Le Chateau Enchanteur
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The most discerning of Francophiles can embrace the serene ambience of this beautiful and unique château set in a traditional Gard village in the south of Fran...
Read moreOverview
The most discerning of Francophiles can embrace the serene ambience of this beautiful and unique château set in a traditional Gard village in the south of France, within half an hour of Le Pont du Gard and only 26km from the historic city of Avignon.
As you step into this special home it feels like southern France of a bygone era. Once a 16th century hunting lodge, it fell into disrepair in the mid-1900s before being rescued by a famous Parisian who was a plastic surgeon to the stars! It’s most recent owners fell in love with the château’s warm energy and incredible beauty.
Nowadays the château and its cottages can be rented exclusively as an idyllic place to stay in southern France, the perfect way to experience the authenticity of this region. Artwork, tapestries, antiques and high-end furnishings can be found across the inviting living and dining spaces alongside true character and spirit. Outside, the stone bassin-style swimming pool is a restful spot for relaxing amongst the statues, summer roses and jasmine.
Sleeping up to 16 guests, there are nine gorgeous bedrooms to choose from including four across three pretty cottages alongside a spacious château suite with private access and four other bedrooms in the main part of the château. The huge air-conditioned master bedroom on the second floor is especially stunning with its emperor-sized bed, sunken bath for two and stone terrace ideal for sunbathing. Most bedrooms have their own bathroom and guests can expect Indian cotton bedlinen and high quality mattresses.
How enchanting to be able to stroll down to the heart of the village with its bakery, épicerie, pharmacy and café-restaurant with tables set out beneath the shady trees. Try the excellent local wine here (nearby wine areas include Laudun, Lirac and Tavel) and soak up the charm of this small village with a rich heritage. Energetic guests can follow the steep cobbled path up to the 12th century castle ruins on the hill overlooking the village.
Explore the glorious landscapes of Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards, oak forests, characterful villages and historic sites. The twice-weekly market in Uzès takes place amongst the century-old plane trees of Place aux Herbes whilst the Saturday morning brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is a must for antique lovers. Then there’s the wineries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the wonderfully preserved Roman sites in Nimes and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Avignon.
Perhaps you would prefer to spend lazier days picnicking by the Gard River, kayaking beneath Le Pont du Gard, pottering around local market towns and enjoying gastronomic meals in atmospheric restaurants. However you spend your time, it is a truly magical experience staying at Le Château Enchanteur.
What you should know…
- The bedrooms are spread across the main château, the château suite and three cottages - please see the “Features” tab for full details of the layout.
- A maximum of 16 guests can stay at Le Château Enchanteur plus, on request, two additional children aged 8+ using the sofa-bed in the château suite, or Cottage 2’s twin bedroom.
- This house is only suitable for children aged 8 and over. If travelling with older children please be mindful of the many antiques, tapestries and high quality furnishings.
- Please also take care across the terraced garden with uneven paths/old steps and on the main stone staircase.
- There are three gorgeous cats living on the property.
- Please note that the one bedroom (not included in the nine) will be locked for the owner's personal things and unavailable to guests.
Property Features
Château Interiors
Ground Floor
- Salon
- Summer kitchen
- Bedroom (30m2) with king-size four-poster double bed (180x200cm). Bathroom with bath, hand-held shower and sink
- Bedroom (35m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and bathroom with walk-in shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom (25m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and bathroom with walk-in shower, sink and WC
Ground Floor Château Suite (private access)
- Bedroom (50m2) with double bed (180x200cm), desk, library, sofa-bed (for two children aged 8+ on request), dressing room, private terrace with table and chairs (with pool/garden view) and bathroom with cast iron tub, two sinks and WC
First Floor
- Grand salon
- Dining room
- Main kitchen, fully-equipped
- Study
Second Floor
- Master bedroom (70m2) with emperor-size double bed (220x200cm), dressing room, study, terrace with garden views and two sunloungers and bathroom with sunken bath (for 2), two sinks, walk-in Italian shower and separate WC
- Study
There is another bedroom within the château that is closed off by the owners.
Cottage 1 (Ground Floor)
- Bedroom (30m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm), pool view and bathroom with bath, shower and WC
Cottage 2 (Ground Floor, 2 adults plus 2 children aged 8+ on request)
- Bedroom with double bed (180x200cm)
- Connecting bedroom with twin beds (90x180cm each)
- Bathroom with bath, handheld shower and separate WC
Cottage 3 (Ground Floor)
- Bedroom (50m2) with queen-size double bed and bathroom with bath, handheld shower and WC
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (old stone bassin style pool, 15x7m, treated with hydrolysed magnesium) with underwater lighting and stone steps on one end (deep on the other end). Open approximately April to end-October
- Poolside terrace
- Garden/grounds with many flowers/plants, terraced levels, paths (uneven) and old stone steps
- Pétanque/boules
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (master bedroom only)
- Heating
- TVs (x2)
- Board games
- Books
- Fridges (in each of the cottages and château suite)
- Pétanque/boules
Location
About the surrounding area of Le Chateau EnchanteurIn an idyllic setting, Le Château Enchanteur is on the edge of a small pretty village within easy reach of Le Pont du Gard, Uzès and Avignon. Across this area you will find beautiful landscapes of Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards, verdant hills, oak forests, characterful villages and a wealth of historic sites. As well as appealing to keen historians, this region is popular with wine enthusiasts, gourmands, market lovers, hikers and cyclists.
Stroll to the village centre with its bakery, tabac, épicerie food store and café-restaurant where you can dine amongst locals as you sit out beneath the shady sycamore trees. Here you are off the beaten track, away from hordes of tourists, yet the village is a true hidden gem with old stone houses, a 19th century fountain and remarkable vistas of the 12th century château ruins on the hill overlooking the village. A steep cobbled path takes you up to the castle ruins!
Within a short drive you will find further restaurants and shops in the larger wine-making village Laudun-l'Ardoise (6km), home to a Monday morning market and surrounding vineyards producing highly regarded AOC Côtes-du-Rhône wine. Find time to visit the Roman remains at Camp de César and the 19th century Aqueduc de Balouviere.
Alongside local Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards (including the wines of Lirac and Tavel) head towards Châteauneuf-du-Pape (22km) for some of France’s finest wineries in the Rhône valley. Discover delightful markets – there are two especially wonderful markets in nearby Uzès (23km) at the very charming Place aux Herbes on a Wednesday and Saturday morning, a great way to appreciate the delicious produce of this region. Uzès’ market square is famous for its ancient shady plane trees, the perfect spot for a coffee before wandering around this picturesque historic town.
Avignon (26km) is also loved for its historic architecture (including two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Le Palais des Papes and Le Pont d’Avignon), wine-bars and bustling markets whilst antique lovers will adore the Saturday morning brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, one of the most famous in southern France.
Le Pont du Gard is another highlight of this part of southern France, perfect for riverside picnics, paddling and even canoeing beneath the incredible Roman aqueduct. The wonderful city of Nimes (46km) is also home to some of France’s most beautifully preserved monuments including Maison Carrée and the city’s Roman amphitheatre.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Avignon Airport
(35km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Nîmes Airport
(55km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Marseille Airport
(128km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Bagnols-sur-Cèze/Gare d'Avignon TGV
(16.5km/28km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
In a traditional Gard village
(Short walk to centre ) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Cafe-restaurant in the village
(Within 200m) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Grocery store, bakery, tabac and pharmacy in the village
(A short walk) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Intermarché Contact
(7.5km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Bagnols-sur-Cèze/Uzès
(16km/23km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Avignon/Nimes
(26km/46km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf Club d'Uzes
(27km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
In the village
(Short walk) |
||
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: ChildrenLe Château Enchanteur only accepts children aged 5+ (due to its high-value interiors and terraced grounds with uneven steps/paths).
There is lots to keep older children entertained in this part of southern France. Hire bikes in Uzès to explore country lanes or enjoy beautiful walks and hikes through the surrounding countryside. Le Pont du Gard will enchant every age, the perfect spot for picnics by the Gard River or canoeing/kayaking beneath the incredible Roman acqueduct. There is also a tennis court in the village within a short walk.
The beautifully preserved Roman sites of Nimes and Orange as well as Avignon’s two UNESCO World Heritage sites will also appeal to young historians, as will many other Roman sites dotted across the Gard region, including the nearby Camp de César close to Laudun-l'Ardoise.
Air Nature, around 20 minutes away by car, is a great place for tree-top activities/accrobranche. For a complete change of scene, the Haribo Candy Museum is just south of Uzès, perhaps an option to consider on a rainy day. After exploring the exquisite historic town of Uzès enjoy some time at Parc du Duché before walking by the water’s edge in the Eure Valley below.
Further afield, young train enthusiasts can spend the day admiring the landscapes of the Cévennes from the steam train that travels from Anduze, just over an hour away, to Saint-Jean-du-Gard.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- 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
- Board games
- Heated Pool
- Toys
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Included
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Pre-Stocked Fridge Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Included
- Delivery of cases of local wine 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 included at this property:
- Cleaning five mornings a week
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Private chef
- Pre-stocking of fridge
- The owners can arrange the delivery of local wine by the case
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
Although not a specialised events venue, small and intimate weddings (for less than 60 people) may b...
Read moreEvent information
Although not a specialised events venue, small and intimate weddings (for less than 60 people) may be considered with special permission and subject to additional costs - please enquire.
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 | €5000 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €5000 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. Linen and towels are changed mid-week. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Please note that the owner has 3 cats which will be on the property. |
| Heating costs 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. |
| Pool heating charge? | Pool heating is included. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Other Ts and Cs | 2 cots and 1 high chair are available on request. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is included. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. All other durations on request. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | A maximum of 16 guests can stay at Le Château Enchanteur plus, on request, two additional children aged 8+ using the sofa-bed in the château suite or Cottage 2’s twin bedroom. |
| Other Ts and Cs | This house is only suitable for children aged 8+ due to the high quality furnishings and valuable antiques, tapestries, artwork and other items across the home. Please also take care across the stairs, steps and terraced grounds with some uneven paths. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Music is only permitted until 11.00 p.m. (unless a licence has been granted to play later for special events). |
| Other Ts and Cs | Small weddings may be considered. They are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Stag/hen parties and other special events are not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that air-conditioning is only available in the master bedroom. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that air-conditioning is only available in the master bedroom. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 16 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| May 4th 2024 - Jun 1st 2024 | £22,312 |
| Jun 1st 2024 - Sep 1st 2024 | £24,791 |
| Sep 1st 2024 - Jun 1st 2025 | £22,312 |
| Jun 1st 2025 - Sep 1st 2025 | £24,791 |
| Sep 1st 2025 - Nov 5th 2025 | £22,312 |
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? 2014
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?Its incredible beauty and positive energy. The location is ...
Read moreOwner Profile
When did you become the owner? 2014
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with? Its incredible beauty and positive energy. The location is calm and the building and garden are absolutely magical.
Are there any interesting stories in its history? It was built 1543 as a hunting lodge and entertainment Chateau for a wealthy Italian financier who had paid the ransom to release the King Francis of France from incarceration in Padua. The Sun King Louis XIV visited in 1687. After the Second World War it was semi ruinous and bought by a famous Parisian plastic surgeon who was the doctor for Sophia Loren.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying? Many but we are not allowed to say who.
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do? Visit Uzes, kayak under the Pont du Gard, do a wine tour at famous Chateau neuf des Papes, visit the best Brocante /antiques market and lunch on oysters Picpoul and frites in the market
Must eat? Moules frites in the village, surrounded by excellent Michelin starred restaurants, dinner under the stars around a fountain in a vineyard
Must see? Avignon Palais des Papes, Uzes Cathedral, St Quentin Poteries and Ceramic studios, Pont du Gard
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?Authentic and extremely beautiful. Not touristic and French markets are just amazing
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
