In the beautiful landscapes of the Lot-et-Garonne, close to the Dordogne border, this 17th century family château welcomes up to 16 guests in charming surroundings.
It is said that the château was built in the late 1600s by a local duke who claimed it was for the lady he loved (and later married), the cousin of King Louis XIV. Even nowadays you can sense the château’s rich heritage across every room with spacious interiors, high ceilings and other characterful features. Relax in the lounge, read quietly in the library/study and prepare feasts in the rustic kitchen (or arrange a chef to cook) whilst younger guests can play to their heart’s content in the huge playroom upstairs with a puppet theatre, table-tennis table, board games and toys.
This is an authentic family home, furnished simply yet comfortably with six pretty bedrooms and four bath/shower rooms allowing this traditional French château to sleep up to 16 guests. It is ideal for an extended family or group of friends with different rooms for guests who seek a little solitude from time to time. Gather on the grand terrace in front of the château for al-fresco meals or by the glorious 16m long swimming pool below. The views towards the open countryside are wonderful.
Also part of the vast open grounds are three charmingly converted stables which are usually rented out separately (see
Écuries Claria). If you wish to book both the château and the stables (for up to 32 guests in total), please see
Domaine Claria.
This estate is on a country road which leads to a pretty village and lake around 1.5km away. It’s a delightful place to explore with half-timbered houses, medieval lanes, a Renaissance castle as well as restaurants, some useful shops and a small Saturday morning Farmer’s market. The lake is the perfect spot for a nature walk and sometimes fishing is allowed (with a permit).
Visit picturesque market towns across the Lot-et-Garonne such as Castillonnès, Miramont-de-Guyenne and Villeréal as well as much-loved Monflanquin, officially classified as one of France’s ‘
Plus Beaux Villages’. Canoe or kayak in the summer near Allemans-du-Dropt, try wines across the vineyards of Duras and potter around atmospheric local markets showcasing regional delicacies such as Agen prunes, Marmande tomatoes and Tonneins ham as well as walnuts, truffles and
foie-gras.
The allure of Saint-Émilion and its famous vineyards also awaits, just over an hour away, or stay closer to home as you discover southern Dordogne. Take a boat trip along the Dordogne, visit picture-perfect villages such as Issigeac, Eymet and Monpazier and head to the vibrant markets of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande or Bergerac, both fine days out in this captivating part of southwestern France.
