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The Château is situated at the
crossroads of Bigorre, Bearn and Armagnac areas, in
the heart of Madiran country and on the trail of St.
Jacques de Compostelle (the route of the pilgrims).
Château Sombrun offers an exceptionally high
standard of comfort and caters for the eccentric as
well as those who are seeking tranquility.
The Château appears at the end of a long drive of
linden trees, an impressive and charming residence
flanked by two towers at each extremity. Built in
the 17th century and renovated in 1816 in the "Directorie"
style, the Château is named after the Sombrun family
who resided within its walls for many generations.
This is a perfect retreat with spectacular and
un-spoilt natural beauty. Ideal if you are looking
for something a little special in wonderful
surroundings with excellent facilities, good company
and a friendly atmosphere.
An experience to be enjoyed plus a welcome breath of
fresh air equestrians, walkers, sports enthusiasts,
and those hungry for tranquility. We offer you
hospitality, conviviality and fun.
 IT-FRSR01
Rates include accommodation with private
bathroom, breakfast, lunch and dinner (with aperitif
and table wine) - meals start with
dinner on first day and end with breakfast on last
day, 9 riding hours
5
days/ 4 nights $ 985
Single room +$280
-- based on € 635 / 180
2008 Dates:
any time - all year
Meeting: Maubourguet
Airport: Pau
Transfer:
No charge from Tarbes or Maubourguet stations
- $185 return (per car) from Pau airport
Level:
levels from novice to
advanced can be catered to
Pace: all paces according
to riding level
Tack:
English
Horses:
Pure Raza Espanol (Spanish)
and Irish hunters
Min/Max: 2-12 riders
Note:
Shorter and longer stays
are available:
4 days/ 3 nights - 6
riding hours
$ 695
-- based on € 450
6 days/ 5 nights -
12 riding hours
$ 1,275
-- based on € 825
7 days/ 6 nights -
15 riding hours
$ 1,545
-- based on € 995
-- extra riding hours are available at
€30
THE RIDING
At Sombrun you have the ideal place for a horse
riding holiday. Apart from the local equestrian
centres we offer our own horses, from pure Spanish
dressage to Irish hunters. Whether you choose a
gentle hack to take in the beautiful countryside,
galloping in the vast open fields, cross-country or
prefer jumping, we can more than satisfy you. We
also offer lessons to those who may not be so
confident. Whether on the plain, in the foothills or
mountains, horses represent an original way of
discovering this beautiful part of South West
France.
We can cope with almost any level of rider, from
novice or first timer upwards, although we do not
normally take children under the age of 14 yrs.
Apart from your hosts who are both hardened horse
fanatics, we also have our resident English groom
(female) who is very capable of assisting at almost
any level, I can assure you that there is no
shortage of experience here. The tack is typically
English although we do have some Spanish for those
who would like to try something different. The type
of riding, there is no limit; we are presently
reconstructing the cross-country course on our own
land, whilst there is another area for show jumping.
We can offer both of these as an alternative to out
riding and find it very popular. The out riding is
spectacular, we are happy to offer a couple of hours
active hacking or a full day, through a selection of
terrain. We have fields and ditches, hills and
forest. It is possible to ride for hours without
crossing a road, even then it will be a country lane
where it is completely unusual to find anything
other than the odd tractor. We have found that our
clients also enjoy passing through the local
villages though, we have four within a ten-mile
radius each with less than 150 habitants. The land
is situated in some of the best hunting area of
France, a day without seeing a few deer cross our
path would be unusual, let alone lots of other
wonderful wild life. We are happy to make a day
riding with a picnic or BBQ style lunch out, or
split the day into two sessions, depending on the
standard of the rider and their requirements. We
plan our riding at breakfast or dinner the night
before after the clients have reminisced on the days
events. There is so much fun riding here that we
find the clients like to get involved in the
planning.
FOX HUNTING
As a joint Master of the Pau Hunt we have an
arrangement for our guests to visit the hunt,
visitors can follow the hunt on horseback or foot.
It will prove an interesting day out for all,
followed by a meal in one of the local restaurants
(not included). Enjoy the thrill of the drag hunt or
perhaps a day live fox hunting
(available from
November to late March).
MOUNTAIN BIKING
For those who prefer two wheels to four legs we have
various bicycles which you may use for as long as
you like to explore the lush country side and quaint
local villages.
GOLF
There are many excellent nearby golf courses
SWIMMING
Relax and enjoy our swimming pool and bathing
facilities situated in the picturesque gardens of
the Château. We supply bathing towels and you are
welcome to help yourself to poolside refreshments.
Non swimmers may prefer just to unwind, take it easy
and soak up the rays on a sun lounger.
THE GUESTROOMS
There are five spacious guestrooms stylishly
furnished with French antiques, each with en suite
bathrooms. All of our guestrooms have tea and coffee
making facilities and overlook the beautiful
landscaped grounds of the Château, and some with
views of the Pyrenees.
THE DINING ROOM
This room is classically decorated and boasts an
open fireplace. Here you will find good food, always
fresh local produce, excellent wines and the
opportunity to enjoy the company of your eccentric
hosts. After dinner you can sample the famous local
Armagnac which is still produced according to
ancient techniques. With its delicate, warm and
invigorating flavours you are sure to relax and slip
into the "Sombrun mood". Dinner is by reservation,
but should not be missed!
THE KITCHEN
Being warm and welcoming, this country kitchen
is the heart of the castle. During the winter months
the large open fire creates a feeling of warmth and
harmony making this a perfect place to enjoy
breakfast and to discuss your plans for the day. In
the evening here you will be invited to a pre-dinner
cocktail with hors d'oeuvre and have the chance to
chat about your day's activities.
THE TERRACE
With its beautiful surroundings, the terrace is
wonderful for breakfast "al fresco" in the sunny
mornings. It is also an ideal place in the long,
warm summer evenings to dine under the stars by soft
candlelight. We offer Breakfast, typically French
but some days a cooked English style depending on
the days riding. Lunch normally consists of a light
salad and cold meats or BBQ depending on the days
activity. Dinner is a varied and continental flavor.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES AT THE CHÂTEAU
BILLIARDS & SNOOKER - For those who prefer the
less energetic sports, we offer a full size English
Billiard table in our large fiesta room. We also
have a French Billiard table for your use in the
Château.
TABLE TENNIS - Table tennis is available in the
fiesta room.
CARDS AND BOARD GAMES - More or less any game you
can imagine is available for guest use.
TELEVISION - So that you can keep abreast of the
news we have satellite television available in the
fiesta room and just in case you get bored (!) we
have a large selection of video films.
PIANO - For the musically talented, you are
welcome to play our baby grand electronic piano.
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