Chateau De Culas
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Overview
Built in the 12th century by the Knights Templar as a fortress protecting the land against pillaging Saracens, this château in the French Riviera is now a stunning holiday retreat with a dramatic backdrop within the French Alps.
Hosting up to 18 guests across the six-bedroom home, this château is ideal for friends or families travelling together. The château has been uniquely renovated to include all the comforts of home, not to mention superbly designed bathrooms with craftsman-style features, well-appointed kitchens, elegant sitting rooms and charming outdoor lounge and dining spaces.
Set on 11 private acres, guests will enjoy relaxing dips in the heated private pool, plus hiking trails straight from the château with views that will never be forgotten.
The château's hilltop location provides ultimate peace and tranquillity, with no neighbours in sight. However, when in need of a bit of culture, the village of Saint Andre les Alpes is just over 2km away, with shops, delicious cuisine and village tours.
The highlight of the area has to be Lake Castillon, with pristine turquoise waters that make it one of the most popular watersports lakes in France. The château not only offers beautiful aerial views of the lake, but exclusive access to a private beach as well!
What you should know…
- The Château sleeps up to 18 guests across six bedrooms with additional beds near the cinema room, including on a mezzanine level. See the Features tab for further details
- Watch this space for wonderful additions for 2020 including an outdoor jacuzzi, new pool decking and a gym with incredible views!
- The unobtrusive yet friendly owners live on site
Property Features
Château Interiors
Ground Floor
- Hallway
- Stately living room
- Pool room
- Dining room for up to 18 guests
- Kitchen, well-equipped
- Bathroom (in the château tower)
Basement
- Vaulted stone cellar / wine and food tasting room
First and Second Floors
- 5 x double bedrooms with queen or king-size bed
- One double bedroom with two additional single beds
- 2 ensuite bathrooms with bath and separate shower
- 3 ensuite bathrooms with bath and combined shower
- Bathroom with walk-in Italian shower (in the château tower)
- Second small kitchen on first floor
- Second floor cinema room with two single beds nearby and mezzanine level with queen-size bed
3 ensuite bedrooms on the first floor, 2 ensuite bedrooms and 1 bedroom on the second floor, plus shower room in the château tower.
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (14mx7m) with safety fencing. Open mid-May to mid-September.
- BBQ and bar area
- Al-fresco dining area with sound system
- South-facing garden terrace
- 11 acres of private land
- Jacuzzi (new for 2020)
- Gym (new for 2020)
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Satellite TV
- DVD player
- Music system
- Cinema room
- Gym (new for 2020)
- Jacuzzi (new for 2020)
- Washing machines and dryers
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau De CulasThe château is situated just over 2km from the village of Saint André les Alpes where you will find three bakeries, cafes, a supermarket, ATM and petrol station. There are also great restaurants in the village and locally. There is also a small local market on a Wednesday and Saturday afternoon.
There is fishing on the private lake less than 300m away, accessed via a small track, or alternatively head 3km by road to the public beach on the other side. Watersports that are available on the lake in the summer include canoes, pedalos, windsurfing, catamarans and stand-up paddle boards. There is also lovely swimming and canoeing opportunities in the river Verdon that flows into the lake.
There is horse riding, pony trekking and golf nearby the château. You will also be able to find quad-biking, white-water rafting and canyoning in the area, cycling plus some wonderful trekking opportunities, with some routes straight from the château. Castellane (23km) is an especially great town for those seeking exciting activities, about half an hour away by car.
There are also some great flying schools and it's great fun watching the tandem-paragliding nearby if you don't wish to take part!
The incredible and famous Verdon Gorge (53km) is just over an hour away, ideal for hikers but can also be enjoyed from your car.
There are many beautiful villages in the region for you to discover where you can soak up the Provencal charm and admire their rich history. These include Colmars (32km), Annot (27km), Entrevaux (38km), Moustiers St Marie (70km) and a little further, but worth it, is Sisteron (74km), a delightful village of flowers.
Other highlights include the spa towns of Digne (45km) and Gréoux-les-Bains (80km) or head south to the stunning town of Grasse (86km) with its fascinating perfume heritage and marvellous landscapes.
Nice, Cannes, Monaco and the French Riviera coast are all within just over 100km of the château for a brilliant day-out.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Nice Airport
(107km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Saint André les Alpes
(2.5km) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Bakery in Saint André les Alpes
(2.5km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Saint André les Alpes
(2.5km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Saint André les Alpes
(2.5km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Digne
(45km) |
||
Region
The Provençal way of life is one that’s deeply tempting for anyone who’s been feeling the need to get away from it all. This is a place where the Mediterranean weather turns fields of corn and lavender into picture-perfect backdrops, where you can sip your locally bought wine and enjoy the landscapes before heading out and tackling them head-on with a range of great activities for families, groups of friends and adventurous foodies. Better yet, our range of villas in Provence and chateaux and holiday homes in the Côte d’Azur make the perfect base to explore this enchanting region!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesBaby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- Watersports
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- DVD
- Waterfront
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting 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
- Babysitting/childcare services
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
Château de Culas
The spectacular location of this resplendent 12C hilltop château is sure to el...
Read moreEvent information
Château de Culas
The spectacular location of this resplendent 12C hilltop château is sure to elicit a gasp of delight amongst your wedding guests when they first glimpse it. Built originally to look out for marauding Saracens, all you need to do nowadays is admire the splendid views of the French Alps and the turquoise flash of Lake Castillon, just a walk away. The château’s three comfortable apartments are ideal for a close group of family and friends, offering space and privacy. In the eleven acres of grounds, a beautiful chapel with belfry and mountain backdrop is an idyllic venue for a moving and memorable ceremony. As there are no visible neighbours here, you can dance the whole night away beneath the stars!
Wedding Reception
An outdoor reception with up to 150 guests can take place in the grounds, with a marquee if necessary, or on the terrace which seats up to 50 people.
Otherwise, you could have a more intimate reception for up to 16 guests in the Billiard Room or up to 25 in the main dining room of the château.
Dancing can continue until as late as you like – no music restrictions – for up to 150 guests inside a marquee in the grounds or up to 40 in the château hallway.
Wedding Ceremony
There is a chapel on site where you could have a ceremony of up to 50 people or up to 150 could be accommodated in the grounds, with a marquee if necessary.
Where to Stay
Up to 20 people are able to sleep in the château and up to 100 further guests can be accommodated nearby.
The owners can supply details of local transport firms.
Wedding Planning
The owners can recommend an English-speaking wedding planner or clients may arrange their own.
All arrangements for the event day should be made with your wedding planner.
Catering
The owners are able to recommend local caterers or clients may arrange their own.
Wedding Packages N/A
Other information
Marquee is recommended for larger groups.
Events can take place between May and September.
The owners can supply recommendation for a horse-drawn cart.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees. All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | €1000 paid via bank transfer to the owner before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €1000 paid via bank transfer to the owner before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outdoors only. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes, although please note that there may be some additional costs during the low season. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes, although please note that there may be some additional costs during the low season. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, including pool towels. |
| Pets welcome? | Yes. |
| Pool heating charge? | No. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The pool is open from mid-May to mid-September (cooler months may not be suitable for swimming). |
| Changeover day | Saturday. |
| Minimum stay | 3 nights (July and August is 7 nights). |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 18 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 19th 2019 - Sep 1st 2019 | - | - | - | £6,156 |
| Sep 1st 2019 - Dec 7th 2019 | £1,796 | £2,172 | £2,548 | £3,591 |
| Dec 7th 2019 - May 1st 2020 | £2,309 | £2,792 | £3,276 | £4,617 |
| May 1st 2020 - Oct 1st 2020 | £3,591 | £4,343 | £5,096 | £7,181 |
| Oct 1st 2020 - Dec 15th 2020 | £2,309 | £2,792 | £3,276 | £4,617 |
| Dec 15th 2020 - Jan 4th 2021 | £2,822 | £3,413 | £4,004 | £5,643 |
| Jan 4th 2021 - Feb 19th 2021 | £2,309 | £2,792 | £3,276 | £4,617 |
Please note that prices may not be 100% accurate for dates outside of the current calendar year. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
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The children were squealing with delight
OK I knew before we came round the hill where to find the castle in the distance. I pointed it out to the children. It was a beautiful sight, majestic and splendid in the far sunlight and a memory that I will never forget. It has a fantastic location and the children were squealing with delight.
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We had an absolutely wonderful holiday
We had an absolutely wonderful holiday, the Chateau was truly beautiful, and both gites were wonderfully comfortable and equipped with everything that we could possibly need! The St Andres area is really beautiful, we had some lovely walks, and enjoyed exploring the surrounding towns, and even enjoyed some skiing at Allos. Thank you so much for all of the very useful information that you sent to me, our only complaint was that we did not have enough time to do all of the activities that you suggested!! I think we have all fallen in love with your beautiful country, and will definitely be back for another visit.
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Wish my own home looked as grand
Hi, We had a wonderful stay in your beautiful home and I only wish my own home looked as grand. The bathrooms were out of this world.
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11th century Templar fortress
This 11th century Templar fortress, set in the plunging foothills of the Alps, by the side of a lake, and with great views of the country all around, has been renovated to a very high level of comfort, with three self-catering apartments. We stayed in the middle-size apartment (the Saint Pierre) which includes two big bedrooms and bathrooms, plus extra sofabeds in the living-room, a well-appointed kitchen and everything you need to make yourself comnfortable. Despite some bad weather, we found the place very cosy and when it cleared up, the surroundings were really interesting to explore, with fantastic walks, and lots of good side-trips. There's also, for those who like it, the possibilitity of doing kayaking, para-gliding, etc. The village near the castle (st Andre des Alpes is very good for everything you need, with an excellent butcher, fruit and vegs, cake and bread shops, a small supermarket, and restaurants, as well as all services.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.