with two lounge chairs and an umbrella in the backyard on a sunny day.

Plan Your Stay

A French escape worth slowing down for

Whether you stay for a few nights or a week in the summer, Plates Farm offers more than comfort – it offers connection. To book individual rooms, group use, or a place on one of our retreats, get in touch with our team.

Book your stay Get in touch