HOTEL LOUS GRITS
Intimate boutique hideaway in a sleepy Gascon village setting.
OVERLOOKING THE VILLAGE ROOFTOPS of Marsolan in a lush corner of rural Gascony, Hotel Lous Grits is
lapped by away-from-it-all serenity – a place to tap into the region’s laidback art de vivre.
Gazing out at the wooded Gers valleys and the distant peaks of the Pyrenees, this intimate boutique hotel sits on the ancient pilgrim route to Santiago di Compostela. Owners the Pitron family have lavished TLC on their hilltop village domain, making Hotel Lous Grits an
exquisite little place perfect for soaking up the region’s sophisticated sunshine life.
Listen to the sound of crickets as you slide into the slow lane here. The name Lous Grits evokes the sounds of nature, echoing the old Gascon saying “where the cricket sings, there’s happiness.”
Be seduced by it all.
Hit the spot
In the Gascon village of Marsolan, an hour from Toulouse.
Bedtime
We loved Amarijo and Cantoleso, whose top-floor terraces look towards the Pyrenees.
Be savvy
It’s not a place for party animals. You can swim nearby in Lectoure.
Be smitten
Serenity in lushest Gascony.
Kitten-soft comforts
Ultra comfortable rooms – there are just five – reflect the talents of some of the area’s top artists and craftsmen, mixing old and new with flair. Kitten-soft pastels, fresh flowers and
beds dressed in silken bedspreads, soft alpaca throws and tiers of plump pillows add to the cocooning comfort, while family antiques, polished parquet floors, original artworks and local ceramics all add to Gascon vibe.
Bathrooms at Lou Grits are just as appealing, with
hand painted tiles, side-by-side sinks and plenty of pampering stuff. The attention to detail here says it all.
Ground floor bedrooms open onto a sunny sheltered courtyard, while the sprawling .Soulano suite has a
vast private terrace. We loved the Amarijo and Cantoleso rooms on the top floor, whose terraces peek at the distant peaks of the Pyrenees.
There’s a palpable love of the good things in life at Hotel Lous Grits – making it just the place to enjoy Gascony’s famed gastronomy. Tables are beautifully set with gleaming china and glassware, and there’s
courtyard dining in warm weather. Dinner is cooked to order each evening and always includes some local specialities, reflecting what’s market-fresh. And – treat of treats – breakfast is served till midday.
There’s a little bar where you can enjoy an aperitif or a vintage armagnac, sunny terraces for topping up that tan and lushest Gascony on your doorstep. This intimate haven is just the place for some
stylishly rural R&R.
Hotel Lous Grits was reviewed by
Room for Romance
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Dining in
Dining at Lous Grits is an intimate, family affair. Mother and daughter team Marie and Martine will give you the proposed menu for each evening at breakfast. Expect
four courses of regional favourites featuring market-fresh produce. Go native with the f
ois gras terrine, goose or duck confit.
Dining out
If you’re happy to drive there are plenty of restaurants with top gastro credentials in the locality. Places to try in Lectoure (6km) include Auberge des Bouviers and Le Bastard. You could also try the Michelin starred Michel Latrille.
Where?
Hotel Lous Grits.
What’s cooking?
Traditional home cooking prepared by the owners, based on Gascon gastronomy and what’s in season.
Top table?
Eat breakfast on the sunny terrace, and dinner in the intimate dining room.
See & Do
The Gers region has plenty of culture and history, from the medieval castle at Lavardens to the abbey at Flaran. There are local markets to explore, plenty of golfing links, and the old Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago di Compostela just yards away. You can also play tennis, go biking or boating.
Take a balloon flight (often with bubbly thrown in) for a bird’s eye view of the region. Unwind and book a treatment at the thermal baths at Lectoure, or check out some local festivals and bullfights.
Shop
Nearby Lectoure (6km) boasts plenty of wine shops where you can pick up some local armagnac.
Spa
De-stress and re-charge with a range of in-room treatments and massages, using subtly fragranced organic plant oils. The nearby Lectoure thermal baths (Centre Termale) also offer a 10% discount on wellbeing and fitness treatments to Lou Grits guests.
After dark
With just 250 souls, Marsolan is not party central. Soak up the country air or star gaze from the rooftop terrace.
Dates
Late July
Get your dancing shoes on for the Tempo Latino salsa festival in Vic-Fezensac.
All Summer
The Jazz Festival in Marciac (78km) is sure to get you rocking.
GETTING THERE
Location
Le Village, 32700 Marsolan, Gers.
Parking
There is free guest parking.
Trains
Agen station (TGV services) – 36km.
Taxis
EUR 150 from Toulouse. Avoid the scrum and book a transfer for EUR 100.
Airport
Toulouse – 80km; Bergerac – 136km; Bordeaux – 175km.
EasyJet flies to Toulouse from Bristol and London Gatwick, and to Bordeaux from Liverpool, Luton and Bristol.
Rooms and suites
Four rooms and one suite.
Special features
Bedrooms – some with a terrace or courtyard access – are beautifully decorated with local ceramics and paintings. Three have kingsize beds and all are wired for sound with a music system and internet.
Also…
The Soulano suite boasts a salon and huge private terrace. There’s also a little bar and library here.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 195 - 225
Open/closed
Open all year.
Check-in
15:00
Check-out
Midday.
Minimum night stay?
No.
Breakfast
Get up late blissfully here – breakfast is served until midday. Look forward to organic eggs and cheeses, local honey, and oven-fresh croissants and pancakes.
Room service
Available mornings only.
Children
Welcome. High chairs and babysitting are available on request.
Pets
Yes, as long as they are well behaved.
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms
Wedding license?
No.
Eco conscience
All food is local and organic, all cleaning products biological and most waste recycled.
Your contact
Martine and Marie Pitron – owners.