Olive Uniacke at Château Marteret
The Olive's List founder visits Château Marteret, a 19th-century hunting lodge reborn as a secluded estate in southwest France.
- Category
- First Person
- Written by
- Olive Uniacke
- Published
- February 11, 2025
When Olive's List founder Olive Uniacke traveled to Château Marteret in southwest France with us late last year, it was a chance to revisit childhood memories, including exploring the wooded countryside on horseback, taking a frosty dip in its private lake, and hunting down the elusive Toulouse coil sausage.
A creative consultant who specializes in bringing people together through experiential curation, she gathered a group of friends and family to share the stay, including her husband Dane Ensley, founder of mental health coaching agency Reconstruction Unlimited.
Here, she reports back on the nostalgic visit and shares her top tips for things to do in Gascony.
Enjoying the view of the magnificent 19th-century Château Marteret, a place that reminds me of our childhood home.
Photo: Olive Uniacke
Visiting Auch's farmer’s market with my baby 28 years later was a special experience, as it felt unchanged. The people, stores, and produce were just as vibrant and familiar as I remembered.
Photo: Olive Uniacke
Dane helped me search for the Toulouse coil of sausage at the farmers market—a rare find I've never encountered elsewhere, but one we had regularly as children. It's a taste so familiar from my childhood that I've spent decades thinking about it. I hope it tastes as good as I remember!
Photo: Olive Uniacke
We found it! We bought everything the butcher had—2.5kg of Toulouse sausage. You can never have enough!
Photo: Olive Uniacke
Getting ready for an afternoon ride. I love how special it feels to hop on a horse right outside the front door. This rental home has horses on the property, much like the ones we had growing up. It’s another beautiful, nostalgic reminder that Gascony, like the market, is just as I remember it.
Photo: Olive Uniacke
The famous coil sausage is served, cooked with local oil from the market and rosemary from the château’s garden. It tasted even better than I remember, and with so much leftover, we'll definitely be enjoying it for the next few days!
Photo: Olive Uniacke
About to visit the charming pigeon tower, tucked beside one of the château’s towering cider trees. This ancient tree, with its gnarled branches and bountiful fruit, stands as a testament to the estate’s long history of craftsmanship, while the pigeon tower offers a glimpse into the past with its striking, rustic charm.
Photo: Olive Uniacke
Exploring the vast acres of land at Château Marteret on horseback, I was immersed in the natural beauty of the estate. With its sprawling vineyards, centuries-old cider apple trees and tranquil woodlands, the property offers a perfect blend of history and nature. As you ride along the trails, you’ll pass picturesque views of the château, the ancient pigeon tower and lush orchards, making it the ideal place for those seeking both adventure and serenity.
Photo: Olive Uniacke
Taking a brisk winter dip in the private lake at the château. There's nothing quite like the refreshing chill to wake you up. If you’re not so keen on the cold, though, there’s a charming little boat available to explore the serene waters at your own pace, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the estate.
Photo: Olive Uniacke
My sisters with two of the Percheron horses, their calm presence perfectly complementing the tranquility of Château Marteret’s countryside.
Olive's List of Things to Do Locally
Explore the Town of Auch
Wander through the charming medieval streets of Auch (20 minutes from the Château), where you can visit the stunning Cathedral Sainte-Marie (a UNESCO World Heritage site), explore the Musée des Amériques to learn about the region’s colonial and cultural history, or simply enjoy the local cafés and shops.
• Halle de Gimont – Visit the Goose & Duck Liver market every Saturday morning. Pick up fresh whole goose livers to make your own homemade foie gras.
• Auch de Gascogne – The farmers market in the cathedral square, open every Thursday and Saturday morning. A great spot for local produce and unique finds.
• Boucherie–Charcuterie Labric Thierry – Don’t miss the famous Saucisse de Toulouse from this local butcher.
• Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Collongues – The bakery we used to visit every weekend for fresh pastries. A must-try for anyone craving authentic French treats.
• JouéClub – A toy shop we visited with Baby E and my four-year-old nephew. With an impressive selection of both French and international toy brands, it’s one of the best toy shops I’ve been to in years.
For Outdoor Adventures & Scenic Drives
• Quad Concept – For adventure seekers, this quad biking place was a childhood favorite and offers an exciting outdoor thrill.
• Piau-Engaly – If you're up for an adventure, take a scenic drive south to the breathtaking Piau-Engaly mountains, a beautiful spot for skiing in winter or hiking in warmer months.
• The Pilgrim's Trail (Chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle) – Enjoy a beautiful hike along parts of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route that runs through the region, offering scenic views and a peaceful, immersive experience in nature.
For Relaxing Days Out
• Lac de l'Uby – Just a short drive from Château Marteret, this tranquil lake is ideal for kayaking, fishing, or enjoying a peaceful picnic by the water.
• Aire-sur-l'Adour – A charming town known for its lovely shops, cafés, and impressive 14th-century bridge. It’s a great place to stroll and soak in the local atmosphere.
Michelin Guide Restaurants Nearby
• La Falène Bleue, Lannepax - A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant just a short drive from Château Marteret. Known for its delicious, locally-sourced dishes and excellent value, it's a perfect spot for a memorable dining experience.
• Le Saint-James, Bordeaux - For a more luxurious experience, Le Saint-James (about a two-hour drive away) in Bordeaux holds a Michelin star. With stunning views and exceptional fine dining, it’s perfect for a special occasion or an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
Cultural Festivals & Experiences
• Festival d'Auch (July) – A summer arts festival with theatre, dance, and performances in the heart of Auch
• Festival du Jazz de Marciac (August) – World-class jazz performances in the nearby village of Marciac
• Feria de Vic-Fezensac (May/June) – A vibrant traditional bullfighting and cultural festival in Vic-Fezensac
• Art and Craft Markets – Explore local artisan markets in villages around Gascony, offering unique handmade crafts.
