document.write("Birdwatching at La Haille Gîtes<\/STRONG>
An ideal location for birdwatching as La Haille Gîtes<\/STRONG> is situated in the heart of the beautiful Gers countryside. Set within the 100 acres of private land and woods, we have created and maintain a maze of discrete paths for you to walk easily amongst the wild prairie grass and woodland, and we have built a tree house in one of our sturdy oak trees thus enabling you to watch nature without disturbing the wildlife.

Nature is very important to us here and the land is unfarmed, therefore free from chemicals and allowed to flourish naturally. We are genuinely able to boast about all the different varieties of flora and fauna, butterflies, caterpillars and many fruit trees all of which provide a veritable ‘smorgass board’ for the birdlife especially in Spring. But don’t take our word for it come and see for yourself!

A permanent resident for the past three years, Barney the barn owl does not appear to be moving on and every year delights us with his new family as well as doing a good job of keeping the rodents at bay!

Here are just some of the birds that have been identified by ourselves and amateur birdwatchers who have stayed here.

• Blackbird • Buzzard • Collared Dove • Little Egret • Greenfinch • Goldfinch • Hen Harrier • Grey Heron • Hoopoe • Blue Jay • Common Kestrel • Black Kite • Golden Oriole • Barn Owl • Redstart • Black Redstart • Robin • Serin • Skylark • Swallow • Swift • Song Thrush • Blue Tit • Great Tit • Long-tailed Tit • Treecreeper • Pied Wagtail • Wheatear • Green Woodpecker • Pied Woodpecker • Woodpigeon • Yellowhammer •

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Lac de Saramon, base de loisirs, Saramon, Gers (12 km)

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\nThe Lac de Saramon is a welcome water retreat in the hot sultry summer months. This large leisure lake has a man-made sandy beach with games for the children that include a toboggan slide and pedalos and the added security of a life guard.
Snacks and refreshments are also available or you can bring a picnic and relax under the many shaded tree covered areas.
The Lac de Saramon is open annually for swimming from Saturday 26 June to Sunday 29 August. Opening hours are: 12:00 - 19:00 every week day and 11:00 - 20:00 weekends and bank holidays.

More information on www.saramon.net<\/A><\/STRONG>

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Passion\'Ailes, base de loisirs, Saint Blancard, Gers (14 km)<\/STRONG>

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\nPassion\'Ailes are a company that offer you an unforgettable air adventure . . . the chance to experience your first flight!
You can choose to try the \'Paramoteur\' or the \'Pendulaire,\' either are an excellent and novel way to explore and view the countryside from above.

More information on www.passion-ailes.com<\/A><\/STRONG>

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Le Vert en l\'Air, Pavie, Gers (31 km)

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\nLe Vert en l\'Air is a multiple activity park. Opened in July 2003, this 5 hectare park is situated in the heart of the Gers in a magnificent forest of 150 hectares. Here you will discover many activities that include forest acrobatics; tree top canopy adventure, paintball and pony rides.
Within the forest there is a \'randonnée botanique\'; a chance to discover and learn about the various species of flora found in the forest and a \'parcours artistique\'; a link between man and the forest.
A shaded picnic area and a garden for children make this a great day out for all the family, even if you just want to sit, relax and watch!
Snacks are also available on site.
Le Vert en l\'Air is open annually from Thursday 01 April to Friday 29 October from 10:00 - 20:00.

More information on www.levertenlair.com<\/A><\/STRONG>

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Nogaro - Circuit Paul Armagnac, Gers (90 km)
<\/STRONG>Nogaro, the first permanent circuit of France, as it was created in 1961, is located in the western part of the Gers, an hour by car from Villefranche d\'Astarac. Nogaro is host to and organises many motor sport events and is available for all your motor sport needs, whether watching all year round competitions for all kinds of vehicles such as Easter Cups F3, Tourism, Grand Tourism, Single Seaters, historic vehicle races etc., or partaking in track days yourself.

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More information available on www.circuit-nogaro.com<\/A><\/STRONG>

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Luchon, Superbagnères and Peyragudes, Haute Garonne
<\/STRONG>Located in the centre of the Pyrénéss, Bagnères de Luchon has been a reputed thermal spa town, (water rich in sodium sulphate), since 25 BC and frequented by many famous people during the 18th and 19th century. Luchon’s large baths complex, houses a huge grotto, \'vaporium\' unique in Europe, in which hot water wells up in a gentle, continuous stream between 38 and 42 degrees celcius and for those who wish to relax, \'la cure\' at the spa baths is a must!

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An hour and ten minutes (97 km) by car from Villefranche d\'Astarac, both Bagnères de Luchon and Peyragudes offer many activities ranging from white water rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, walking, skiing and snowboarding etc. Access to the slopes with stunning views and fresh mountain air from Luchon, are via the road or you can take the scenic télécabine to Superbagnères, where in the winter months you can ski and snowboard and in the summer months walk or take your mountain bike to the top and explore over 70 km of sign posted mountain tracks and trails.

There are many local events held in Luchon each year. During the month of February, Luchon is host to an international festival of film and television attracting many celebrities and during the month of August Luchon holds its \'Fêtes des Fleurs\'.

More information available on www.luchon.com<\/A><\/STRONG>

More information available on www.peyragudes.com<\/A><\/STRONG>");