This is our story.
Back in the early 2000’s, disillusioned with our busy London lives, we decided to look into the idea of buying a property in France, somewhere we could create a beautiful relaxing space for people to come for a holiday or a party. Bolstered by the then popular and almost daily TV shows highlighting the benefits of a life in France, and a very seductive exchange rate, we took this idea out of the pub, onto the plane and started looking at properties.
It was the summer of ’03.
We started visiting properties of all shapes and sizes along the south west corridor of France, from Montpellier to Narbonne, from medieval Carcassonne to cosmopolitan Toulouse. We fell in love with many of them only to discover a railway line at the end of the garden or to be advised that the local families would not appreciate a potential party venue popping up on their doorstep. Finally, at the end of a summer, whose blistering heat broke all records, we discovered Chateau de Lartigolle. Walking into the courtyard to the sound of Brazilian samba floating from the grand salon we were met by Magda and her partner and walked around with mouths open trying to hide our excitement. After a couple of visits, with the negotiations over drinks around the kitchen table, we shook hands, and Lartigolle was ours.
All the best laid business plans.
When the money had changed hands we set about putting together business plans and dreamt of a new life. Once we got the keys the fun started with a hectic schedule of renovations and decorating. We had foolishly agreed to have friends down to be our first guests so the pressure was really on. New boilers, repainting the entire place and finding and buying furniture for such a huge building all took its toll. Finely tuned budgets were busted, nerves were frayed and many, many hours of hard work slipped by. We just about made it on schedule and, in the summer of 2004, we proudly welcomed our first paying guests through the courtyard gates. At that time we had just six bedrooms and a lot of enthusiasm. It was all about learning as we went along.
A flying start.
We got into the stride of things pretty quickly, soon realising the relentlessness of looking after guests and catering to the many different tastes and requirements. We were fortunate to have had a great reception from the media. We were chosen as one of Harpers and Queen ‘Top 100 Places to Stay in the World’ which was more of an accolade than we could ever have imagined. Early one spring evening, we had a visit from the Guardian travel journalist Robert Yates. Arriving late at night we welcomed him in, offering all the region has to offer from a bottle, fed him with delicious local produce and sent him home a couple of days later wondering what impression we had made on him. Weeks later, the resulting article, appeared and helped put us on the map. The phone line started to get red hot. We recently found the article online, so you can read what Robert had to say below.
“Birth of the boutique chateau”
Never do weddings.
We quickly realised that if we carried on doing just holidays we would always be just one of thousands of places in France that people could rent for their holiday. Although is a very special place, we never felt that we were really maximising our potential, looking after a dozen or so people for a couple of weeks at a time. We were then asked to host a wedding for some local people we knew, and with the well meaning advice of friends ringing in our ears, “…never do weddings – they are a nightmare to organise”, we plunged in head first and quickly found out that we actually enjoyed doing them. There is something so special about meeting couples who are completely in love and getting to know them over a year or so as we help them prepare for their big day. Once the event is under way, we then have large groups of happy people to look after and their feedback and emotions during this shared experience is addictive. We love it!
180 weddings later.
We must have loved it as we kept on saying yes to more weddings, and the guests must have loved it as they kept telling everyone about us. From day one we have never done any conventional marketing, or been to any wedding fairs, or advertised in any wedding magazines. All our marketing has been via word of mouth and recommendations. Tripadvisor and wedding blogs came along at just the right time too. We now find ourselves holding our 180th wedding and have, at the time of writing, gained 146 out of 146 five star reviews on Trip Advisor, something we are immensely proud of. However, what has been the most rewarding for us is to have taken our time to find some amazing local people to join us and become part of the Lartigolle family. Everybody who works here does so with a deeply felt passion for everything we do. They focus on the details and will go to any lengths to make sure our guests have the most wonderful experience here. It is this team that have earned our great reviews and we are very lucky to have them alongside us.
Let’s celebrate life.
In 2016, the landmark of reaching our 100th wedding was heightened by two other important events. Firstly, the launch of a new website together with our new brand identity. Both were designed to really help us stand out as something new, progressive and innovative in what is a conventional and traditional marketplace. We distilled everything that we want to offer into our mission to ‘CELEBRATE LIFE’. We want Lartigolle to be associated with all there is to celebrate in life, and all that should be celebrated. Whether it is being with your family and friends for a personal event, or just enjoying great, well produced food and wine together. We want to create new ways to bring people together to celebrate, to learn and to share something special, the memory of which will last a lifetime.
That pesky little virus.
We wrote the content above back in 2016 when the world was a very different place. Since then we have had 3 years of successful business, fine tuning our offer, improving our facilities, training our staff ready for what was to be our most successful year ever in 2020. But alas it was not to be and we have to face the reality (along with all our couples) that there can be no celebrating in the year of the Covid.
The impact of this pesky little virus slowly grew on us as 2020 progressed and by June we took the difficult decision to postpone every event for the year. We had been in constant communication with all our couples to ensure they were aware of the growing restrictions that we would have to apply should we go ahead. There came a point where we just could not imagine holding an event and being able to do justice to our couples dreams of their long awaited wedding days. We therefore prioritised new dates in 2021 for everyone, but as things did not recover in time and the virus refused to go away, many of those events had then to be postponed to dates in 2022 when couples can hopefully look forward to welcoming everyone free from anxiety and social distancing.
We all hope that 2022 is finally the year we can all “Celebrate Life” again.
Nick, Chris and Emma
(June 2016, updated September 2021)
Explore our instagram account.
For even more ideas and event images.
Some helpful information.
HOW TO GET HERE
Via GPS Lat: 43.611634 Long: 0.683041
Google map link: Chateau de Lartigolle
Address: Chateau de Lartigolle, 32550 Pessan, France
Print or download these instructions: Get directions
Driving from Blagnac airport, Toulouse
From Toulouse airport follow the sign towards Toulouse. After about 1km you will see your first sign for Auch. Keep following the signs for Auch. This will take you off the Toulouse ring road and on to the N124.
Follow the N124 out of Toulouse for 50kms, past Colomiers, Leguevin, past l'Isle Jourdain and through the town of Gimont.
New bypass coming soon
There will be a new bypass around Gimont which is due to open at some point in 2021, we are not sure exactly when but you should look out for this as you approach the town of Gimont. If you enter the town you will have missed it. If you do find yourself on it then you should look out for the exit to Samatan, Saramon or Pessan. This will put you half way down the D12 and you can then follow the directions below from the point we have marked with this symbol (>).
If the bypass in not open then go through Gimont town and just as you leave you will come to a roundabout; take the third exit in the direction of Saramon on the D12.
(>) Follow the D12 for 10kms (or 5kms if exiting the new bypass) and you will come to another roundabout with signs for Samatan (left), Saramon (straight on) and Pessan and Auch (right) - take the Pessan/Auch exit on to the D349.
After following the D349 for about 7kms you drive straight past the Aubiet/Castelnau Barbarens crossroad and continue on this road. Ignore another turning to Castelnau Barbarens on your left and keep on the same road, bearing round to the right. You will then pass, about 50 metres from the road on your right, a white water tower with aerials on the top. You are now on the D626.
After a further 1km you will see a turning to the left. Take the left turn. This is the corner of our property, on your left you will see an open field, on the right a bank topped with trees. After 100 metres on the right is a set of large white gates on a pair of sandstone pillars. This is the main entrance to the chateau.
Drive through the gates and follow the avenue of ancient oaks past the vineyard and orchard on the right, and the tennis court with views of the pool and the valley beyond on your left. The avenue takes a left turn and the chateau is directly ahead.
Local airports
There are a number of carriers that fly to the region from all over the UK. Listed below are the most convenient airports that have regular flights, with approximate travelling times from each:
Blagnac airport, Toulouse - 50 minutes - served by BA, easyJet and Ryanair
Carcassonne airport - 1 hr 50 mins - served by Ryanair
Tarbes/Lourdes airport - 1 hr 50 mins - served by Ryanair
Bergerac airport - 2 hrs - served by Ryanair, Jet 2 and BA
Bordeaux airport - 2.5 hrs - served by Ryanair and easyJet
We recommend that you hire a car from your airport. Taxis are expensive, car hire represents much better value. The roads are great and it is easy to find us.
Travelling by train
If you have a little more time to enjoy your journey you might consider taking the Eurostar from Kings Cross to Paris, then catch a train from Paris to Toulouse, this should take about 4.5 hours.
Once you get to Toulouse you can then take a local train to Auch, which is the closest station to us. That will take about an hour and then it is a 15 minute taxi ride to Chateau de Lartigolle.
Have a safe trip and we look forward to meeting you here very soon.
LOCAL ACCOMMODATION FOR VISITS
Below are some of the local hotels we use for the overflow of wedding guests during the wedding season, or for couples visiting duringour closed season.
Domaine de Baulieu – 12 mins from the chateau
This lovely four star hotel with modern air-conditioned bedrooms, a swimming pool, sauna and restaurant with views of the surrounding countryside. Very reasonable rates, and close. It’s a perfect spot for guests. They are very popular in the summer as they host lots of local weddings so best to contact them early if you want to be sure to secure rooms for your guests.
Contact: Karen (English speaking)
Tel: +33 (0)9 51 23 04 65
Email: contact@ledomainedebaulieu.com
Website: www.ledomainedebaulieu.com
Hôtel de France, central Auch – 20 minutes from the chateau
A great location as it is right in the heart of Auch, our local town. It is a lovely old building in the main square, close to the Cathedral and near all the main bars and restaurants. The building is in the process of a long refurbishment so not all rooms are of the same standard but the location is a real benefit.
Tel: +33 (0)5 62 61 71 71
Website: www.hoteldefrance-auch.com
Hôtel Campanile – 12 mins from the chateau
This chain hotel has been recently refurbished with new beds, decor and furnishings. It is on the outskirts of Auch so has good access from main route. There is not much around within walking distance, however it is very good value so well worth thinking about for more budget conscious guests.
Tel: +33 (0)5 62 63 63 05
Email: auch@campanile.fr
Website: www.campanile.fr
SOME THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA
Below are some of our preferred restaurants and places to visit in the area. These are taken from an edited version of a larger document we have put together as a guide to all we have in the area for guests staying at the Château. Just ask if you wish for a copy of the full list.
Visit our favourite local restaurant
Auberge du Rantaures, Lussan - 10 minutes - Cash or euro cheque only. NO CREDIT CARDS
This is a lovely family run, regional restaurant in a little village in the hills above the chateau. Chef Lionel cooks on an open fire in the restaurant and all the great quality meat is sourced locally. Open Wednesday to Saturday evenings. Very reasonably priced.
Reservations essential : 05 62 65 52 04
Other restaurants
Café Brasserie Le France, Auch - next to the cathedral – 20 minutes
Popular cafe located right in the heart of the old town with good tasty food. Great steaks, good salads, omelettes and everything you would expect. Seats outside and in. No bookings usually needed, just turn up.
Brasserie Daroles – Auch, near the cathedral – 20 minutes
A typical French brasserie, well located as it is situated near the cathedral. Consistenly reliable standard of French classics. Free parking in the nearby car park.
Reservations: 05 62 05 00 51
Le Parc à Huîtres, Auch – 20 mins
If you like seafood then this is the place for you. A contemporary modern interior. If only you had the views of the sea you would think you are on the west coast! Really great fish, very simple but always totally fresh. Lovely for lunch. Closed Mondays.
Reservations: 05 62 70 07 40
Local markets
Auch, our nearest town, has great markets on Thursday mornings (at the bottom of town) and Saturday mornings outside the cathedral. French markets are always worth a visit, why not stay for a spot of lunch while you are at it.
Things to do with kids
Quad Biking – 20 mins
We have a fantastic Quad Biking range nearby. You are given a tour with an instructor through vineyards, forests, farms and hills. Great views and great fun. Under eights can go with a parent or instructor.
Reservations: 05 62 05 19 44 or 06 03 85 16 59
www.quadconcept.com
Le Vert en l’air – 15 mins
Suitable for children six and older. This is the Forest in the Air, where they have tree top adventure circuits of varying difficulty (with safety harnesses) – Great fun for young and old.
Reservations: 05 62 05 26 78 or mobile 06 85 59 86 70
www.levertenlair.com
Space Museum, Cité de l’Espace, Toulouse – 60 mins
This is great for a rainy day, or a sunny one. They have a huge exhibition space with real space rockets, capsules and a six storey screen planetarium. They have constantly changing exhibitions so check their website.
Reservations: 05 67 22 23 24
www.cite-espace.com
THANKS & CREDITS
The image-makers
We have been fortunate to have had some of the world's best wedding photographers and videographers come to the chateau to capture it in all it's glory. Many of the images on this website are down to them, and without these talented people, we would never be able to show everyone what it is we do here. So we would like to thank those whose work we have used in this website and encourage you to visit their websites and commission them when you can. Just click on their names to visit their own websites.
DAREK SMIETANA - Darek is a huge Lartigolle favourite, lives locally and has covered a some of our recent weddings. He has a great style, captures all the details and is a joy to work with.
NIGEL JOHN - Also a favourite at lartigolle , Nigel's unique style and approach means his work stands out and is instantly recognisable.
PETAR JURICA - Has been a regular at Lartigolle for a number of years and always creates memorable images.
ARTUR LOBADA (BODART) - Another regular at Lartigolle, always effortless to work with and comes up with winning images that capture the day so well.
THIS MODERN LOVE - Tim has been back to Lartigolle a number of times over the last few years and always captures everything beautifully.
The video makers
ANDREW KELLY - Now a firm favourite at Lartigolle, we orginallymet Andrew through Darek, the photogrpaher. Together they are the dream team. Andrew shoots in super 8 and digital. His work is unique and evocative.
GIONE AND HANNAH DE SILVA - They have shot a couple of weddings here and produce some beautiful work. Very good to work with so we hope to see them again. A husband and wife team providing video and still images.
BEN WALTON - Ben has created some very beautifiul films at Lartigolle. He is a pleasure to work with and always does a great job.
The website maker
SARAH AUSTIN - Special thanks must go to Sarah for her technical and web marketing skills and for always being on the end of a phone to help us produce our wonderful new website - she is a superstar.
The music maker
ANDY CATO - Andy, co-founder of Groove Armada, kindly edited one of his tracks for us to use on our drone film.
LEGAL NOTICE
URL: lartigolle.com
Company, organization: SARL CHATEAU DE LARTIGOLLE
Registered Offices:
Chateau de Lartigolle, 32550, Pessan, FRANCE
Contact: info@lartigolle.com
Share capital: 7 500 euros
RCS (Companies register) Auch 453 447 658 APE 552 E
EU VAT number: FR48453447658
Purpose of site: Promotion of the establishment
Director of publication, legal representative: Mr. Nick Austin
Editorial Manager: Mr. Nick Austin
Web master, design, editing, artistic direction: Mr Nick Austin
Photography: Various - see 'Thanks and Credits'
Web hosting: Vivid websites - www.vividwebsites.co.uk
The site presents:
● Informative content
● A collection of personal data on line
French Data Protection Act: the site is the subject of a declaration to the Commission Nationale Informatique and Liberté (French Data Protection Authority). You have the right to access, modify, rectify and delete information that concerns you (art. 34 of the Loi Informatique et Libertés (French Data Protection Act)). To exercise this right, please contact:info@lartigolle.com
Conformément aux dispositions légales et règlementaires applicables, en particulier la loi n° 78-17 du 6 janvier 1978 modifiée relative à l'informatique, aux fichiers et aux libertés et du règlement européen n°2016/679/UE du 27 avril 2016 (applicable dès le 25 mai 2018), le client bénéficie d’un droit d’accès, de rectification, de portabilité et d’effacement de ses données ou encore de limitation du traitement. Il peut également, pour des motifs légitimes, s’opposer au traitement des données la concernant.
Le client peut, sous réserve de la production d’un justificatif d’identité valide, exercer ses droits en contactant le responsable de traitement Monsieur Nicholas AUSTIN à l'adresse suivante : info@lartigolle.com
Ownership: The site and the information that it contains are protected by French intellectual property law and by international agreements. Except for use by immediate family members or private use, the site and any element of its content may not be reproduced, republished, retranscribed, modified or passed on without the prior authorization of the eligible party.