This beautiful French château sits by the riverside in the Lot-et-Garonne region of south-western France, within a short stroll of a pretty village. Embrace the romanticism of its interiors before swimming in its heated swimming pool, then relax by the river’s edge with a glass of local wine. 

Dating back to the mid-19th century, Château Belle Rive makes a fine holiday home or an elegant venue for a French wedding across its six acres of grounds. The reception rooms are so inviting with a characterful lounge and cosy snug alongside the dining hall and superbly equipped kitchen featuring an impressive Lacanche range. Original features can be found throughout from stone floors and wood beamed ceilings to exposed brickwork and gorgeous fireplaces, as well as modern touches and stylish décor.

The perfect blend of old and new can be found across the seven bedrooms which sleep up to 18 guests, each room with its own personality and character. French beds and antique furnishings add an immense amount of charm, as do the rolltop baths which stand proudly in many of the bedrooms. For additional guests, a 2-bedroom cottage can be added to your booking on request, subject to a supplement.

Swim in the heated swimming pool and enjoy long lunches prepared in the fantastic poolside kitchen beneath the trailing vines. Take a stroll through the château’s vast gardens, stop off in the chai for a game of pool and drink by the bar, or simply find a picturesque spot on a south-facing terrace overlooking the River Lot. A small jetty allows you to canoe or fish (with a licence) along the river in this truly idyllic setting.

Pick up locally grown fruit and vegetables from the neighbouring farm shop or stroll down to the local village with its épicerie selling fresh croissants and bread each morning. A traditional restaurant-bar is attached to the village shop for lunches or evening meals out whilst there are many further places to eat in riverside villages and towns such as Castelmoron-sur-Lot and Villeneuve-sur-Lot.

In a region famed for its orchards and fertile farmland, enjoy the wonderful markets of nearby villages and towns (including a summer’s Farmer’s market on a Thursday evening in the local village). Try the tomatoes from Marmande, prunes from Agen, wine from Duras as well as strawberries, nuts, courgettes, melons and of course foie gras, magret and delicious cheeses.

Hire seasonal pedalos, canoes and kayaks in Castelmoron-sur-Lot, discover riverside beaches for summer swimming and visit picture-perfect villages such as Pujols, Penne-d'Agenais and Monflanquin.

You could even venture north to the Dordogne with Monpazier, Issigeac and Bergerac all around an hour away, whilst other days out include the undulating landscapes of the Gers, the Malbec producing vineyards of Cahors and even the world-famous wineries of Bordeaux, amongst many more highlights of south-western France.