La Villa Toscane ★★★★★

Nestled in a picturesque valley, the medieval town of Marciac has largely been restored according to its original plan, around a central square, with characteristically straight roman roads within its fortified battlements. Tranquil, yes, but Marciac is anything but sleepy: this tiny town punches well above its weight with cultural attractions and a notable interest in jazz music.

It is in this unique and untarnished town in southwest France that the seemingly incongruous La Villa Toscane hotel is located. Housed in the former village school, the hotel is a contemporary surprise behind an elegant 19th-century façade. Behind the iron gates, the hotel grounds sprawl out not unlike an Italian estate, but it is the tasteful Baroque-inspired interiors that justify the hotel’s name.

The ancient, ornate, hardwood desk in the lobby, cool flagstone floors, and romantic tapestries mounted on the walls give La Villa Toscane a tangible Italian ambience. While I wasn’t quite received with a death-grip embrace from my nonna and promises to fatten me up with secret family recipes, the welcome from the friendly team made me feel quite at home immediately. The standard of service was high throughout, and any one of the helpful and enthusiastic members of staff can recommend you significant sites that are not to be missed, restaurants in which to enjoy the rich local gastronomy, and the best seats to choose in Marciac’s bullfighting arena. This historic and theatrical sport is deeply embedded in the culture of the territory of Gers, but if you’re not convinced, this area of France wants for nothing.

It isn’t the Spanish bull that is feted at La Villa Toscane, though, rather the elegant horse, sculptures of which are dotted throughout the public spaces. The rooms are as idyllic as the large lounge area at the centre of the property, with bright white walls and crisp white sheets. My Deluxe Room was decorated in soothing shades of silver and grey, elegantly complementing the ornate silver-leaf furniture throughout. Some rooms have their own private terraces in the large manicured garden, though other guests can enjoy soaking up the sun with a drink on the large shared patio. As befitting a spa hotel, my bathroom was stunning, with dark stone tiles lining the walk-in shower, and a large well-lit mirror, as well as complimentary toiletries that I hastily sneaked into my weekend bag on my departure.

The queen-size beds are dressed in high-quality linens, and with air conditioning and a Wi-Fi connection, the rooms and suites at La Villa Toscane provide a haven of peace and tranquillity in this charming medieval town. You’d be foolish, though, to spend all of your time in the hotel room, though, when the surrounding area offers so much for visitors to see and do. On my first afternoon a leisurely stroll around the charming, ancient town of Marciac was quite sufficient. Having quenched my thirst for the town’s historic charm, I returned to the hotel eager to quench quite another thirst, and made my way to the Piano Bar & Lounge.

Each summer, Marciac plays host to a Jazz Festival of international repute, and at La Villa Toscane you can sample some of the town’s favourite tunes in the Bar & Lounge. This peaceful space is warmed in winter with the heat of an open fire, while in summer the windows are opened to the sweet, enchanting Mediterranean scents of olive and cypress trees. Or, if you’d prefer to unwind in more indulgent style, La Villa Toscane also boasts a well-equipped wellness centre. Featuring a counter-current swimming pool, traditional hammam, and Finnish sauna, as well as private treatment rooms, guests can be pampered in comfort and style.

This charming boutique hotel is an ideal destination from which to explore this culturally rich region that is often overlooked by tourists. For an intimate VeryChic retreat, La Villa Toscana is ideal.