MAUBOURGUET is a small traditional and commercial town, just 2kms from Sombrun. For a little town however, there is a lot to see, for example it's 11th century Romanesque church (Eglise Saint-Martin), the archaeological museum, ancient houses, colourful market and the river Adour. For the keen walkers, cyclists and horse riders the marked paths of the Val d'Adour await you.

MARCIAC is a perfect fortified town just a few kms from Sombrun. Founded in 1298 by Philippe le Bel, this interesting town hosts the famous summer jazz festival every year in mid August and attracts visitors from all over including some of the greatest jazz players in the world. Staying on a musical note, Marciac offers monthly various concerts from October to May.

The Natural History Museum and the 14th century church in the style of a cathedral is also worth visiting, along with Marciac lake which covers 30 hectares with electric boats, wind surfing, and fishing etc. Marciac also has a market on Wednesday mornings, where you will find a whole range of regional produce.

PAU - This medieval city built in the 12th century is full of history and culture. Why not visit the many museums Pau has to offer, one being Château de Pau National Museum. Here you will see the grand staircase and fine series of superimposed windows, one example of the architectural quality. The museum also houses one of the finest European collections of Flanders and Gobelins tapestries from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. For those interested in painting and sculpture Pau has twelve art galleries and exhibition rooms.

Pau is also spoilt by nature and is one of France's most flower-decked towns, with its ornamental gardens and magnificent parks. Throughout the year here you have opera, theatre, dance, music concerts, exhibitions, all kinds of sports activities and of course during 14 July - 20 August Pau Carnival.

In this beautiful town you can also shop 'til you drop, with over a thousand shops and department stores. You will find everything you want here from designer clothes, jewellery, leather to furniture and interior design. Market day is Saturday at Place de la Republique where all the local producers come to sell their wares…. Not to be missed!

TARBES is a very interesting town just fifteen minutes from the Château which is full of activity, shops, restaurants, bars, pubs, discos and many places of interest. For example, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de la Sède, various museums, the birth place of Marshal Foch, various gardens / parks and of course the National Stud (see Equestrian).

In Tarbes you will also find many sporting events, such as world tennis tournaments for 12 - 14 year olds, the international fencing tournament "Le Sabre d'Or", national show jumping and various horse shows. Thursday is market day at Tarbes where you can see the locals sell their wares.

MOISSAC, a small town with lots of character and a wealth of 10th-12th century heritage. It has a wonderfully conserved Roman cloister, with 76 archways resting on marble faced columns and finely sculptured arches. The countryside around Moissac is a fertile valley of orchards and market gardens. The river Tarn rolls slowly through the landscape and there is also cruising on the canal and boating on the lake.

TOULOUSE has many museums and places of interest like the Augustins museum which houses medieval epigraphs, religious painting and Gothic sculptures. The Georges-Labit museum with its exhibition of Egyptian Antiquity. You can see works of famous photographers displayed in the gallery of Château d'eau.

The Capitole with its majestic façade can be found in the main square, a symbolic place par excellence, houses the town hall and the opera.

In the month of June in Toulouse you have the Grand Folklore Festival, and in July - August you are spoilt with various jazz and classical music festivals.

LOURDES - The holy town of Lourdes is the world's centre of pilgrimage and is within easy driving distance of Sombrun. Here millions of pilgrims gather to pray at the foot of the Massabielle grotto. Open all year round with numerous museums and free entry to the various masses and processions which take place between Easter and the Rosary Festival, it is a place unlike anywhere else on earth.

Lourdes also has a market every Saturday.

BIARRITZ - This beautiful seaside town well know for it's wind surfing is just one hours drive away. Here you will find some exquisite boutiques and wonderful restaurants. The beaches are clean and sandy.