Chateau De La Belle
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Known fondly as ‘Sleeping Beauty’s castle’, Château De La Belle has undergone a stunning renovation and is now a beautiful holiday home in southern Burgu...
Read moreOverview
Known fondly as ‘Sleeping Beauty’s castle’, Château De La Belle has undergone a stunning renovation and is now a beautiful holiday home in southern Burgundy with a heated swimming pool set within 13 hectares of parkland. Perched above a tiny village with views of the valley and distant mountains, you are well located for visiting the medieval gem of Saint-Gengoux-le-National, gastronomic Tournus and the wines of Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais and Côte D’Or.
This historic château dates as far back as the 14th century, then became a monastery from 1600s until the French Revolution. A Dutch artist and furniture maker bought the castle in the early 19th century before an aristocratic French family took over in 1866. More recently in 2021, its current owners poured all their love into this exquisite residence and renovated it to create a fine holiday home with elegant living and dining spaces and eleven en suite bedrooms, ideal for extended family or group of friends.
Relax back in the vast living room with its stylish sofas around the 16th century fireplace, play games on the professional poker table in the tower or spend evenings in the billiard room. Admire the wonderfully restored Renaissance ceilings in some of the living spaces and bedrooms alongside the parquet flooring, period windows and graceful décor. The huge kitchen has been carefully designed to make cooking a joy and there is ample space for dining both indoors and out.
Find the eleven gorgeous bedrooms on the first and second floor, each one with an en suite bathroom and most with king-size beds (some of which can be split into twins). The five upper floor bedrooms also benefit from air-conditioning whilst there is a wellness area (with sauna, massage and steam room) alongside a fitness room with gym and bodybuilding equipment.
As well as table football and darts downstairs, head outside for the heated swimming pool alongside plenty more activities from table tennis and the large trampoline to pétanque by the façade of the château. As evening nears, sit back with a glass of Burgundy wine and gaze down towards the village below and valley beyond.
From the village there are numerous marked walking trails through the forest as well as ample hiking and cycling opportunities close by. Make the most of the four adult bikes (further bikes can be hired nearby) and follow the Voie Verte greenway cycle path which connects nearby Saint-Gengoux-le-National to Buxy and Chalon-sur-Saône or Cluny and Mâcon.
Medieval Saint-Gengoux-le-National is just a five-minute drive away, home to good restaurants, a bakery, butchers, supermarket, tourist office and small weekly Farmer’s market on a Sunday (as well as a larger twice-monthly market on a Tuesday morning) whilst other fantastic towns within easy reach include Buxy and Tournus, the gastronomic capital of southern Burgundy with its Michelin starred restaurants.
Historic highlights include the famous L’Abbaye de Cluny only 23km away and the romantic 17th century Château de Cormatin even closer. Further afield, explore the vineyards and wineries near Mâcon and Beaune, visit the vibrant Sunday morning market of Chagny and you could even take the train or drive to Lyon for yet more gastronomic experiences in this captivating part of central France.
What you should know…
- The château sleeps a total of 21 guests plus one additional child and up to three babies.
- Families are warmly welcomed at the château – do supervise children across the many steps, terraces and vast grounds. Only adults may play on the billiard table.
- Air-conditioning is featured in the château’s second-floor bedrooms only (five bedrooms).
- There is a Wi-Fi connection which is strongest in the office but it can be weak elsewhere due to the château’s thick walls.
- The on-site caretaker/gardener/technician lives in a house within the estate, independent to the château.
This home is a part of our Great Value and Heritage Collection!
This is a historic home, and as such:
- It has probably been standing for over 100 years, which means it's full of historic value and charm but it may also have one or two quirks!
- Some of the decor and furnishings may not be brand new, but that should not detract from your holiday experience in this unique setting that allows you to take a step back in time!
Property Features
Château Interiors
Main Floor (via steps)
- Large living room with TV and fireplace
- Tower room with professional poker table
- Dining room
- Kitchen-diner, well-equipped including two dishwashers, American fridge-freezer, ice-cube dispenser, electric oven, gas hobs, microwave, toaster and Nespresso machine
- Billiard room (experienced adults use only)
- Guest WC
First Floor
The Bedroom numbers start at ‘2’ – there are 11 bedrooms (and an adjoining children’s bedroom) in total for up to 21 guests + one additional child + up to 3 babies.
- Bedroom 2 with king-size double bed, desk, TV and en suite bathroom with large shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom 3 with king-size double bed (can be split into twins) and en suite bathroom with large shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom 4 with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom 5 with king-size double bed (can be split into twins), TV and en suite bathroom with large shower, bath, sink and WC
- Bedroom 6 with single bed and open en suite bathroom with large shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom 7 with king-size double bed (can be split into twins), sink and en suite bathroom with large shower and WC. Connecting children’s bedroom with child’s bed (200x90cm) and baby bed with wooden bars
Second Floor
- Bedroom 8 with king-size double bed/twin beds, air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with large shower
- Bedroom 9 with king-size double bed/twin beds, air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with large shower
- Bedroom 10 with king-size double bed/twin beds, air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with large shower
- Tower bedroom 11 with king-size double bed, air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with large shower
- Bedroom 12 with king-size double bed/twin beds, air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with large shower
- Wellness room with sauna, steam room, massage room, fitness room and body-building equipment
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (11x5m, depth up to: 1.5m) with mobile glass safety shelter (which can also be used for cooler periods). Open approximately beginning-April to end-October
- Al-fresco dining area
- Charcoal barbecue
- Boules pitch
- Giant trampoline
- Table tennis
- Adult bikes (x4)
- 13-hectare parkland (including 9-hectare forest)
- Car parking (up to 10 cars)
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (five bedrooms only – second floor)
- TVs
- DVD player and DVD library
- PS4
- Fitness and workout room
- Sauna, massage and steam room
- Board games, poker and chess
- Billiard table (adults only)
- Table football and darts
- Table tennis
- Boules
- Adult bikes (x4)
- Washing machine and dryer
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau De La BelleOn the edge of a tiny village, set within 13 hectares of parkland (including a 9-hectare forest), this fairytale southern Burgundy castle in the Saône-et-Loire department enjoys breathtaking mountain and valley views from its raised position overlooking the village below.
The nearest restaurant (recommended by the owner) is in another small village just under 2km away and there is a gastronomic restaurant in Saint-Gengoux-le-National (4km). The medieval town of Saint-Gengoux-le-National is also home to a supermarket, boulangerie, butchers, bank, florist, tourist office, bars and other restaurants as well as a small Saturday morning Farmer’s market and a larger twice-monthly market (on the first and third Tuesday morning of the month).
The château is a great base for hiking with marked tracks through the forest and it is popular with cyclists as well – make the most of the four adult bikes available for guests to use or hire electric/classic bikes for adults/children in Saint-Gengoux-le-National. A Voie Verte (greenway cycle path) runs between Buxy, Saint-Gengoux-le-National and Cluny (with the route continuing further towards Mâcon or Chalon-sur-Saône and beyond). There are two tennis courts in Saint-Gengoux-le-National, horse-riding can be found around a 10km drive away and there are fishing opportunities across the area (licenses are available to buy in Saint-Gengoux-le-National).
Other markets to consider visiting include Buxy (16km) on a Thursday morning, Tournus (26km) on a Saturday morning, Chalon-sur-Saône (30km) on a Sunday morning and Louhans (54km) on a Monday. Also look out for flea markets taking place across southern Burgundy on Sunday mornings. Gastronomes note that Tournus, on the Saone River, is also home to Michelin starred restaurants as well as an attractive medieval centre and impressive 12th century abbey. There are also good wine tasting opportunities in Tournus (and even closer to home near Saint-Gengoux-le-National).
Further highlights in the area include L’ Abbaye de Cluny (23km), one of France’s most significant abbeys and listed as a ‘National Monument of France’, as well as the very beautiful 17th century Château de Cormatin (9km) and its exquisite gardens. The vineyards and wineries of Mâcon (45km) can be reached in under an hour whilst Chagny’s Maison Lameloise (three Michelin stars) and vibrant Sunday morning market is 40km by car.
Elsewhere, venture north to the famous vineyards and wine villages around Beaune (60km) and the Route des Grands Crus or continue on towards the handsome city of Dijon (99km). Another wonderful day out is Lyon (112km) which is either a 90-minute car journey away (depending on traffic) or you could take the hourly train (taking 45 minutes) from Tournus.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
(130km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Geneva Airport
(197km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Tournus/Le Creusot Montceau (TGV)
(26km/28km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Located in a small village
(0km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Small French restaurant
(2km) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Saint-Gengoux-le-National
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Saint-Gengoux-le-National
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Tournus
(26km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Mâcon/Lyon
(45km/112km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
Saint-Gengoux-le-National
(4km) |
||
Region
Renowned throughout the world for its venerable wines, Burgundy is an essential destination for those who appreciate the finer aspects of the winemaker’s art. This is a region where you can visit some of the oldest and most prestigious vineyards in the world and taste wines that are regularly regarded as the best France has to offer (which is saying something). As one of the richest regions of France for hundreds of years, Burgundy also offers a wealth of history and culture as well as beautiful landscapes that offer the adventurous visitor plenty of stuff to do, even if it’s just a walk to admire the scenery. If you’re booking one of our fantastic villas and chateaux in Burgundy, you’ll want to read this fantastic Burgundy travel guide to find all the best things to do, see, eat and drink.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesThe château warmly welcomes families and there are plenty of games to keep everyone entertained including table football, darts, table tennis, board games/puzzles, pétanque, a trampoline and a PlayStation 4.
Straight from the château’s grounds there are walking and hiking paths through the forest as well as ample cycling opportunities. Families will especially love the Voie Verte (greenway cycle path) that passes through nearby Saint-Gengoux-le-National (4km) and onwards to Buxy and Chalon-sur-Saône or Cluny and Mâcon. Children’s bike hire is available in both Saint-Gengoux-le-National and Buxy.
There are two tennis courts in Saint-Gengoux-le-National (ask the owner for rackets and balls) and horse-riding opportunities can be found around a 10km drive away.
Of course, there is a wealth of historic sightseeing across this area – start off in medieval Saint-Gengoux-le-National and ask at the tourist office about self-guided tours (there is even an app you can download to create a child-friendly adventure searching for capsules across the town). The abbeys in Tournus and Cluny are also worthy of a visit, as is the exquisite castle and gardens, Château de Cormatin.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Cycling
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Xbox/Playstation/Wii
- Trampoline
- Boules/Petanque
- Board games
- Darts
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Bicycles Provided
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Table Football
- Pool/Snooker
- DVD
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service 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 available at this property (payable locally):
- Extra cleaning
- Private chef
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
| Arrival time | 3.00 - 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 9.30 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Arrival time | 3.00 - 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 9.30 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes, including wood for fire in low season. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, changed once for stays of more than 7 nights. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes and mid-stay cleaning for stays of more than 7 nights also included. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately beginning-April to end-October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Pool heating charge? | Included. The pool is heated via an aerothermal heat pump. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Pool towels included? | No, but can be rented at an additional cost with advance notice. |
| Changeover day | Monday. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Air-conditioning is featured in five bedrooms only (on the second floor). |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is included. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Two extra cots and two highchairs can be requested. |
| Internet access? | High speed fiber internet is due to be installed in September 2023. In the meantime, there are 7 Wi-Fi antennas to distribute free Wi-Fi throughout most of the Chateau and the pool terrace. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 21 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| May 3rd 2024 - Jun 24th 2024 | £6,140 |
| Jun 24th 2024 - Jul 1st 2024 | £7,285 |
| Jul 1st 2024 - Sep 2nd 2024 | £9,471 |
| Sep 2nd 2024 - Sep 23rd 2024 | £7,285 |
| Sep 23rd 2024 - Jun 23rd 2025 | £6,140 |
| Jun 23rd 2025 - Jun 30th 2025 | £7,285 |
| Jun 30th 2025 - Sep 1st 2025 | £9,471 |
| Sep 1st 2025 - Sep 22nd 2025 | £7,285 |
| Sep 22nd 2025 - Nov 4th 2025 | £6,140 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
• When did you become the owner? November 2021.
• What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?The mix of construction origins (12th, ...
Read moreOwner Profile
• When did you become the owner? November 2021.
• What was it about the property that you first fell in love with? The mix of construction origins (12th, 14th, 16th, 19th century) gives a very special charm to the place. The position on a hill gives a breathtaking view on the valley.
• Are there any interesting stories in its history?
Chateau De La Belle has a rich history. It is close to the medieval city of Saint Gengoux le National, which was known as the King's favourite resort in the 18th century because of its "Fountain of Youth".
The superb glazed Burgundian tile roof of Chateau De La Belle rises gracefully above the village. The castle is now often referred to as "Sleeping Beauty's Castle".
The oldest part (basement) dates from the 13th or 14th century. The oldest documents known to date cite the Cajod family as the owners during the 15th century. Originally from Bresse and Mâcon the Cajod became the lords of Burnand in 1453. Their emblem is still in a stone facade of the castle today. At some point in the 17th century, the castle served as a priory for an Augustinian monastic community. The monks lived in the castle for around 150 years. Various architectural details remind us of that time.
• Chronology
-13-14th century: Origin of the basement of the Chateau and first constructions.
-1525: first mention of the seigniory when Philibert Cajod, belonging to a family of soldiers who had distinguished themselves in the service of Saulx-Tavannes, acquired the estate.
-1625: One of the Cajot lords is killed during a campaign in Italy where he fought in the Uxelles regiment (Lord Cormatin).
-1642: Charlotte de Brie, widow of Philibert III Cajod, donates the castle to the Congregation of Carmelites (Barefoot) Augustins, a mendicant order.
-1643-1790: Between 3 and 9 monks reside in the castle, which was transformed into a priory. The monks exploited the castle and its surroundings until the French Revolution. During the Revolution, the castle was declared "national property" and is administered "internally" by Brother Louis, the only survivor of the Community.
-1791-1818: Sale to citizen Monmessin, then various owners.
-1819: Its last owner, Denis Lyon Berliet offered it to his friend John Van Risamburgh. For the first time in its history, the castle welcomes the Dutch within its walls. He was the son of a Dutch emigrant family, an artist and furniture maker. The castle was his favorite source of inspiration, Van Risenburgh immortalized the castle several times on canvas.
The father and his two brothers lived there until 1848 when they sold the castle to the family of Bernard Lavernette. This family belonged to the old Beaujolais aristocracy and owned several properties in the region.
-1866: Anatole Bernard Lavernette undertook a complete renovation of the Chateau using materials taken from the Chateau de la Serrée. He moved there with his family ten years later. They transformed the castle, giving it a neo-Gothic look that was very fashionable at the time.
• Have you ever had any famous guests staying? Not yet.
• For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do? Walking starting from the Chateau gate. The village is well known for its great signposted walking paths in the mountains and forests.
Must eat? Regional specialties at the two excellent local restaurants in Curtil Sous Burnand and St Gengoux le National.
Must see? Chateau de Cormatin, 10 minutes away. The most beautiful Renaissance style Chateau in Burgundy.
Reviews
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We’ll be back!
This was our third stay at one of the owner's properties and every one of them has exceeded expectations. Chateau De La Belle is a little further south (about an hour from Beaune), but with the lovely village of Saint Gengoux le National nearby, and several hiking paths (a church from 1031? Just down the hill from the chateau) accessible from the house and all of its amenities, you should be in no hurry to leave. With 2 refrigerators and 2 dishwashers, outdoor grill and a well-equipped kitchen, preparing meals for our larger group was a breeze. The owners have once again done a masterful job with the restoration and outfitted the chateau well with aesthetically pleasing decor that befits the grand canvas of the home. As always, they were unfailingly pleasant, responsive and communicative throughout our stay. They will even help you pre-stock your wine fridge with affordable selections from the area prior to your arrival. A nice touch for the weary traveler.
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Dreamlike
The owner has created a dreamlike place at Chateau De La Belle. Everything is perfect. The Chateau, the rooms, the pool and the garden. The surroundings and the region, the service. We spent a wonderful week there with our friends. And we are happy to come back next year!
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Super vacances en famille
Un superbe séjour passé dans ce magnifique Château cet été. Le château est très beau avec d'excellentes prestations, la cuisine est très bien équipée, les chambres sont spacieuses et avec une salle de bain privatisée. De belles promenades sont possible autour du château. Nous avons passé des super vacances en famille inoubliables, avec des moments de détente autour de la piscine, à l'ombre de ce majestueux Platane. Un lieu où il faut y séjourner avec certitude tout est fait pour se détendre. Merci pour votre accueil chaleureux, je recommande vivement.
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