Chateau Antares
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A stay at this neoclassical château in the heart of a wine-making village in Languedoc is a privileged experience. Step back in time to a bygone era as you emb...
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A stay at this neoclassical château in the heart of a wine-making village in Languedoc is a privileged experience. Step back in time to a bygone era as you embrace the beauty of this 18th century residence whilst making the most of its heated swimming pool, summer kitchen and ornamental garden within its private grounds.
Château Antares dates back to the late 1700s when it was built for a local affluent family. Over the years it has been remarkably preserved, retaining a great sense of elegance and splendour, whilst the owners have added modern luxuries for the 21st century such as air-conditioning in most bedrooms, a superb contemporary kitchen, modern bathrooms with rain showers and a fantastic cinema lounge for movie nights in characterful surroundings.
Walk through the intricately designed entrance and appreciate the original floor tiles, marble walls and exquisite ceiling of the grand hall. This leads through to the opulent lounge with its crystal chandelier, a relaxing music room with a grand piano and the gorgeous dining hall with a honesty bar, carved wood ceiling and historic fireplace. Hire a local cook to create a feast for you served on the banqueting table looking out to the manicured front garden and fountain.
Admire the historic stained glass window as you climb the original wooden staircase to the first floor where there are four beautiful bedrooms. There’s the master suite with its private salon and balcony, a gorgeous en suite double overlooking the gardens, another ornate bedroom with tomette tiled flooring and peacock designs on its feature wallpaper, and a twin room in the tower. The red marble staircase takes you up to the top floor, via the unique iron gate, where you will find four further bedrooms, all with sensitively preserved historic features and impressive furnishings.
Back on the ground floor, pass the brand new fully-fitted kitchen and wander through the sliding doors straight out to the summer kitchen with its state-of-the-art barbecue, pizza oven and glass table for outdoor dining alongside a shaded al-fresco lounge. Elegant sun loungers surround the heated salt-water swimming pool which is atmospherically lit up in the evening. By the side of the château there is a garden with covered table tennis, a pool table and table football.
At Château Antares you are truly able to immerse yourself into the art de vivre of southern France – just stroll across the road and sit amongst locals enjoying an apéritif or meal at the restaurant-bar on the village square. There’s a boulangerie and butchers a few steps away as well, alongside a small grocery store. A range of other restaurants can be found within a short drive from traditional bistros to Michelin star establishments.
Elsewhere, experience the atmospheric Wednesday morning market in Lézignan-Corbières and take time to explore the historic town of Narbonne with its rich heritage, charming shops and museums. The sandy shores of the Mediterranean are also within easy reach, as is one of France's most popular destinations, medieval Carcassonne, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
So, whether you wish to discover pretty wine villages and vineyards, cycle along the Canal du Midi, relax by the beach or spend time in Carcassonne, this is a fine setting for your visit to this alluring part of southern France.
What you should know…
- Air-conditioning is featured in most bedrooms and in the cinema room only – please see the “Features” tab for further details.
Property Features
Château Interiors
Ground Floor
- Grand entrance
- Grand salon
- Dining hall with banqueting table and historic fireplace
- Contemporary kitchen, fully-equipped including American fridge, freezer, induction hob, microwave/grill oven, steam oven, dishwasher, coffee machine and wine cooler. Doors slide open to the terrace and swimming pool
- Games room
- Music room with piano
- WC and sink
First Floor
- Master bedroom suite with air-conditioning, king-size double bed (1.8x2m), balcony and en suite bathroom with bath, walk-in rain shower, two sinks and WC. Salon with coffee machine and balcony overlooking garden and fountain
- Bedroom with air-conditioning, king-size double bed (1.8x2m) and en suite bathroom with rain shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with air-conditioning, queen-size double bed (1.6x2m) and en suite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, two sinks and WC
- Tower bedroom with twin beds (90x1.9m each, can be joined). Shares Tower bathroom on second floor
- WC
Second Floor
- Bedroom with air-conditioning, king-size double bed (1.8x2m) and en suite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with air-conditioning, double bed (1.4x1.9m) and en suite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with air-conditioning, queen-size double bed (1.6x2m) and en suite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, sink and WC
- Salon with coffee machine and balcony overlooking garden and fountain (shared between two bedrooms)
- Tower suite with air-conditioning and king-size double bed (1.8x2m)
- Tower bathroom with walk-in rain shower, sink and WC (shared between two tower bedrooms)
- TV/Cinema lounge with air-conditioning, satellite TV and Netflix. Large balcony with swimming pool and mountain views
- Laundry room/kitchenette
Outside Grounds
- Heated salt-water swimming pool (10x5m, depth: max 1.4m) with safety gate and electric cover
- Poolside sun loungers, parasols and lounge areas
- Poolside dining area
- Outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, barbecue and fridge
- Shower and WC
- Covered area with table tennis, pool table and table football
- Manicured front garden with fountain and sitting areas
- Gated driveway and parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (most bedrooms and cinema room only)
- Smart/Satellite TV
- Board games
- Table football
- Table tennis
- Pool table
- Honesty bar
- Hairdryers
- Ironing facilities
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau AntaresThis grand historic château is located in the heart of a winemaking village in the Aude department of Languedoc, just 10km from Narbonne. Arrive by aeroplane into Carcassonne, Béziers or Perpignan Airports or via train into Narbonne with TGV services from Paris and Barcelona.
Just cross the side street and you will reach the village square with its restaurant-bar, boulangerie, butchers and grocery store. Potter around the traditional village admiring the stone houses and enjoy an apéritif amongst locals outside on the village square as you soak up the authentic ambience. There are various other restaurants within a short drive as well as a couple of large supermarkets around 6km by car.
Passing landscapes of vineyards and orchards, discover other characterful wine villages within a short drive or cycle ride such as Canet (6km) and Boutenac (15km) where you will come across wineries, beautiful walking trails alongside mountain biking opportunities. Lézignan-Corbières (12km) is loved by wine aficionados and the town hosts a lovely market on a Wednesday morning, a great way to pick up local produce.
Keen cyclists should follow the Canal du Midi’s towpath, coming across other Minervois villages including Paraza, Homps and Argens-Minervois where you can hire boats or simply wander around the village admiring it’s pretty shops, restaurants and wineries.
Narbonne (10km) is a joy to explore thanks to its Roman heritage, delightful restaurants and wonderful indoor market, Les Halles, which is definitely worthy of a visit on a Sunday morning. There are further markets on Thursdays and Sundays by the banks of the canal. As well as admiring the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur, you will have the chance to visit several museums and discover Narbonne’s historic quarter with its narrow lanes, charming shops and inviting little restaurants.
Of course, you are also a short drive from the Mediterranean coast with Gruissan Plage (33km) just half an hour away with its sandy shores and gently-shelving sea. Even closer, by the edge of the salt-water lagoon, are Bages (17km) and Peyriac-de-Mer (21km) where you will find yet more vineyards, fascinating wildlife (including pink flamingos) and incredible walking paths. The medieval village of Peyriac-de-Mer is especially pretty and it is worth stopping off en route to the Réserve Africaine de Sigean wildlife and safari park (24km). Meanwhile, Leucate (45km) is famous for its oysters and it is also popular with kitesurfing, windsurfing and paddleboard enthusiasts, depending on the weather conditions!
Other highlights of the region include the many Cathar castles from Château de Villerouge-Termenès (45km) to Château de Quéribus (70km) and of course the medieval citadel of Carcassonne (48km), classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a magnificent day out in just under an hour by car.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Carcassonne Airport
(57km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport
(57km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Perpignan Airport
(70km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de Narbonne/Lézignan-Corbières
(11km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
In the village centre
(0km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Village square
(Across the road ) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Grocery store, butchers and bars
(Across the road ) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
(6km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Narbonne
(10km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf Santa Rosa
(12km) |
||
Region
Languedoc-Roussillon is one of those areas of France where you can feel like you’re totally cut off from the rest of the country. Commercial tourism has been very slow to capitalise on the region, meaning you can still enjoy a slice of authentic French rural life at its finest. A mixture of landscapes also makes it a great place to visit, with a good stretch of coastline offering a totally different experience to more bucolic interiors. Whatever you’re looking for, our range of villas and chateaux in Languedoc means you can get exactly the kind of holiday you want with accommodation that’s perfectly tailored to you, your friends and your family.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesFamilies will be enchanted by the village setting and outdoor space at this elegant and historic château. Older children will love playing table tennis, table football and pool in the grounds as well as dining al-fresco by the summer kitchen and of course swimming in the wonderful pool.
It’s only a 30-minute drive to the vast sandy shores of Gruissan which is a popular spot for families thanks to its gently-shelving water. Slightly further south, Leucate is the place to go for windsurfing and kitesurfing in windy conditions (and paddle-boarding on calmer days!).
The salt-water lagoon is another beautiful place to visit as a family, especially lovers of wildlife who can look out for pink flamingos and other rare birds near Bages and Peyriac-de-Mer. This area is also popular due to the Réserve Africaine de Sigean, a well-visited wildlife and safari park around half an hour away.
It’s also fun to hire bikes and cycle along the Canal du Midi, coming across picture-perfect villages en route and even enjoying a boat trip. It’s also lovely to walk along the canal, and there are lots of other walking, hiking and mountain biking opportunities around the many Minervois villages and vineyards and beyond.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- <1hr to Airport
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Table Football
- Pool/Snooker
- Home Cinema
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- Fishing Guide 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):
- Cleaning
- Private chef
- Wine-tasting tours
- Fishing guide
- Babysitting
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
| Security deposit | £2000 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £2000 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, changed once for stays over 14 nights. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes and mid-stay cleaning for stays of more than 14 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. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax Included. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights (July and August) or flexible at other times. |
| Pool opening dates? | 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? | Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Smoking permitted outside only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Air-conditioning is featured in most bedrooms and in the cinema lounge only - please see the "Features" tab for more details. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 16 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| May 3rd 2024 - Jun 1st 2024 | £7,224 |
| Jun 1st 2024 - Jun 29th 2024 | £8,428 |
| Jun 29th 2024 - Aug 31st 2024 | £9,632 |
| Aug 31st 2024 - Sep 28th 2024 | £8,428 |
| Sep 28th 2024 - May 31st 2025 | £7,224 |
| May 31st 2025 - Jun 28th 2025 | £8,428 |
| Jun 28th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £9,632 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025 | £8,428 |
| Sep 27th 2025 - Nov 4th 2025 | £7,224 |
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?
May 2021. We have spent over 2 years renovating the chateau with a full rewire, all new plumbing and bathrooms with water softeni...
Owner Profile
When did you become the owner?
May 2021. We have spent over 2 years renovating the chateau with a full rewire, all new plumbing and bathrooms with water softening system, air conditioning and a heated saltwater swimming pool, whilst retaining all the original features, which was not an easy task, but we love the end result.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
First we decided on the area near to the Mediterranean (15 mins) and its 300+ sunshine days every year. Then when we started looking online we both loved the architectural style of this property and felt we needed to view it. During the first viewing we knew this was ‘the one’. The sheer opulence of all the immaculately preserved original features and the grandeur of all the rooms, staircases and hallways made us both fall in love with the chateau.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The chateau was occupied by the Germans in both World Wars, and rumour has it that Rommel (The Desert Fox) had his communications centre in the tower. There is still a bunker buried in the front garden with tunnels leading into the chateau and into the village. We haven’t found any treasures (yet!).
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do?
Visit Carcassonne, stroll along the canal in the centre of Narbonne and visit Les Halles de Narbonne, considered the most beautiful market in France, Minerve, Sigean African Reserve, and the beautiful sandy beaches of Gruissan and Narbonne are about 20 minutes’ drive.
Must eat?
Fresh seafood at The Pink Salt Lake in Gruissan (20 mins), Les Grands Buffets in Narbonne (10 mins) offers a classic French feast in the form of buffet tables filled with an array of exceptional dishes and it has the largest cheese selection (111 cheeses) in the world in a restaurant. The owners will gladly recommend many tried restaurants depending on your tastes.
Must see?
Sigean African Reserve (20 mins) is a great day out for any age group.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
The chateau is situated in a charming winemaking village. The local wine co-operative is a minute’s walk and the sublime rose wine is around 2 Euros a litre. And the restaurant/bar on the village square serves excellent food and wine at very reasonable prices.
Reviews
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Lucky
Travelling with a group, I was lucky to end up in the Grand Suite on the first floor. After soaking in the bathtub, I loved sitting on the balcony simply listening to the fountain and reading a book in the bathrobe and slippers provided. The air-conditioning was a real benefit for sleeping in the enormous bed. I am a keen amateur photographer and I got some great photographs at the nearby Safari Park in Sigean and at the pink salt lakes in Gruissan.
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Thank you for a wonderful time.
We had the most amazing time here. The chateau is decorated beautifully and the bedrooms and bathrooms are spacious and luxurious. We loved our days out in Carcassonne, Gruissan and the Safari Park. 2 of the guys in our party booked a day’s fishing on the Aude river with fishing guide and had a great time. The pool area is fabulous. The pool and ping pong tables were busy in the evenings and the air conditioned cinema room was a welcome addition. Thank you for a wonderful time.
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I loved every minute of my stay.
A true chateau, so elegant and romantic. Every room is so beautifully decorated and the added touch of genuine antiques and works of art is amazing. Being real foodies, we took the owners’ advice and booked the local caterer in the village for an evening meal in the grand dining room. It was very special, made even more special with the local wines he recommended. On other nights we walked to the village square and enjoyed the ‘plat du jour’ at the village restaurant/bar. The owner speaks fluent English and the locals were very friendly. I loved every minute of my stay.
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I simply did not want to leave.
Beautiful weather in April, unlike back at home. From the moment I walked through the front door into the opulent marble hallway and up the grand staircase to my suite, I felt like I was an actress in a period drama. We were a group of 12 and everyone agreed that we had booked the perfect location. So much to do in the area and so many places to visit. And after a day’s sightseeing, it was sheer bliss to spend time relaxing around the pool. As to the rooms and bathrooms, I can’t even describe how much thought has gone into the details like luxury bedding, pillows, towels, toiletries, bathrobes, slippers and much more. I simply did not want to leave.
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What can I say to do this property justice?
What can I say to do this property justice? Everything is just perfect. The privacy of the pool area, which is bathed in sun all day. After a day out we relaxed around the pool in the sun until 8pm. The outdoor kitchen was amazing for barbecuing on the terrace. The bedrooms are so grand, and the mattresses, pillows and bedding are top quality. I loved the rain shower in the bathroom.
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