We came across Lectoure whilst walking the Camino de Santiago and fell head over heels for the city and the region. We loved everything: the architecture of the buildings in light limestone, the hilly landscapes reminiscent of Tuscany, the Mediterranean vegetation, the inhabitants, the cultural and commercial offering, the gastronomy, and the art of living. For us, Lectoure and the Gers can be summed up in four words: the sweetness of life. The pink sunrises and sunsets over the Pyrenees remind us every day that we made the right choice.
Neoclassical in style, the elegant architecture of the tannery was intended to guarantee the outstanding quality of its industrial production. On the north side facing the city, a door with an engraved plaque that reads “Manufacture Royale” is surmounted by a royal crown (the design of which we have used for our logo) and opens onto a double spiral staircase. Opposite, on the south side, is a triumphal arch entrance gate through which the goods would transit. On the same side, a porch which separates the north courtyard from the south courtyard, and which has now been closed with large glass doors was once surmounted by a clock that has since disappeared (and been replaced by a similar one) and by three bells that we intend to restore to working order. The two quarter turn pavilions that frame the building on the north side with polygonal roofs and tortoiseshell tiles have been restored in their original style.
Dating from the 18th century, the property is a former leather tannery built by traders from Toulouse, the Duclos brothers, and architect Pierre Racine. It became the Manufacture Royale under Louis XV in 1754. After one hundred years of activity, the building went on to house a distillery, a ballroom, a cinema and a retirement home between the 1960s and 1990s. After thirty years of abandonment, we were able to bring it back to life and restore it to its former glory.
We have created five spacious and elegant guest rooms, each with a large bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. The renovation, which was carried out using natural and traditional materials, has created an environment conducive to tranquillity and good living. We opted for a sober décor because the property was originally an industrial building, but paid close attention to the details and materials. The whitewashed walls in hues of green and pink, the original wooden beam ceilings and the windows with old glass redone in their original style add an understated softness. The furniture, a mixture of antique and contemporary pieces, remains simple so as to contribute to the tranquillity of the place. While waiting for a swimming pool and more trees to be added to the garden, a magnificent 300-year-old lime tree shades the deckchairs accompanied by the gentle sound of the fountain. This is also where guests can enjoy their gourmet breakfasts or afternoon tea on arrival.
Racine, a restaurant in Lectoure, is a real taste experience. For tea and coffee, the Galerie Nationale shop has a charming patio, as does Le Bonheur est dans le Pré. At the Domaine d'Arton, tours of the vineyards and the cellar will delight all wine and Armagnac lovers. Visitors can leave with a bottle to enjoy while admiring the sunset right at the edge of the city's ramparts - it is just as beautiful as a sunset over the sea! Foodies will enjoy the hot chocolates and ice creams from Maison Baudequin, as well as those from the Adeline et Flo patisserie. Lectoure is full of antique dealers with hidden gems. Finally, a simple car ride along the small roads that criss-cross between the villages of Miradoux, Saint-Puy and Castera Lectourois offers stunning views throughout the year.
The reception rooms, the bedrooms and the exteriors are available for shoots. Accommodation can be provided in the five rooms and the pilgrim dormitory which sleeps fourteen people. Further accommodation is available in the village just a few minutes walk away. Food is available on site.
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The first cooking course at La Manufacture Royale in Lectoure will be given in February by Françoise Pialoux - everyone calls her Mimine -. A longtime friend and skilled cook, she will bring with her her joy of cooking, her sunny recipes, her know-how from all over the world, her generous cuisine and her warm laughter.
Les Dîners Perchés, August 15, 2023 An ephemeral and nomadic table, which takes root in the hills of Perche, stands for a magical evening, in the gardens of the Manufacture. A single and large table, like a large festive and warm banquet, to bring together lovers of beautiful and good tables, around good products and their craftsmen: cuisine from friends, carefully sourced local products, cheerfully shared dishes, a large beautifully set banquet table.
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