If you’d like to explore a beautiful corner of France rich in culture and history, the Vallée d’Ossau is a true hidden gem. I recently visited and stayed at the Château de Gère, a petite 14th-century château that once served as the hunting lodge of King Henri IV. It’s owned by Trish, an American who spent more than a decade in Paris before trading city life for a village with more sheep than people. Her love and knowledge of the valley were evident as she guided me around, introducing me to her favorite local people, cuisine, and experiences.
Trish and I are now teaming up to offer a five-day getaway to this charming valley at the foot of the southwestern Pyrénées. She’ll take care of everything—from pickups and transfers to meals and activities. You’ll tour a Jurançon vineyard and enjoy a tasting of regional wines, meet her fromager neighbors to see how they make their delicious Ossau-Iraty cheese, and visit a local market, a beekeeper, and an old beret factory. You’ll also take an incredibly scenic excursion on a mountain train. Along the way, Trish will introduce you to some of the valley’s most picturesque villages and treat you to an excellent local restaurant, as well as home-cooked meals featuring some of her favorite regional dishes.
A visit to the Vallée d’Ossau is an unforgettable experience—one that’s truly worth the journey. And with only six places available, be sure to register soon to secure your spot. Bon voyage!
If you are tired of listening to English in the 51st State of Saint Germain, and no longer wish to stand behind the velvet rope to enter Shakespeare’s Bookstore, come to Trish’s compact and lovely 14th Century Pyrenees chateau for the Laurins Cheese Festival. There you will find a good kilometre of cheese, wine and food tasting stalls, along with the typical goods for sale at rural French markets. Men wear berets without irony and the only English you will hear is from your fellow guests at the Chateau de Gere. Terrence’s good friend Trish is an excellent cook and a knowledgeable guide. She will even show you a Second Empire ghost town of abandoned thermal baths, casinos and hotels. Let Trish and Terrance take you to a relatively unknown part of France that is definitely worth the journey. Dan Cummings, Chicago
Sunday, May 3
- 15h00: Arrival and pick up in Pau
- 16h00: Welcome and settling in
- 19h30: Dinner at the château
Monday, May 4
- 8h30: Local cheese producer visit (optional)
- 11h00: Village tour: Eaux-Bonnes
- 12h30: Lunch at château
- 14h00: Miellerie visit & honey tasting
- 17h30: Wine tasting followed by dinner at château
Tuesday, May 5
- 9h30: Outdoor market visit - Nay
- 12h00: Lunch in Nay - Le Saint Pierre
- 16h00: Beret museum tour
- 19h30: Dinner at château
Wednesday, May 6
- 9h30: Train d’Artouste (half day excursion)
- 15h00: Return to château
- 20h00: Dinner at L’Étable d’Ossau
Thursday, May 7
- 10h00: Boutiques d’Ossau visit (optional)
- 12h00: Lunch at château
- 13h30: Vineyard tour and tasting
- 16h30: Drop off in Pau
Pricing (per person)
- Mezzanine level
- Single occupancy room with 1 bed and shared bathroom - €1290 (2 rooms)
- Upper level
- Double occupancy room with 2 beds and private bathroom - €1175 per person
- Master suite with 1 bed and en-suite bathroom - €2050 for 2 people
- Deposit 400 euros payable to Terrance
- Balance billed by Trish