Other Activities
I realise many of you will be coming on holiday with friends, partners or family who don't wish to take the creative writing course. If this is the case, don't worry – they won't be bored here. There is a huge range of activities and attractions in our region, some of which we offer ourselves... ![]()
FRENCH COURSES
My wife Odile, who is French but speaks perfect English, gives French classes throughout the year to people living in the area. She has many years' experience, and her classes are famed for being convivial and relaxing. These classes don't take place during the summer, but she will be available to give French courses if you or your friends/family wish.
Group prices (3-8 people): €8 per person per hour.
Prices for couples (2 people): €11 per person per hour.
Individual prices (1 person): €20 per person per hour.
TENNIS
Odile is president of the tennis club in nearby Trie-sur-Baïse (10mins by car), and I'm a part-time tennis coach, so between us we can arrange for you to have rackets and balls, and to book you time on the courts - free of charge.
REIKI, REFLEXOLOGY AND MASSAGE
If you have any aches and pains or just want to relax, Odile offers reiki massages for €20 per session at our house. Alternatively, you can go to the Spot On centre (www.spotoncentre.com) in Trie, which offers reflexology, reiki, hot stone therapy and other forms of massage. It also has an art gallery.
CYCLING
Whether you want to follow the Tour de France on a roadbike or explore forests and hidden paths on a mountain bike, this is the perfect region for cycling. The roads are mostly empty, even in summer, and there are hills and woodland and rivers and lakes everywhere. If you'd like to borrow a bike and you want a knowledgeable guide to take you on the best rides, contact the superfit Rob at www.lajoiedevivre.com.
GOLF
There are three beautiful 18-hole golf courses within easy driving distance of Bonnefont: the Château de Pallanne in the Gers, the course at Bagneres-de-Bigorre with its extraordinary mountain views, and - closest of all - the course in Lannemezan (www.golflannemezan.com), which is only 20 mins away by car.
SWIMMING AND SPAS
As well as all the lakes and rivers, there is a big open-air pool in nearby Trie-sur-Baïse, open every day in July and August, and of course each of Bonnefont's B&Bs has a pool. For a more luxurious swimming experience, with spas, saunas and massages, try Aquensis in Bagneres de Bigorre (35mins by car): www.aquensis.fr.
We also offer a translation service, from English to French (done by Odile) or from French to English (done by me). Prices depend on the length and style of the text (eg technical translations are more expensive), so please send us the text to be translated and we will email you a free estimate.
Finally, if you're thinking of moving to France - or have already made the move - and need help dealing with the infamous bureaucracy, or making phone calls or writing letters to telephone companies, notaires, builders etc, then Odile will be happy to take care of this for you. She will also accompany you if you need to make a visit in person. All this for only €20 per hour.