• A beautiful place, stunning landscapes, perfect hosts...Who could ask for anything more?

  A beautiful place, stunning landscapes, perfect hosts...Who could ask for anything more?

  • Guest Susan
  • Date of stay 05/25/12
  • Review Submitted 06/10/12
  We--two couples--spent a week with our charming, helpful, hospitable, interesting hosts in their beautiful house and gorgeous gardens. The house is in a tiny village in a valley of the stunning Pyrenees, an area unknown to most Americans. Although it does not have the tourist sights associated with Provence or Paris, we had more than enough to keep us busy and hold our interest: hiking, biking, picnics, art galleries, brief trips to nearby Pau, Luchon, and a fascinating town just over the border in Spain, splashing in the pool, dining under the vine-covered arbor, drinks and conversation on the patio, recommendations for and visits to excellent restaurants. Sydney and Bill are both superb cooks and interesting, sophisticated conversationalists. They accompanied us on some excursions and sent us off with useful tips when we went out on our own. There was really more than enough to keep us busy (we never got to the ancient caves, or the local poterie, or kayaking), but sometimes we were content to just relax and not leave the grounds. We felt we were staying in the home of dear family friends. Re the tips and guidelines: yes, the descriptions are accurate; everything was clean and well-maintained, location depicted accurately. In short, I would absolutely recommend this property to a friend or relative. I have no reservations at all in making a recommendation. Enjoy!

  Recommended for: Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.

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• A Week to Remember

  A Week to Remember

  • Guest Nancy
  • Date of stay 06/03/11
  • Review Submitted 06/11/11
  I brought a small women's group to Ore for a week of studying Sacred Contracts by Caroline Myss. The wonderful accomodations were the highlight of the trip. When I first walked up to the front of the house, I knew It would be a week to remember. The flowers, the hummingbirds, and the beauty of the place were breathtaking. Sydney and Bill Patten, are a charming host and hostess, who interpretted and guided us through a week of activities, such as a trip to the spa at Luchon, a pilgrimage to Lourdes, local cycling and hiking in the Pyrennes. The care that was put into every detail of our stay was extraordinary. The rooms were beautifully decorated with fresh soaps and flowers. The meals were well-prepared and served on china in a country dining room. Every afternoon we were treated to wine, tasty appetizers and sparkling conversation. The sheer beauty and the luxury of the setting were amazing, but it was also complimented by true caring, interest, and excellent company. Sydney and Bill give you a window into their extraordinary world and make you feel completely at home in the process. Their generosity makes for a wonderful vacation or the backdrop to leading a workshop. I highly recommend, La Belle Maison. Nancy Cantor Cantoring Consulting Ashland, MA USA

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.

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• A Most Wonderful Time at Belle Maison

  A Most Wonderful Time at Belle Maison

  • Guest Alan & Paula
  • Date of stay 08/10/10
  • Review Submitted 09/11/10
  We have recently returned from our first trip to the Midi-Pyrenees where we enjoyed the warm and wonderful hospitality of Bill and Sydney Patten at their elegant nineteenth-century guesthouse, so aptly named Belle Maison. Located off the beaten path in the charming little village of Ore with its lovely views and mix of high-styled and vernacular residences, it provided the perfect interlude on our drive from Provence to Barcelona. The ambiance of Belle Maison is such that it was easy for us to imagine ourselves as one professional French couple visiting another perhaps a generation or two ago. Surrounded by antique furnishings passed down from Bill’s family who were career diplomats in Paris; the sound of music played by Sydney, a highly accomplished classical pianist, practicing, as if she were going to perform that very evening. Every meal was beautifully prepared and elegantly served, and our room and bath overlooking the garden was immaculately clean and exceedingly comfortable- all and all a bit of paradise! From our first hello until our last goodbye we were so well looked after. We especially appreciated having the plan for each day distilled out of our conversations and to be efficiently arranged or guided by our hosts. For example, we spent a delightful morning bicycling with Sydney in the countryside along the Garnonne river over bike paths, seldom through a neighboring village, and past a most impressive stand of mature trees so characteristic of managed forestry in France- a joy to see. On another occasion, we were taken to lunch at a most charming little restaurant in the historic hilltop village of Comminges with its magnificent cathedral of St. Bernard, which is not to be missed. With Sydney, we went one evening to a splendid chamber music performance in a nearby medieval chapel. On our last full day, when plans for a hike in the mountains were foiled by inclement weather, our hosts sent us off, with a classic French picnic to explore some of the tiny traditional sheep-herding villages on the steep surrounding mountainsides accessible by car. We had a great time wandering the paths, admiring the well-kept little houses, gardens, old churchyard cemeteries and witnessing some of the workings of these very old communities. We fondly remember our stay at Belle Maison as a highlight of our trip, and recommend it most enthusiastically to anyone desiring a very special experience in the Midi-Pyrenees.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.

  Owner response: Dear Paula and Alan, What a wonderful review. I would write an equally glowing review of both of you as guests. It couldn't have been nicer having you both here. Thank you so very much!! Sydney

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• breathtaking

  breathtaking

  • Guest Donna
  • Date of stay 07/10/08
  • Review Submitted 08/12/10
  With a view of the Pyrenees out my open bedroom window, gentle breezes wafting through with the smell of lavender, I began to relax as soon as I arrived at Belle Maison. The grounds and house were breathtaking, as was its comfort. The summer days were perpetually balmy, with the light of sunrise glittering through the trees. None of this matches the cordiality of the host and hostess. Warm and gregarious Syd cooked delicious meals with food from the open air markets and fresh bread delivered in a tiny truck with a tinkly bell to the door. Bill's sophistication and wide -ranging knowledge made conversations lively as we dined elegantly on the flower-filled patio and later coaxed Syd to play the piano. Syd and Bill are fun and flexible. I love being outdoors, so we biked on paths in surrounding pastoral lands and hiked in nearby mountains with views of snow caps in the distance. Syd and Bill's fluency in French and knowledge of the area and its history and culture allowed me to meet natives and made visits to historical sites more compelling. These are special people, and this special place made this a dream trip. I returned home relaxed and well renewed.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.

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• Chateau Escape

  Chateau Escape

  • Guest Cassy
  • Date of stay 12/22/09
  • Review Submitted 06/18/10
  There is nothing quite like feeling so very far away from what you call civilization. In the village of Ore, there are approximately fifty year-round residents, accompanied by a herd of cows, some fat ponies, chickens, and many French house dogs. Arriving in this village is like experiencing a little slice of the 18th century. The house sits high in the village with a beautiful view of the terracotta rooves of other homes and the snow-covered mountains in the distance. The entire area is surrounded by a tranquil silence and sense of natural wonder and peace. The property across the street has equally stunning landscapes visible by the pool. The host and hostess are also outstanding, providing valuable knowledge about the area and a warm, hospitable environment and delicious food. If you're looking for a relaxing escape from the norm, you've found it in a beautiful chateau nestled in the Pyrenee mountains. No one will find you here, and you won't want them to!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.

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• Elegant accommodation; beautiful scenery; sophisticated and hospitable hosts

  Elegant accommodation; beautiful scenery; sophisticated and hospitable hosts

  • Guest Couple from Washington
  • Date of stay 03/15/10
  • Review Submitted 06/17/10
  What a pleasure to discover this elegant and beautifully appointed home in the middle of a charming and unspoiled village in the foothills of the Pyrenees. We have visited twice now, and--with the expert guidance and facilitation of our hosts, Sydney and Bill--have enjoyed hikes up into the snowy mountains (including picnics with local saucissons, baguettes and foie gras), concerts in cathedrals (and, at our urging, in the livingroom, as Sydney is a truly accomplished pianist!), biking on local trails, visits to tiny villages and beautiful resort towns, and relaxing on their beautiful sun-drenched terrace. Sydney and Bill have created a beautiful home, and are delightful hosts. They were able to strike just the right balance between being available to make our visits as comfortable and memorable as possible, and leaving us enough space to explore and enjoy our time on holiday. The meals were wonderful, and we particularly enjoyed the fresh croissants delivered every morning. Both times we've been, it's been just a bit too early in the season to enjoy the pool, but the flowers start blooming early, and the veritable park in which the pool is located is a lovely spot for reading a good book when you've decided to enjoy an afternoon at home with some local cheese and a good bottle of wine. Many thanks to Sydney and Bill for opening up your home to us!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+.

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• A Peace Of Paradise

  A Peace Of Paradise

  • Guest Free Lance
  • Date of stay 06/09/10
  • Review Submitted 06/09/10
  I beleive I have found a peace of paradise in this well-maintained,clean, and beautiful home found in the foothills of the Pyrenees in southern France. Here, you are surrounded by beauty; the mountains. the fruit trees, the remarkable array of flowers. I particularly liked the fact that you had easy access to a local paved bike path that followed the snow-spawned Garrone River all the way to the local market where I could pick up fresh food for that night's dinner. If your looking for a little adventure you can kayak the cool, slow-moving Garrone or visit the nearby city of Luchon. Here, we played tennis on the red clay courts and finished with a swim in a thermal heated pool and a relaxing massage. I keep coming back to this beautiful peace of paradise because I feel like I am being treated like family and I am always welcome to come back home . . .

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, families with young children, pet owners, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

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From 2500 Euros/week
4000 Euros/couple/week
500 Euros/night (two people)
Master Class prices available upon request

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

Sorry this information is not available. Please contact the owner/manager for more information.