If it�s good enough for Tony Blair, it�s good enough for the rest of us. That�s what The Gascony Secret thought when they secured for their 2006 programme of holiday properties the best house in the Ari�ge: the stunning six bedroom Ch�teau St. Martin D�Oydes that the Family Blair have frequented during Parliamentary recess. And you don�t have to be Prime Minister to be the king of your own castle in South-West France. The Gascony Secret offers more than 50 truly spectacular ch�teaux, large manor houses and impressive farmhouses, as well as beautifully located smaller properties to suit everyone. Some 95% of them have both a pool and a view of the beautiful Pyrenees. The brochure shows just a selection, with many more on the website www.gascony-secret.com .

Guests find that it is easy to get used to the lifestyle of the French aristocracy of bygone days: sweeping oak staircases, chandeliers, your own river frontage, tennis courts, particularly when it combines with all the modern day luxuries. Staying in these wonderful piles is incredibly good value: costing just �250 - �400 per person per week in high season. Among the larger properties that are being introduced for 2006 are Ch�teau Bernede in the Gers (page 26) � an 8 bedroom chateau set in 120 acres with pool, sauna, fishing on the private river frontage and special anti mosquito fencing � and Le Trouilh (page 23) near Vic-F�zansac � a charming 19th century Maison de Ma�tre with pool that sleeps 12. Those reluctant to venture into the kitchen during their holiday will appreciate the option of a chef being on hand at a number of properties, including the magnificent 7-bedroom Ch�teau de Rhodes in St-Girons (p.29) where a chef is available to provide meals. The area offers French country living at its best, with local produce including delicious Madiran wines, Armagnac, Roquefort cheese and every conceivable goose and duck dish. Afficionados and those new to Gascony alike will be delighted by this ancient area of France that is made up of five French departements: the Gers, Hautes-Pyr�n�es, Tarn-et-Garonne, Haute-Garonne and the Ari�ge. The region is perfect for the discerning visitor who wants to relax, unwind and enjoy the pleasures of French country life without the trappings of modern day tourism. Expect warm, sunny days but without the expense, crowds, noise and pollution found in many other more popular parts of the country. SAMPLE PROPERTIES AND PRICES Houses range from La Petite Maison (page 8), a pretty 2-bedroom cottage with pool on the outskirts of a fortified village near Condom which costs �760 for the house for one week in high season to Ch�teau St. Martin D�Oydes (see website), the palatial 6-bedroom property sleeping 12+ where Tony Blair has stayed regularly, which costs �3.800 for the property for one week in high season. TRAVEL Gascony can be reached from St Malo by road in seven hours, by TGV train or by air using Toulouse, Pau, Carcassone, Lourdes or Biarritz airports. For a brochure and further details of short breaks and activities available, contact: The Gascony Secret Tel: 01284 827253 Website www.gascony-secret.com PRESS ENQUIRIES: Julia Spence or Angela Lewis Julia Spence Public Relations Tel: 01491 824524 or mobile 07802 443113 Email julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk Angela Lewis Julia Spence Public Relations Tel 01491 824524 julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk