Chateau Des Dragons, Aquitaine

FranceSouth West FranceAquitaine

Chateau Des Dragons

14 guests

6 bedrooms

5 bathrooms

Elegant château in Charente with 19th century décor, expansive grounds, and nearby attractions.

Key Highlights

Private Pool

Wi-Fi/Internet

Walk to Restaurant

Accomodates14

Bedrooms6

Bathrooms5

Private Pool

Wi-Fi/Internet

Walk to Restaurant

Walk to Village

Heated Pool

<1hr to Airport

Fenced Grounds

Table Tennis

Smart TV

Ideal for Kids

DVD

All Bedrooms En-Suite

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Bicycles Provided

Working Fireplace/Woodburner

Heating

Caretaker/Owner on Site

Ideal for Teens

Rural Location

Outstanding Landscapes

Outdoor Pursuit & Activities

Tourist Towns & Villages

Walking/Hiking Paths

Historical Sites

Cycling

Wine Tasting

Fishing

Golf Nearby

Pool Safety Feature

Recommended

Great Value

Heritage Collection

Chateaux & Castles

Cots (Cribs)

Ideal for Babies & Toddlers

High Chair(s)

Bikes

Château Interiors - sleeping 12 adults and 3 children

- Lounge with TV, Sky Digi, Canal + and DVD
- Dining room
- Kitchen, fully-equipped including large oven, small oven, gas hob, dishwasher, microwave and large fridge
- Bedroom with double bed and extra bed for a child. En suite bathroom and toilet
- Bedroom with double bed and extra bed for a child. En suite bathroom and toilet
- Bedroom with double bed and separate ante room (for a child). En suite bathroom with bath, shower and WC. An extra single bed can be added to this room.
- Bedroom with twin bed and private bathroom and toilet
- Bedroom with double bed and private bathroom and toilet
- Bedroom with two single beds

Outside Grounds

- Heated swimming pool (8.5 x 4.2 m, depth: 1.2m – 1.6m) with safety cover. Open approximately April to October
- Sun terrace with al-fresco lounge and parasol
- Shaded al-fresco dining terrace seating 12 guests
- Barbecue
- Gardens and grounds (3 hectares including century-old species and wildlife)

Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Fireplaces
- TV with Canal + and Sky Digi
- DVD player and DVDs
- Boules
- Table tennis
- Bikes
- Children’s games
- Ironing facilities
- Washing machine and dryer

Bedrooms

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 6

2 Single Beds

Bright, sophisticated, and elegant, this château in Charente blends old-world charm with modern day comforts to provide a welcoming and luxurious holiday retreat in a serene setting.

19th century décor, antique furnishings, objets d'art and warm hardwoods energise the spacious and well-appointed interior spaces. Unwind in the comfort of the open plan living room beside the fireplace. The colourful kitchen is fully equipped, and the formal dining room or terrace will gladly host family mealtime.

A stroll around the expansive grounds will set anyone at ease. Set in the middle of a 7.5 acre park, guests can enjoy ancient trees and wildflower meadows, and a heated pool. Look out for an abundance of wildlife such as squirrels, hedgehogs and different woodpeckers.

There are a wealth of activities and must-see destinations within an hour of the chateau, from authentic restaurants and wine tasting in the Loire Valley, to the numerous medieval towns and local markets in the Vienne.

The château sleeps 12 adults across 6 bedrooms plus an additional three children - see the "Features" tab for details.
The charming owner lives discreetly in the maison du gardien, 40m away onsite. They won't interfere, they just take care of the pool in the morning.
Care should be taken around the beautiful 19th century furnishings and artwork, especially when travelling with children.
It's only a 2km walk to the local village of Lencloître, where you'll find a supermarket, bakeries, pharmacies, a butcher and more, but please note the road does not have pavements the whole way.

Oliver's Extras

Chef/Cook Available
Maid Service Available
Transfers Available
Welcome Pack Included
Tailormade Tours Available

At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:

- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off

Extras included at this property:

- Welcome pack with local produce and wine
- Recommendations and assistance with booking all visits

Extras available at this property (payable locally):

- Tailor-made visits to local area/region (with at least 2 weeks notice)
- Guided wine tasting tours
- Transfers from nearby train stations
- Local catering services
- Castle visits
- Activities
- Transport
- Meals prepared and served at the castle

Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!

Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs

Location

Château Des Dragons is situated in the north of the Vienne, between Poitiers and the Loire Valley, 3 hours from Paris and 2 hours from the Atlantic Coast.

Places to see & châteaux to visit
An hour’s drive from Château Des Dragons takes you right to the centre of the Loire Valley, with its many historical sites of interest and, of course, its world-renowned chateaux. Just as beautiful, the towns and villages of the Vienne boast many fascinating medieval buildings and monuments, as well as local food markets. There’s plenty to keep adults and children amused!

The Loire Valley
Château de Villandry – an hour and 20 minutes by car
Villandry, right in the middle of the Loire Valley, is a Renaissance chateau sitting at the centre of three levels of terraced gardens. It was the last of the great Renaissance chateaux to be built on the river Loire. It is distinguished for the harmony of its architecture and, in particular, its wonderful all-seasons gardens.

Château d’Azay le Rideau – an hour and 10 minutes by car
Azay-le-Rideau has to be one of the prettiest of the Loire chateaux! Built on an island in the middle of the Indre river by a rich banker during the reign of François the first, it reflects the latest building techniques and innovation of the time. With its feet in the waters of the Indre, its reflected facades gives it an other-worldly quality that makes it unique amongst the Loire chateau.

Château de Chenonceau – an hour and 20 minutes by car
A property of the Crown, then a royal residence, Château de Chenonceau is renowned not just for its architectural originality but for its inhabitants, namely, Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis. Today, the chateau is, after Versailles, the most visited in France.

Château Royal d’Amboise – an hour and 25 minutes by car
King Charles VIII and François 1st (between the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries) transformed the medieval fortress of Amboise into a magnificent royal residence. It became a kind of cultural mecca, with many of the most noted European writers and artists of the day being invited to the Court of Amboise. One of them, Leonardo de Vinci, spent the last part of his life here in exile from Italy and is buried in the Chateau’s chapel.

Chinon – an hour by car
Chinon is a picturesque town with a medieval heart. You can spend time walking round and admiring the old town and its quaint streets, its squares, gardens and quayside, which straddle the length of the Vienne river. Its medieval quarter and the fortress that dominates the hill above the town are not to be missed.

Saumur – an hour and 15 minutes by car
Saumur is France’s equestrian capital and the Cadre Noir, France’s national horse-riding school. It is one of the many places that you might want to visit here. The town’s first buildings were constructed during the 11th century and it is home to two chateaux: Château de Saumur, a fortressed castle that was built during the 14th century for the Dukes of Anjou and has played the role of manor house, Governor’s residence, prison and arms depot and the elegant Château de Beaulieu, built in the 18th Century and designed by architect Jean Drapeau. The town lies at a natural crossing point between the rivers Loire and Thouet and is surrounded by vineyards.

Tours – an hour and 10 minutes by car
The capital of the Indre and Loire departments, Tours has a reputation for being discreet and is therefore a town where people live, as opposed to being a top tourist destination. That being said, Tours has some very well-preserved historic quarters, a fine arts museum, a magnificent cathedral and basilica, idyllic parks and some great places to shop, including several lively food markets, including the central marketplace (les halles).

Richelieu – 35 minutes by car
Designed by architect Jacques Lemercier, the chateau and the town of Richelieu were the vision of just one man, Cardinal Richelieu. Almost 2000 workers worked on its construction, which was started in 1631 and almost finished by 1642. However, come the revolution, Richelieu’s chateau was bound to be on the target list and its stone was ‘borrowed’ to build many of the buildings surrounding Richelieu’s historic centre. Happily, its vast park, the dome, its cellars, the orangery and monumental gate survived and make a delightful spot for a walk or picnic.

Medieval towns in the Vienne
Poitiers – 40 minutes by car
A city packed with history and culture and capital of the historic region of Poitou, Poitiers’ town centre boasts some remarkable medieval buildings, pretty squares and parks – including the glorious Parc de Blossac - as well as some magnificent churches and cathedrals. Notable among them is Notre-Dame-la-Grande, a Roman Catholic edifice that was built between the 11th and 12th centuries. Its famous ornamental facade in which the main episodes from the Bible are carved is a must-see. Poitiers is also a University town and its 20,000 plus students give it a lively, youthful energy.

Chatellerault – 30 minutes by car
Built on the banks of the Vienne river, Châtellerault’s origins date from the Middle-Ages. From that period until the Renaissance, its industry consisted predominantly of cutlery, sword making, tanning and watchmaking. In 1816, the commune became a centre for arms manufacture for the French government, a link which is preserved today in the form of the French military’s archives on armament matters, which are all located in the old weapon manufacturing facility. But Châtellerault charms are not all about arms! As you would expect from a town with a rich industrial past, the town has its fair share of architectural splendours and museums – including the Museum of Cars, Motorbikes and Bicycles (le Musée Auto Moto Vélo) and one dedicated to French philosopher René Descartes, who spent his childhood here; gardens, a lake and forest.

Angles sur l’Anglin – an hour by car
Aptly designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Angles-sur-l’Anglin sits high on a hill overlooking the river Anglin, which was used to transport salt for storage in the town’s caves. The ruins of the fortress that was built between the 11th and 15th century by the Counts of Lusignan dominate the High Town, where Saint-Martin’s church, the chapel of Saint-Pierre and its panoramic view can be found.

In the Low Town, the Sainte-Croix Quarter has pretty houses with characteristic plain tile roofs and a Romanesque church, among the many sights of interest. Don’t miss the Jours d’Angles Festival when there are embroidery workshops that demonstrate the traditional fine pulled-thread embroidery that is unique to this area, or the ‘interpretation centre’, where computer and laser copy technology take visitors back to the end of the ice age and into the caves and rock shelters of their ancestors.

Chauvigny – 50 minutes by car
From its promontory overlooking the Vienne, Chauvigny’s medieval quarter is unique in Europe, as vestiges of five chateau/forts can be found here. The ruins of the Bishop’s Castle now host the wonderful ‘Giants of the Sky’ (Les Géants du Ciel) Falconry display. Meanwhile, Chauvigny’s VeloRail (4-wheeled frames with small rail wheels that can be pedaled by up to 5 people) follows the ancient train track, and is fun for adults and children alike!

Restaurants
Traditional, regional cuisine or gourmet … you’ll find restaurants nearby that cater to all tastes. Here’s a small selection of favourites:
- Le Savignois, at Savigny-sous-Faye (10 minutes by car). Traditional and regional cuisine in a simple but very comfortable setting.
- Le Saint-Fortunat, at Neuville-de-Poitou (20 minutes by car). Sophisticated setting and gourmet food.
- La Fourchette de Fagusat Faye la Vineuse (25 minutes by car). Restaurant and caterer. Traditional, great food. Simple, comfortable setting with a terrace that is perfect in summer.
- Autour des Halles, at Scorbé-Clairevaux (10 minutes by car). Good food and a family atmosphere.

Wine-tasting
At Chateau Des Dragons, you are surrounded by vineyards. Not only are the Loire Valley vineyards just a short hop by car, but on your doorstep are several local wine producers that will let you visit their domains and sample their produce.

- Domaine Ampelidae at Marigny Brizay: 15 minutes by car
- Domaine de la Rôtisserie, at Marigny Brizay: 15 minutes by car
- Domaine de Villemont at Mirebeau: 15 minutes by car

Air-ballooning
At Mirebeau, you can take an air-balloon flight and get a birds-eye view of the Vienne’s magnificent scenery.

Water-skiing
Cable skiing is a means of water-skiing in maximum safety, as the skier’s rope and handle are pulled by an electrically-driven cable. Come and try out the sport, as well as wakeboarding or kneeboarding, at a 10 hectare lake not far from Chateau Des Dragons…or simply come and watch!

Golf – 30 minutes by car
Between Poitiers and Châtellerault is the Golf du Haut-Poitou, a course that plays host to the International Open series. The 18 holes here are deemed very technical and the course ranks as one of the best in France. There are magnificent views of Saint Cyr Lake too.
Golf du Haut-Poitou also offers a nine-hole course and a pitch and putt.

Walking
Don’t forget to bring your walking boots! There’s a footpath (called ‘Le sentier des Bois du Dognon’) that borders the Chateau and takes you on an 11 km (2.5 hour) trail that passes the local vilage, a Romanesque church and the town hall. Maps are available at the Chateau.

The “Ligne Verte” (Green Line) is an old railway track between Chatellerault and Loudun that has been converted into a walking and cycling route. You can access it at Lencloître.

More information and footpath maps can be found at Lencloître’s Tourist Office.

Swimming – 30 minutes by car
Sandy beaches, fresh water… and no need to go as far as the seaside. At Saint-Cyr Lake, you can swim, rent canoes or pedalos, go windsurfing … it's an ideal family day out when it warms up.

Futuroscope
Futuroscope was France’s first ever amusement park and remains a unique and must-see experience! A great day out for all the family, discover more than 25 rides and attractions and some stunning futuristic architecture. Recent additions to the line-up include ‘Arthur, the 4D Adventure’, which was designed by cinematographer Luc Besson, and the world’s first skybar!

Pony Riding - 15 minutes by car

Getting to and around

Aquitaine’s reputation as a varied and enchanting destination is well-earned – whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, this beautiful part of south-western France is a feast for every one of the senses.

Nearest Airport: Aéroport de Poitiers-Biard (26km)
Nearest Bar/Pub: Local village (2km)
Nearest Golf: Golf du Haut - Poitou (18km)
Nearest Restaurant: Local village (2.5km)
Nearest Shop: U Express and bakeries in local village (2km)
Nearest Town/City: Châtellerault/Poitiers (21km/28km)
Nearest Train Station: Châtellerault (21km)
Nearest Village: Local village (2km)

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