Chateau Arize
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At the foot of the Pyrénées, surrounded by lakes, forests and stunning scenery, you will find the idyllic Château Arize. A beautiful home which is perfect fo...
Read moreOverview
At the foot of the Pyrénées, surrounded by lakes, forests and stunning scenery, you will find the idyllic Château Arize. A beautiful home which is perfect for all generations, it’s the ideal place to relax and unwind with an impressive array of amenities as well as beautiful grounds.
Dating back to the 18th century, when it was re-built after the French Revolution, the château is full of character with beautiful antiques, traditional furnishings and Persian rugs. The restoration has been a labour of love for its owners who have updated the home to a fine standard, creating a historical and magical ambience.
The 14 bedrooms, eleven of which are en-suite, include two master doubles at the front with glorious views of the parkland and three interconnecting rooms ideal for families with young children. Explore the house and you’ll also find a cinema room, library, a fun games room in addition to an antique billiards table The château also boasts a huge gym in a separate building with a yoga space, two saunas, two jacuzzis and a new pool house with an outside kitchen featuring a huge BBQ grill, fridge, dishwasher, and pizza oven for make your own pizza nights!
The château offers an on-site chef for either catering or sit down meals, served either in the beautiful conservatory, or al-fresco on the wooden terrace where up to thirty guests can come together overlooking the château’s spectacular gardens. As well as a characterful château kitchen, there is an incredibly impressive professional kitchen with all the equipment a keen cook could wish for, renovated to the highest of standards.
You could spend all day in the twenty-four acre parkland, sun-bathing by the new heated swimming pool with the view of the Pyrénées, exploring the streams by the ancient trees or listening to the peaceful flow of the river that runs through the grounds. Have a lazy game of pétanque, cycle around on one of the château’s eight bikes or play tennis on the fabulous tennis court which is of a professional standard. There is a delightful walking path encircling the house whilst yoga sessions in the new gym have been a real hit with guests. End the day with a personal masseuse who will come on site to provide a professional massage service.
Set in the heart of the Natural Regional Park of the Ariège Pyrénées, outdoor activities such as golf, cycling, kayaking, fishing and horse-riding are in abundance amongst its lakes, mountains and forests. There are also many beautiful villages and towns to discover such as Foix with its medieval castle perched on a hill or St. Lizier, one of France’s 'Plus Beaux Villages' with UNESCO World Heritage status or St. Girons where there is a lovely market on Saturday mornings. The nearest village to the château, about 5 minutes by car, dates back to medieval times and has a couple of small supermarkets, a bank and ATM, a bakery, a butchers and a tourist office.
Whether a family re-union or a special holiday with friends, Château Arize is a unique and peaceful retreat in a very special setting in this glorious part of southern France.
What you should know…
- Out of the 15 bath/shower rooms, eleven are en suite to the bedrooms - please see the 'Features' for full details
- It's a great home for families with some of the rooms interconnecting. A couple of the bedrooms are best suited to children so please check the 'Features' tab for further details
- Children will love the huge grounds with vast lawns, trees and games - a great place for supervised play due to the river and stream
- The House Manager lives in the grounds and is available if needed
This home is a part of our Great Value and Heritage Collection!
This is a historic home, and as such:
- It has probably been standing for over 100 years, which means it's full of historic value and charm but it may also have one or two quirks!
- Some of the decor and furnishings may not be brand new, but that should not detract from your holiday experience in this unique setting that allows you to take a step back in time!
Property Features
Château Interior
Ground Floor
- Château kitchen and separate professional kitchen, well equipped including American style fridge-freezer with ice-maker, wine fridge, walk-in refrigerator, drinks chiller, self-service fridge, three ovens, two sets of hobs, griddle, two dishwashers and coffee maker
- Terrace dining area (conservatory style dining room leading to al-fresco terraces)
- Laundry room
- Gym with shower room
- 6 Guest WCs
- Small children's bedroom (ground floor) with two bunk beds (for up to three children) and a half bathroom across the hallway
- 2 x shower room in the service staircase
First Floor
- Entrance lounge
- Main Lounge
- Dining room
- Billiard room
- Games room
- Function room
- Library
- Bedroom One: Double bedroom and en-suite bathroom with walk in shower and WC
- Bedroom Two/Three: Double room with door leading to separate twin room. Both rooms share an en-suite bathroom (bath with shower) with WC
Second Floor
- Bedroom Four: Double bedroom and en-suite bathroom (bath with shower) with WC
- Bedroom Five: Twin bedroom and en-suite bathroom (bath plus separate shower) with WC
- Bedroom Six/Seven: Double bedroom with doors leading to twin room (ideal for young children). Both rooms share an en-suite bathroom (walk-in shower) with WC
- Bedroom Eight: Master double bedroom (34m2) and en-suite bathroom (jacuzzi bath and separate walk-in shower) with WC
- Bedroom Nine: Master double bedroom (33m2) and en-suite bathroom (bath with shower and WC)
- Bedroom Ten: Double bedroom and en-suite bathroom (bath and separate walk-in shower with WC)
- Bedroom Eleven: Quadruple room, with double bed and two single beds and en-suite shower room with WC
- Bedroom Twelve: Double bedroom and en-suite shower room with WC
- Bedroom Thirteen/Fourteen: Double bedroom with doors leading to small room suitable for cot/single and en-suite shower room with WC
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (20m x 15m, depth: 1.57m) with UV filtration system. Pool is open and heated approximately May to end-September
- Large poolside terrace (200m2) with lounge chairs
- Pool house with barbecue, plancha, fridge, pizza oven, dishwasher, music and tables
- Sauna in the pool house (and shower and WC)
- Outdoor jacuzzi
- Tennis court (hard court, professional standard)
- 24 acres of lawns and trees
- River and stream
- Off-road parking space for up to 20 cars
Facilities
- Fiber Optic Wi-Fi (up to 1GB speed) and 4G router as back-up (château and pool area)
- Decorative fireplace
- Cinema room with projector
- DVD library
- Internet TV
- Music library
- Antique billiard table
- Games room
- Sauna
- Jacuzzi
- Wine-tasting room
- State of the art gym with shower
- Bikes x 8
- Tennis court (hard court, professional standard)
- Tennis and rackets
- Ping-pong
- Petanque
- Washing machine
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau ArizeIn a wonderful location at the foot of the Pyrenees, you are in the heart of the Natural Regional Park of the Ariège Pyrénées, surrounded by lakes, forests and hills – a fantastic location for a great array of putdoor activities and stunning natural scenery.
You are only 5 minutes drive from a local medieval village where you can find two small supermarkets, a butchery, bakery, chemist and medical centre as well as a tourist office for the area.
There are two larger towns a little further with larger supermarkets and a greater choice of shops and restaurants – Foix and Saint Girons. Foix (20km), with its medieval castle located on a rocky hill overlooking the Ariège and Arge rivers, is just 20 minutes away. Take a stroll in the old town, exploring its narrow streets, pretty squares with ancient abbeys, local restaurants and authentic shops. There is also a superb market every Friday.
Saint Girons (24km) on the river Sarlat is an attractive town to wander around with characterful buildings and shops to admire. Combine with a trip to the UNESCO classified ancient village of St. Lizier (25km), one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages. Rich in art and history, visit the lower part with the old village and cathedral then head to the upper part surrounded by ancient fortifications including the Bishops Palace, now a museum.
The bastide town of Mirepoix (52km) is also within easy reach: a vibrant gem, with one of the best markets in France on a Monday and hosting plenty of festivals and events throughout the year.
Set within the Natural Regional Park of the Ariège Pyrénées, outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, fishing and horse-riding are in abundance amongst its lakes, mountains and forests. Cycling is a great way to discover this beautiful National Park; a well-known cycling trail of over 40km can be accessed just half a kilometre away. Keen walkers should also visit the waterfall at Cascade d’Ars (57km) which is at its best in May and June whilst serious golf enthusiasts will love the golf course just a short drive from the château.
In the summer you can swim at Lac de Mondély, a lake also wonderful for fishing, walking and bird watching. Families will love the opportunity to walk with donkeys near Biert (30km) or Aleu (40km), visit the nearby reptile park, there's a Prehistoric Park near Tarascon-sur-Ariège (40km), or there are some fantastic adventure parks such as Horizon Vertical for older kids and adults in Moulis (30km) or Acro’lus for younger children near Aulus-les-Bains (55km). The subterranean River Labouïche (17km) is another brilliant place to visit nearby where you can visit the caves and caverns 60m underground.
The area has so many wonderful historical sites to discover. You are not far from the the Cathars land and a trip to the ruins of the Château de Montsegur (52km), one of the last Cathar strongholds, should not be missed. Another fine day trip is the Niaux cave paintings (45km), dating back 14,000 years and can be visited if you book on to one of their tours, booking in advance is recommended.
The fortified city of Carcassonne (98km) is located about ninety minutes from the château and is a must see. The famous summer festival, brings together over 100 performances, including opera, dance, theatre and music, most of which you can watch free of charge.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Toulouse/Carcasonne
(100km-1h 15moins/93km-1h 30mins) |
||
| Nearest Village |
(5km-5mins ) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Foix
(20km-20mins) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de Foix
(20km-20mins) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
(5km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
(On site) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Small supermarket in local village
(4km-5mons) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Foix
(20km-20mins) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
(5km-5mins) |
||
Region
A relatively new addition to France, the Midi-Pyrénées was created to surround the cultural capital of Toulouse in the late 1970s. You might think that its relative youth would mean the Midi-Pyrénées is short on character or identity, but remember, this is France we’re talking about – the whole country is steeped in history and tradition. Encompassing parts of Gascony, Languedoc, the Gers and several others, you’ll get a varied slice of the whole French experience here, not least if you stay at one of our beautiful chateaux in the Midi-Pyrénées! And if you want to discover the best of what the region has to offer, our Midi-Pyrénées travel guide is here to show you where to go, what to eat and how you can make the best of your break with some amazing activities.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesThere are 3 cots and 4 highchairs, as well as an extra child mattress.
ONSITE FACILITIES
Bikes: 8 x bikes for guests use
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Boules/Petanque
- Board games
- Bikes
- Children's videos/DVDs
- Children's books
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Tennis Court
- Bicycles Provided
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Table Football
- Pool/Snooker
- Home Cinema
- DVD
Services Available
- Breakfast Available
- Chef/Cook Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Yoga Classes Available
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Breakfast Available
- Chef/Cook 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):
- Welcome pack included with basic provisions
- Continental breakfast
- Chef for evening meals (French menu available including vegan/vegetarian options on request)
- Yoga classes in brand new gym
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 elegant and charming chateau offers a magical wedding venue in 20 acres of glorious gardens and...
Read moreEvent information
This elegant and charming chateau offers a magical wedding venue in 20 acres of glorious gardens and parkland. With a river running through the grounds, it’s a very special and romantic setting.
This historic chateau is filled with antiques dating back to the 18th and 19th century, creating an ambience of old-world charm. Your ceremony can take place in a chapel just a short walk away or set up a beautifully decorated marquee on the vast lawns, surrounded by ancient trees, where you can catch a glimpse of the majestic Pyrénées.
Before and after the event, guests can enjoy the captivating and peaceful surroundings by walking around the grounds, biking through stunning landscapes , exploring the lakes, mountains and forests of this region or visiting one of the idyllic medieval villages nearby.
Wedding Reception
The reception can take place in the chateau grounds with a marquee hired for up to 100 guests or inside the chateau in the enclosed terrace and ballroom for up to 50 people.
The ballroom is suitable for dancing for up to 100 guests and the music can play until
as late as you like – there are no music restrictions at this venue.
Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony can take place outside in the grounds or under a marquee if hired for up to 100 guests. Inside the chateau, the reception room can host a ceremony for up to 60 guests or there is a chapel 1 km away, within walking distance to the chateau.
The venue can supply details of an English-speaking celebrant.
Where to Stay
The chateau sleeps 30 people and approximately 50 more guests can be accommodated in hotels and B&Bs nearby.
The owners can supply details of local transportation firms.
Wedding Planning
The owners can recommend an English-speaking wedding planner or clients may arrange their own (on the condition that they are local and speak French).
The venue can organise/make suggestions to help with flowers, photographer and music for the event.
Catering
The owners can recommend a few local caterers or clients may arrange their own.
Other information
Events can take place May – September.
If client arranges own catering then there is an extra charge to hire chairs, tables etc. from the venue.
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 to the owner in cash upon arrival and refunded upon departure or via bank transfer before arrival and refunded after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 3.00 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 to the owner in cash upon arrival and refunded upon departure or via bank transfer before arrival and refunded after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 3.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Extra €150 over Xmas and New Year. Included during all other periods. |
| Heating costs included? | Extra €150/day approximately late September to end-April, depending on the weather, payable locally. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, changed mid-week for stays of 2 weeks. |
| 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 towels included? | Yes. Gym towels are also provided. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Changeover day | Saturday approximately mid-June to late September. Flexible during all other periods. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights approximately mid-June to late-September, 3 nights during all other periods. |
| Pets welcome? | No. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open and heated approximately May to end-September. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 30 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 23rd 2023 - Oct 1st 2023 | - | - | - | £10,505 |
| Oct 1st 2023 - Mar 30th 2024 | - | £6,003 | £7,504 | £10,505 |
| Mar 30th 2024 - Jun 15th 2024 | £6,450 | £8,332 | £10,213 | £11,409 |
| Jun 15th 2024 - Sep 21st 2024 | - | - | - | £12,699 |
| Sep 21st 2024 - Sep 29th 2024 | £6,450 | £8,332 | £10,213 | £11,409 |
| Sep 29th 2024 - Mar 26th 2025 | - | £6,003 | £7,504 | £10,505 |
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.
How long have you owned the property?
I originally purchased the property in 2001. At that time, I made a bunch of improvements to the property, including a prof...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
I originally purchased the property in 2001. At that time, I made a bunch of improvements to the property, including a professional kitchen, a beautiful conservatory, tennis court, etc. For financial reasons, I sold it in 2005. I repurchased it in 2018 and since 2005, the former owners added an additional 5 bedrooms as well as made substantial internal upgrades.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The grandeur of the floors, the light coming in through the windows, and the park of almost 24 acres. The spaciousness of this chateau is without parallel.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The chateau was owned by an aristocratic family. There are two portions of the chateau, one, the 18th century portion, created around 1762 and a new portion, created about 100 years later. It was last owned by a Countess, who stayed there until the late 1960’s when she bequeathed the property to her steward. It was purchased in 1989 by a new family, who completely renovated the chateau and lived there until it’s sale in 2001 to a new family. In 2005, the subsequent family sold it to another family who made further improvements, ran it as a rental property, and sold it back to the previous family in 2018. In the town above the chateau, a church, which dates from 1151, was reconstructed by one of the former owners in 1901. Their coat of arms can be found under the arches of this church.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Not really.
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do?
Go hiking in the mountains, go kayaking, go to the Saturday market, visit the Chateau de Foix, go blueberry picking and visit local cheese creameries.
Really eat?
Foie Gras, Duck Breast, Local Cheeses, Croustade (Apple pie)
Really see?
Mas D’azil, prehistoric caves, many natural spots.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
The chateau has many smalls nooks and crannies to discover. Go enjoy them and take a tour of the property to see the winding brook, and river or the old ruins on the property.
Reviews
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Perfect for big family/friend getaways!
We were a group of friends with their children/infants (30 in all) who stayed for a week. The accommodation is amazing, with every room but two having ensuite facilities. Beds were large and comfy. There was plenty to do (pool, tennis, table tennis, badminton, billiards) and so much space that we did not feel like we were on top of each other at all. We had David cook for us on 4 of the nights, which was great and really good value. Tony was responsive on email and let us have all the information we needed before we arrived, including floor plans, photos and room sizes so we could allocate rooms appropriately.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
