The Château
is just 30 minutes north of Bordeaux. It is the ideal get-away for those who
want to experience the rich flavours of this extraordinary region of France.
Surrounded by its 22 acres of woods and fields, this impressive building stands
testament to days and lifestyles long gone by. It acts as the perfect location
from which to explore two of France’s most beautiful regions - Poitou Charente
and Aquitaine. While perhaps most famous for their world-famous wines and
cognac, these regions also offer a vast array of fantastic beaches, splendid
forests, mediaeval towns and markets (Bordeaux, Cognac, St Emilion, Blaye are
all within a 40 minute drive). It is also a good opportunity to find those spots
of interest known only to the locals - there is a fantastic swimming lake only
15 minutes away near the town of Montguyon.
Accommodation: As you walk through the doorway of the right wing you
enter the vast main lounge which has a 2m high wood burning stone fireplace,
comfortable sofas and relaxing décor. The kitchen is just off the main lounge
and has all the standard amenities - microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, gas
cooker, fridge, freezer and a number of smaller kitchen appliances (toaster,
coffee maker). There is a formal dining room which can be used to enjoy the
magnificent wine and food from this famous region. The drawing room contains the
original glass chandelier and has an impressive mirror and fireplace - an ideal
place to relax. The downstairs gallery shows the original Napoleonic floor
tiling. The office area provides leisure information, telephone and internet.
There are 4 double bedrooms with en suites and 2 further doubles with a shared
bathroom, plus an adjacent bedroom with WC and washbasin. Ground Floor: Kitchen
- is cosy and has all the amenities you need. Indeed you may well find yourself
spending a lot of your time around the farmhouse table enjoying the local fresh
food and wine. There are several organic farms in the locality. There is a
dishwasher and washing machine. Dining Room - (45m2) with dresser and dining
table for up to 12 people. Drawing Room - large leather sofa and huge
chandelier. A place to relax, play board games or make conversation. Main lounge
- (63m2) comprises of leather sofas, coffee tables, television, DVD & CD player
(with a selection of DVD’s & CD’s). Plenty of space to put your feet up and
relax. Office - land line telephone (incoming/outgoing calls), local information
and a small library of books provided for light reading. Fully equipped PC with
printer and Internet access. Why not print off some of your holiday photos or
save your digital pictures to disk! Office WC. First Floor: This floor can be
accessed by one of two stairways. All bedrooms are furnished with new
comfortable beds. Rooms have either wardrobes or built-in cupboards and chest of
drawers.
Outside: There are outside tables and barbecue facilities, petanque,
bikes and of course a 11x5 metre saltwater pool. Also children’s facilities such
as paddling-pool and swings.
Wine Tasting: The region to the south of Clérac produces some of the most
famous and aristocratic wines in the world. Margaux, St. Julien, Pauillac and
St. Estèphe to the North-East of Bordeaux; Pomerol and St. Emilion around
Libourne, while Blaye and Côtes de Blaye are but a 15 min drive away. While some
the more famous vineyards will usually require advance bookings for tastings,
there are literally hundreds of other producers more than willing to open their
cellars for a tasting. The Charente region is also world-famous for it's Cognac,
with tastings at all the major distilleries encouraged. Lesser-known outside
France perhaps, but equally worthy in it's own right is Pineau - a type of sweet
wine usually drank as an aperitif.
For the Children: There is a wide range of activities for children of all
ages to enjoy within easy reach of the Château. From the clean sandy beaches of
the Atlantic coast, to aqua parks, aquariums, zoos, canoeing and horse riding
dotted around the immediate vicinity.
Local Markets: The region is abundant with fresh produce, a lot of which
is sold in traditional markets. Each of the market towns in the region has a
different market day - so there is always something to investigate.
Cuisine: Being a coastal department there is an abundance of excellent
fish and shellfish with oysters being most popular. There is an abundance of
fresh fruit and vegetables.
Sightseeing: Poitou Charente and Aquitaine are both steeped in history -
right back to pre-historic times! Wars have been fought, revolutions have taken
place, with each leaving its own mark on the landscape. Within a driving
distance of the château the following towns are well worth a visit: Angouleme,
Barbezieux, Blaye, Bordeaux Jonzac, Meux, Mirambeau, Montendre, Pons, Sarlat. La
Rochelle, Royan, Rochefort are all within 1 to 1 and half hours drive. 2 hours
to Ile de Oleron and Ile de Re.
Cycling: There are lots of small villages and forests to investigate all
around the region. If staying at the Château you will have use of 5 mountain
bikes.
Fishing: There are a number of lakes in the location with freshwater
fish. There is coastal fishing too.
Shopping: Bordeaux is one of France's largest cities. As such there is
not much you will not find there! Of course regional products feature heavily -
i.e. wine! However, the region is dotted with smaller towns and villages that
hold fairs, specialize in something - so it is well worth checking with us what
is on in the region during the period you wish to stay.
Travel: Nearest airport is Bordeaux Merignac; 5 other airports are within
a 1 hour drive (Bergerac, Angouleme, Périgueux, Limoges, Poitiers – all accessed
by Budget Airlines).
