Chateau De Blau
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Overview
*EARLY BIRD 2023*
Book a 2023 villa holiday by 31st January and receive:
- A welcome hamper on arrival
- Up to £100 private chef voucher
- Trees planted to offset 110% of your villa stay
The setting of Château De Blau is wonderful, in the Haute-Loire region of Auvergne close to remarkable falaises, forests as well as the Allier river and its gorges. Drive down the tree-lined avenue and appreciate the beauty of this 15th-century château sleeping up to 11 guests with its rich heritage, heated swimming pool and over two hectares of parkland.
Originally built in the early 1400s by the Blau family with many additions over the centuries, the château has undergone an impressive recent refurbishment allowing it to become an elegant holiday home which still retains so much of its historic charm. Classified as a Historical Monument, Château De Blau blends tradition and culture with exquisite renovations and modern amenities.
On the ground floor the characterful dining room juxtaposes perfectly with the modernised kitchen, close to the single bedroom, whilst upstairs a graceful grand salon with historic furnishings sits next to the library with its books, games and billiard table. Climb up the old stone spiral steps to the top two floors for four beautiful bedrooms, each one en suite, all inspired by the château’s past from the 17th century king-size double with views towards the volcanic cliffs to the romantic-style pink room with its tapestries, armchairs and south-facing vistas.
Outside, there’s a gorgeous spot with armchairs for watching the sunset accompanied by an aperitif or two whilst you can dine al-fresco in the castle’s courtyard. The heated swimming pool is another fantastic addition to this historic French château, positioned within the vast grounds which also feature little pathways, ancient trees and glimpses of the Allier, one of France’s longest rivers which meanders nearby.
You will feel well looked after during your stay with cleaning nearly every day and options to arrange breakfast and home-cooked meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, there’s also an excellent French wine list to choose from. Outdoor adventures and excursions can be organised such as electric bike hire, mountain biking trips, visits to châteaux and fortresses, hiking itineraries as well as canoeing, rafting and fishing trips along the Allier.
Set in a little hamlet, there’s a farm shop you can walk to and a charming small village within 4km, passing striking geological features as you drive. Nearby Lavoûte-Chilhac is an ideal spot for river-based watersports and hiking trails whilst Langeac, just over 6km away, is the gateway to the Allier gorges best discovered by canoe, raft or via the tourist train.
Explore further afield within the Massif Central with gorgeous villages and picture-perfect towns including Brioude and Le Puy-en-Velay, the starting point of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route. Not to mention the landscapes of the Parc Des Volcans and the famous Puy de Dôme, reached by foot or train - the summit can even be admired from a hot-air balloon, an incredible way to discover the stunning scenery of this part of France.
What you should know…
- Château De Blau sleeps 11 guests over five bedrooms. There is also a sofa-bed in the first-floor lounge for an additional two guests, available on request only.
- The château only accepts children aged 7+. In all cases, children will need to be supervised across the historic château and grounds (including a pond and low walls).
- A medieval castle with a rich heritage, please note there are low doors, stone spiral staircases and other historic characteristics – guests need to be able to manage steep stairs.
- Wi-Fi is included but it may not work in all rooms due to the thickness of the historic walls. Ethernet internet is available in all rooms.
Property Features
Château Interiors
Ground Floor
- Entrance
- Period dining room with decorative fireplace, table for up to 12 guests and smaller sitting-dining area
- Kitchen, fully-equipped including dishwasher, electric hob, oven, microwave, American fridge-freezer, Jura coffee machine, Nespresso machine, kettle, toaster and small table. Door leads to al-fresco dining courtyard
- Bedroom (12m2) with single bed (90x200cm). Bedroom accessed via kitchen
- Laundry room
- WC with sink (opposite side of kitchen)
First Floor
- Living room with two sofas including a sofa-bed (160x200cm) and decorative fireplace
- Office (in tower adjoining lounge) with sink, fridge and separate WC with sink
- Library with a decorative fireplace, a variety of books and board games, desk and sitting area
Second Floor
- Bedroom suite (50m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm), sitting area, desk, dressing area and adjoining tower bathroom with shower, two sinks and independent WC
- Bedroom suite (50m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm), small desk, day bed, dressing area and bathroom with shower, two sinks and independent WC
Third Floor
- Bedroom suite (50m2) with twin beds (90x200cm, can be joined to make double bed), one single bed/sofa (80x90cm), desk and dressing area. Bathroom in adjoining tower with Italian shower, bath, two sinks and WC
- Bedroom suite (50m2) with twin beds (90x200cm, can be joined to make double bed), one single bed/sofa (80x190cm) and small desk. Small dressing area and large bathroom with bath, two sinks and WC
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (4x12m, depth: 1.2-1.5m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately May to end-September
- Pool house with changing room and WC
- Sun-loungers (x4)
- Barbecue
- Al-fresco dining courtyard
- Terrace with benches and low tables
- Table tennis
- Boules/pétanque
- Natural well
- Pond
Facilities
- Wi-Fi (may not work in all rooms)
- Ethernet internet access (all rooms)
- Heating
- Video projector and screen
- DVD player and DVDs
- Library (books and comics)
- Children’s books and DVDs
- Mini music system
- American billiards
- Chess and board games
- Printer access
- Washing machine and dryer
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau De BlauChâteau De Blau is located in the Haute-Loire department of the Auvergne region just a 20-minute drive from the delightful town of Brioude and 42km from historic Le Puy-en-Velay.
The château is set in a small hamlet with other houses close by and there is a farm shop within walking distance. The nearest village is 4km away, home to a small French bistro and a food market on a Wednesday in the summer months. Close to the Allier River, there are marked hiking trails near the village (close to some remarkable geological sites) whilst canoeing, kayaking, rafting and fishing opportunities can be found in Lavoûte-Chilhac (8km), another small and charming village with a gorgeous 15th century bridge and an interesting Paleontology Museum as well as food shops, cafes and restaurants.
Yet more river-based watersports and fishing can be enjoyed in and around Langeac (6.5km) and there are a couple of supermarkets on the edge of the village as well as other useful amenities. From Langeac you can follow the Allier, one of France’s longest rivers, towards its famous gorges, best discovered by canoe, raft or via the tourist train that runs between Langeac and Langogne on certain days in the summer.
Indeed, this region is ideal for a number of outdoor activities which the château can help organise for you from fishing trips, electric bike hire and mountain biking excursions to hikes through stunning natural sites as well as hot-air balloon rides and even micro-flights. Cultural trips are aplenty as well with the impressive Château de Chavaniac and its gardens only 12km away and Château de Polignac reached within an hour, a striking fortress close to Le Puy-en-Velay.
The Loire runs close to Le Puy-en-Velay, such a beautiful historic town and the starting point for the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route. Both the town’s Romanesque cathedral and Rocher Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe are amazing and there are a number of medieval lanes to potter around, many filled with pretty lace shops.
Slightly closer is Brioude (24km), another very picturesque town with a rich heritage, home to the admirable Basilique Saint-Julien de Brioude. Spend time exploring Brioude’s old narrow lanes, visit little craft studios and art galleries and soak up the ambience at the bustling Saturday morning market. Also look out for a programme of music concerts taking place in the summer.
Other noteworthy villages across the Massif Central include Lavaudieu (19km) on the banks of the Senouire, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and home to an 11th century Benedictine abbey, and Blesle (46km) with its pretty riverbanks and bridges.
Continuing towards Clermont-Ferrand (95km), you will find the incredible landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne with its four volcanic massifs, an absolute paradise for keen hikers, especially Puy de Dôme (a train also heads to the summit from the visitors centre).
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Le Puy - Loudes Airport
(33km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport
(92km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Lyon Airport
(190km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de Saint-Georges-d'Aurac
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Farm shop in hamlet
(Walking distance) |
||
| Nearest Village |
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Small restaurant in local village
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Super U et Drive
(5km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Brioude
(24km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
Langeac
(6.5km) |
||
Region
Rhône-Alpes is the essence of adventure. With nearby rivers and mountains, it’s open season for thrill seekers and anyone with a passion for the outdoors. And although it may be hard to believe, the air is crisper in this beautiful central region of France. Perfect for families, couples and groups of friends, everyone will come back with a story to tell. Whether that’s taking a big bite of nougat or exploring the snowtopia of Chamonix – Rhône-Alpes is a paradise unlike no other. And if you’re looking for the perfect base, don’t forget to check out our villas in Rhône-Alpes.
Kids
Best Suited For: TeensChâteau De Blau only accepts children aged 7+.
When travelling with older children, families can make the most of this stunning part of France by enjoying long walks and hikes through this part of the Haute-Loire department.
There is a wealth of watersport activities along the Allier, one of France’s longest rivers, with canoeing, kayaking and rafting in both nearby Lavoûte-Chilhac and Langeac. From Langeac canoeing and rafting excursions lead towards the Allier gorges, one of the only ways to discover the incredible scenery of the river, alongside a tourist train on certain summer days.
Other outdoor activities that the château can help organise include mountain biking, electric bike hire, hot-air balloon rides and cultural trips to historic towns, grand French châteaux and fortresses. There are numerous tree-top adventure centres dotted across the region including Auvergne Parc Aventure in nearby Langeac and further around Saint-Paulien and Le Puy.
Furthermore, in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, not only are there hikes for the keenest of walkers and a train to the summit of Puy de Dôme, there’s also the well-known attraction park Vulcania themed all around volcanoes.
Kids Activities Close-by
- Watersports
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Pool/Snooker
- DVD
Services Available
- Breakfast Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Included
- Babysitting Available
- English speaking babysitter available
Oliver's Extras
- Pre-Stocked Fridge Available
- Transfers Available
- Breakfast Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Included
- Babysitting Available
- English speaking babysitter available
- Welcome Pack Included
- French Wine List Available
- Other Concierge Services Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From pr...
Read moreExtras
Oliver's Extras
- Pre-Stocked Fridge Available
- Transfers Available
- Breakfast Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Included
- Babysitting Available
- English speaking babysitter available
- Welcome Pack Included
- French Wine List Available
- Other Concierge Services 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 included at this property:
- Daily cleaning (5hrs per day, six days a week for living room, bedrooms and pool house)
- Bath amenities
- Garden/pool maintenance (3 days per week)
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Continental or English breakfast
- Welcome pack including cheese, bread, yoghurts and paté
- Welcome dinner
- Pre-stocked fridge/shopping service
- Chef for lunch and evening meals
- Wine list including select French wines and champagne
- Babysitting
- Transfers
- Car hire
- Other concierge services (e.g. restaurant reservations, electric bike hire, cultural excursions, canoe/kayak excursions, fishing etc)
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 | €3000 paid via bank transfer to the owner at the time of paying the full balance and refunded a minimum of 15 days after departure, subject to full inspection, minus any banking fees that may apply. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. Please inform the château by telephone for a later arrival - arrival after 8.00 p.m. is subject to acceptance. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €3000 paid via bank transfer to the owner at the time of paying the full balance and refunded a minimum of 15 days after departure, subject to full inspection, minus any banking fees that may apply. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. Please inform the château by telephone for a later arrival - arrival after 8.00 p.m. is subject to acceptance. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. Linen is changed weekly. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes and daily cleaning also included (6 days a week). 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? | Included. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately May to end-September. 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. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is included. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Château De Blau only accepts children aged 7+. There should be a signatory present who is 30+ years of age. |
| Internet access? | Wi-Fi is included but it may not work in all rooms due to the thickness of the historic walls. Ethernet internet is available in all rooms. |
| Changeover day | Saturday from June-August and during school holidays. Flexible during all other periods. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights from June-August and during school holidays. 3 nights during all other periods. |
| Insurance | The reservation is subject to full insurance of the rented property against rental risks, theft, fire, water damages and claims by neighbours, as well as insuring rental furnishing. All participants must also be covered by third party liability insurance. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and other celebrations are not allowed. Commercial or professional activities are also strictly not allowed including filming or shooting sessions. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Guests will be required to sign a copy of the owner's rental terms before the arrival. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 11 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29th 2023 - Apr 1st 2023 | £2,715 | £3,620 | £4,525 | £6,194 |
| Easter Season | - | - | - | £6,194 |
| Apr 15th 2023 - Jul 1st 2023 | £2,715 | £3,620 | £4,525 | £6,194 |
| Jul 1st 2023 - Sep 1st 2023 | - | - | - | £7,038 |
| Sep 1st 2023 - Oct 1st 2023 | - | - | - | £6,194 |
| Oct 1st 2023 - Dec 16th 2023 | £2,715 | £3,620 | £4,525 | £6,194 |
| Christmas & New Year | - | - | - | £6,194 |
| Jan 6th 2024 - Mar 30th 2024 | £2,715 | £3,620 | £4,525 | £6,194 |
| Easter Season | - | - | - | £6,194 |
| Apr 13th 2024 - Jun 29th 2024 | £2,715 | £3,620 | £4,525 | £6,194 |
| Jun 29th 2024 - Aug 1st 2024 | - | - | - | £7,038 |
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?
- Since 2019
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
- A combination of things: the beauty of ...
Read moreOwner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
- Since 2019
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
- A combination of things: the beauty of the park and sightseeing, the avenue of lime trees that leads to the medieval castle, and the charm and comfort of this castle
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
- This medieval castle was built by Guillaume de Blau, Seigneur de Gilbertès, Auvers et Cronce in 1407. It is facing granite cliffs with traces of prehistoric human occupation.
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do?
- Beyond resting by the swimming pool and enjoying the unique sightseeing:
- Go for a walk or for a hike from the Castle on a selection of beautiful itineraries across the region
- Take advantage of the beautiful Allier’s river for fishing, kayaking or rafting. There are magnificent spots nearby or at a short driving distance
- Discover historical places nearby – see below
Must eat?
- The local cold cut, yogurts and cheeses
Must see?
- All the famous villages, historic places and castles nearby, such as:
Lavoute Chilhac, a splendid village on the Allier river, with its church and Priory
The splendid Basilica Saint Julien de Brioude (the largest of the Romanesque churches in Auvergne), the classified beautiful village at Lavaudieu and the Abbey of Saint Volusien at La Chaise Dieu
The Chavaniac Castle where was born the famous General Marquis de LaFayette, and the historical castles close by at La Rochelambert (which inspired Jean Cocteau for its version of “La Belle et la Bête”), Saint Vidal or Polignac
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
- A unique location for an invitation to explore history in a glorious natural setting.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
