Chateau Chemin Vert
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Overview
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Stay in a historic château in the heart of a bastide village with distant views of the Pyrenees. Château Chemin Vert offers charm, character and even a swimming pool near some of southern France’s most beautiful towns and countryside in the enchanting region of Languedoc.
The spirit of this grand château is felt throughout with elegant furnishings and so many historic features from the panelled walls and carved fireplace in the splendid living room to ornate ceilings and rich fabrics in the four main bedrooms. Recent renovations also add a touch of contemporary style such as in the bright orangerie with its dining table and the new family suite upstairs sleeping up to four guests. Other modern amenities include Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a gym and fluffy bathrobes in each of the five en suite bathrooms.
Doors from the library, grand salon and orangerie lead out to a large terrace and barbecue designed for al-fresco dining or just a quiet aperitif as you gaze out to the houses and hills beyond. Wander through the vast gardens, see what vegetables may be growing or which fruits are in season and follow the gently sloping lawns to the 12m long swimming pool with its pool terrace perfect for sunbathing. Play pétanque on the excellent court with village views beyond the walled garden. It’s quite unique to have such a spacious garden, pool and high standard of pétanque pitch in a historic village château.
Every morning you can wander into the local bastide village to pick up freshly baked bread and pastries. Explore the lanes leading from the main arcaded square with its plane trees, pretty fountains and delightful Saturday morning market. Enjoy the cafes and restaurants before returning home to your own château in minutes. You may even be fortunate enough to visit when festivities take over the village and the ambience is especially wonderful.
Visit other picturesque market villages and towns, swim or canoe in the nearby lake, cycle or hike on one of the many stunning trails and discover the fascinating Cathar history of this region. Being in the foothills of the Pyrenees, even skiing is possible in winter months or enjoy beautiful walks through the magnificent mountains so near. This is also a great location for visiting the great city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, just under and hour away.
Whether it’s the enchanting villages and towns, brilliant landscapes or captivating history, you can experience so much of the Languedoc region at Château Chemin Vert, right from your very doorstep.
What you should know…
- There is public car parking in the village one minute away, but not at the château itself
- You enter the château on the lower level, from the street, and stairs take you up to the main floor
- The beautiful gardens are terraced in parts and also feature slopes
- Guests have access to all the rooms listed in the 'Features' tab; other parts of the spacious château are closed off
Property Features
Château Interiors
Ground Floor
- Living room with doors leading to terrace
- Second living area
- Library/study with door leading to terrace
- Gym/massage room
- Orangerie with dining table and doors leading to terrace
- Fully-equipped kitchen
Lower Ground Floor
- Entrance (from the village street)
First Floor
- Bedroom One: Master bedroom with super king-size bed and bathroom with walk-in shower and separate WC. Door from the bathroom leading to a terrace
- Bedroom Two: Double bedroom with super king-size double/twin bed and en suite bathroom with shower, small bath and WC
- Bedroom Three: Double bedroom with super king-size double/twin bed and en suite bathroom with shower, bath and WC
- Bedroom Four: Double bedroom with super king-size bed and bathroom with walk-in shower and WC
Separate Wing (accessed via three steps from the entrance hallway to Bedroom Four, or can be via a separate staircase from the main entrance)
- Bedroom Five: Family suite with small double bedroom and twin bedroom with a sitting area. En suite bathroom with shower and WC
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (12mx6m, depth: 2m) with safety alarm
- Terrace for al-fresco dining
- Barbecue
- Pétanque court (international standard)
- Vegetable garden and fruit trees
- Enclosed gardens (sloping or terraced in parts)
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Satellite TV
- Games
- Gym
- Pétanque
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryers
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau Chemin VertChâteau Chemin Vert is located in a bastide village in the Aude department of southern France, near the border with Ariège, around 50km south-west of Carcassonne.
Public car parking is just a minute’s walk away and you will find the entrance of the château just off the narrow pavement on one of the village roads. Stairs will take you up to the main floor which leads to the gardens and terraces.
The village itself is full of charm and has many festivities taking place throughout the spring, summer and autumn from medieval music festivals to the occasional Vide Grenier (flea market). You’ll find a boulangerie, chacuterie, pharmacy and a few cafes and restaurants, as well as a small supermarket just on the village’s edge. There are also tennis courts just outside the village. The Saturday morning market is one of the prettiest in the region.
There are some wonderful walking and cycling routes across the region including Le Chemin Vert, an old railway line which is now a path linking Mirepoix and Lavelanet and can be joined around 500m away.
The Lac de Montbel is just a ten-minute drive away, a great place for watersports including kayaks, canoes and pedalos, or you can go fishing, bird-watching or simply go for a swim from one of the lakeside beaches. It takes around four hours to walk around the whole lake, passing through forests and admiring the beautiful landscapes around you. You may even be able to see the snow-capped Pyrenees at certain times of year.
This region also offers a wealth of fascinating history such as the Cathar ruins in Montsegur, Lapradelle-Puilaurens and the incredible Château de Queribus. You can also visit Neolithic caves in Niaux and Lombrives, both around an hour away.
If you are travelling during the winter then you will find skiing around Les Monts d'Olmes, one hour by car, or at other times of year it’s a great place for walking and also popular with cyclists.
Not forgetting so many wonderful old villages and towns across the Aude and Ariège regions, many with weekly markets where you can pick up some amazing local produce. Mirepoix has a particularly great Monday morning market, probably the best in the area, and Limoux has a market all day on a Friday. The owners will give you a list of the local markets when you arrive.
Of course, a visit to the magnificent city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must. See the fascinating castle and the beautiful historic town with its idyllic cafes, shops and restaurants or take some time exploring the Canal du Midi by taking a trip on a boat for a lovely day out.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Carcassonne
(50km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Toulouse-Blagnac
(115km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de Limoux
(26km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
In the village
(0km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
(200m) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Small supermarket
(200m) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
In the village
(300m) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Limoux/Carcassonne
(25km/50km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf de Carcassonne
(50km) |
||
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: ChildrenThere are many activities that families will love across the region. You may be lucky enough to be staying at the château during one of the annual festivities that take place in the village from spring to autumn. Make sure you also visit the village castle where many family-friendly events take place such as medieval shows and activities.
Rent bikes or enjoy lovely walks along Le Voie Vert, a former railway line that connects Mirepoix and Lavelanet. You can join the path just 500m away from the village.
Also neaby, just a short drive away, is the beautiful Lac de Montbel which is well known for its watersports (kayaks, canoes, pedalos and windsurfing). There are lakeside beaches and swimming opportunities, as well as picturesque walks and cycle paths. It’s also a lovely place to spot birds or simply admire the distant views of the Pyrenees, especially when they are snow-capped.
Carcassonne is an incredible day out, not only for its amazing history but also due to its location on the Canal du Midi where you can pick up boat trips for the half-day or day.
Finally, history lovers can explore the Cathar ruins in so many places including Montsegur, Lapradelle-Puilaurens and at the amazing Château de Queribus. There are also famous Neolithic caves within an hour, including the biggest in France at Lombrives.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Changing mat
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- <1hr to Airport
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Boules/Petanque
- Child-Safe Pool
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
Oliver's Extras
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Transfers Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- Bike Hire Available
- Sailing and Canoe Hire Available
- Gastronomic Tours Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From pr...
Read moreExtras
Oliver's Extras
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Transfers Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- Bike Hire Available
- Sailing and Canoe Hire Available
- Gastronomic 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
- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Chef
- House manager
- Shopping service
- Mid-stay linen change
- Extra cleaning
- Laundry service
- Babysitting
- Travel services
- Transfers or car hire
- Local guides
- In-house masseur
- Bike hire (inc. mountain bikes)
- Sailing and canoe hire (at local lake)
- Gastronomic food and wine tours
- Horse-riding reservations
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
This grand château offers romance, history and style in the heart of a characterful bastide village...
Read moreEvent information
This grand château offers romance, history and style in the heart of a characterful bastide village with distant views of the Pyrenees, wonderful for a boutique and intimate affair in this beautiful part of the Languedoc countryside.
In the privacy of your walled gardens, summer ceremonies can be arranged in the vast château grounds followed by drinks and canapes by the swimming pool or grand terrace. Or imagine the romance of the wood-panelled grand salon in winter time where you can sip champagne by the roaring fire with your guests.
The light-filled L’Orangerie is a wonderful place to feast with family and friends or in the summer spill out to the magnificent terrace looking over the village and Languedoc hills beyond. Enjoy local wine with fine food from Michelin star cuisine to seasonal regional fare, perhaps followed by drink or two such as locally distilled gin especially created for the château.
Wedding Reception
A drinks and canape reception for up to fifty guests can take place in various spots across the beautiful grounds, near the swimming pool or on the main terrace, moving inside to the grand salon in cooler months or in case of rain. Indeed, in the winter the grand salon makes a romantic space for drinks and canapes by the roaring open-fire.
The Orangerie dining area can host up to 50 seated guests (44 in the main room and six guests on an extra table behind the arches). That said, in most cases from May to September, a wedding reception meal can be served on the main terrace.
A marquee could be set up over the petanque court, on the first level of the garden, again for up to 50 guests.
Dancing can take place inside L’Orangerie with music played until 1am (after this a ‘silent disco’ could be arranged).
There are even special spots where you can cut the cake – an area known as l’observatoire near the swimming pool has a stone table and is slightly elevated, making it an ideal place.
Wedding Ceremony
A ceremony can be set up in the château’s walled gardens on the second level. In cooler months, this could take place inside by the grand staircase and one of the living rooms which has a beautiful 15m high stained glass window, bringing great light into the room (great for photographs).
Ideally, the château can host up to 50 guests for a wedding ceremony although the grounds are large enough for more guests (but the reception numbers remain at 50 guests).
There are also three churches in the local town who could organise the ceremony if required.
English speaking celebrants can be arranged.
Where to Stay
Château Chemin Vert can sleep up to 12 guests across its five main bedrooms, plus an extra 12 guests could stay in dormitory rooms in other parts of the château that are usually not accessible.
There are also two different hotels within a 20-minute drive which could provide high-end accommodation, as well as a number of gites in the local and nearby villages and towns.
There are local transport companies that can organise transport to and from the château.
Wedding Planning
The owners have a Wedding Planner but they are also happy to work with a client’s own.
The owners also have contacts with a team of independent wedding specialists who can be booked (together or separately) who work well together, including a hair stylist who has been published in Vogue amongst other magazines.
Other suppliers include florists, photographers (including drone photography), sketch artists, wedding cake producers, locally designed jewellery businesses (for wedding rings etc), local French dress designers and more.
Catering
The owners can recommend caterers or clients can arrange their own.
There is a full range of caterers available from Michelin star chefs to finger food. Both formal dining and/or canapes and smörgåsbord-style style dining can be arranged.
The owners even have contacts with local distilleries of gin and vodka who produce speciality drinks just for the chateau.
Other Information
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 | €2000 charged to clients’ credit card by the owner upon arrival and refunded four days after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €2000 charged to clients’ credit card by the owner upon arrival and refunded four days after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | No, heating is payable in the winter, guests will be invoiced separately by the owner. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. 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. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights in July and August. 3 nights during all other periods. |
| Pets welcome? | No. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
| Other Ts and Cs | A highchair and cot are available on request. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 12 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 19th 2020 - Jul 1st 2020 | £1,712 | £2,411 | £3,109 | £4,185 |
| Jul 1st 2020 - Jul 5th 2020 | - | - | - | £4,185 |
| Jul 5th 2020 - Jul 11th 2020 | - | - | - | £4,185 |
| Jul 11th 2020 - Sep 1st 2020 | - | - | - | £4,185 |
| Sep 1st 2020 - Jul 1st 2021 | £1,712 | £2,411 | £3,109 | £4,185 |
| Jul 1st 2021 - Aug 22nd 2021 | - | - | - | £4,185 |
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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Live like a royal!
One of the best hospitality experiences we’ve ever had! Angus and Dom took great care of us all week. The breakfast with special soft scrambled eggs, the rosé by the pool, and the impromptu wine tasting lunch were just some of the highlights. Cannot recommend more highly. Can’t wait to go back!
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Don't miss this heaven!
This is truly a slice of French heaven! Meticulously restored the rooms are absolutely beautiful. The entire Chateau is exquisite. Located in a unique medieval town you really enjoy a true French experience. We horseback rode through the forest and went to the local markets and enjoyed freshly cooked and beautifully prepared food at both the Chateau and local restaurants. It even has gorgeous grounds and a great swimming pool! We loved it and didn't want to leave!!! 100% highly recommend it. Get there!
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Absolutely stunning!
This place is absolutely beautiful. With a very well kept garden and a spacious terrace the chateau makes for a glorious spit for a summer BBQ. From the moment you walk in the place screams of grandeur and the bedrooms are divine. A good night's sleep here is guaranteed. I definitely recommend a stay here for anyone!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.