| When you visit France, be sure and
stay in or visit the
truly extraordinary and beautiful castles [called chateaux], their gardens and parks [jardins et parcs]. A park is not a 'Park' in the sense
that we Americans think of, but rather the grounds of the estate. The properties listed are historical for the most part, quite unique and
very beautiful and/or charming. They've been updated with all the modern conveniences, yet gracefully remain centuries old
historical monuments. Their parks and gardens may be informal to very formal and of every description imaginable. Rose
gardens, magnificent floral gardens, kitchen gardens [called potagers] or a beautifully scented herb garden. Visiting a formal Japanese ornamental garden complete with Koi, or one of many sculptured gardens is truly a most remarkable experience. The formal French gardens came in to popularity when Andre Le Notre
the famous French landscape architect designed the
gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte in the mid 17th century, and was then called
upon to design the Palace of Versailles gardens for Louis XIV. You can view the article on Andre Le Notre
here. Enjoy the magnificent chateaux and gardens in
France on your next visit. Visit
Castles & Chateaux for
our directory listings. |
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Abbaye-Château de Camon
is a Benedictine abbey dating back to the 10th
century
and dominates the beautiful little village of Camon,
and only 35 minutes from Carcassonne
airport.
It's one of the last wilderness regions in Europe,
and steeped in history of the Cathars and the knights’
templar with the majestic Pyrenees as a backdrop This historic monument is now a
beautifully decorated six-bedroom chambres
d’hôte and classic French goose-down bedding. Indulge in our scrumptious breakfast, as food is an important part of the experience here:
local, seasonal and fresh food cooked simply with an emphasis on
flavour and quality. If the weather permits, we'll serve
your dinner out on the terrace by candlelight, overlooking the
magnificent Pyrenees. Email:
L'Abbaye-Chateau de Camon and click here for
More Info |
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Château d’Alogny
is located in the Region of Poitou-Charentes. It
lies in the beautiful tranquil countryside only an hour’s drive
from the magnificent châteaux of the Loire Valley. Many
attractions are to be found within easy distance. The healing
waters of La Roche Posay, have drawn visitors since Roman times. La Roche Posay has narrow, winding streets,
and possesses a famous casino, a golf course,
an equestrian centre and a racetrack, in addition to all regular
shops and facilities, including bike rentals. There
are abundant activities including hiking,
cycling or horse-back riding to
enjoy the network of
ancient trails and footpaths that weave through the surrounding
woods and fields, while the local rivers provide delight to
swimmers, kayakers and canoeists. Email: Chateau
d'Alogny and click
here for
More Info. |
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Château
des Bondons
is located in the Region of Ile-de-France, and is situated in
the Departement of Meaux, near Couloummiers,
Château-Thierry, Marne la vallée,
France. Not far from Jouarre, just an hour from Paris,
this 19th century slate-roofed château once belonged to the
Baron de Flegny, and then to Georges Ohnet, author of “Le maître
de forge”. Lovingly restored a few years ago, it is now an
elegant hotel where on fine days, guests can enjoy lunch on the
large terrace that looks out over a delightful ornamental pond
and flower garden. The interior is decorated in the 18th century
style, with sumptuous bedrooms and suites, some with bubbling
bath and terraces. Number 8 is the largest, with 80 m2 of living
space, beautiful panelling and a small lounge. Chateau des
Bondons offers fishing, ping pong, petanque, and is located near
Chateau-Thierry in Marne la Vallee, for
More Info |
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Château d'Hattonchâtel
is located in the Region of Lorraine,
and is situated near
Metz,
Verdun and
Nancy in the North-East of France. A short hour to
Paris, Lorraine also borders the three countries of Belgium,
Luxembourg and Germany,
for quick day trips from
Château d'Hattonchâtel, you're
just an hour or so to Luxembourg City [and their famous Chocolat],
and Belgium and their wonderful lace and 'frites', and of course
your right over the border from Germany.
Château d'Hattonchâtel
specializes in the exceptional when it comes to hosting
weddings, receptions and all types of seminar or business needs
for those with discriminating requirements. With a host of
local activities to keep you busy from a hot air balloon ride,
to golfing at one of seven nearby courses and of course the
finest in dining to appease the most discerning palate.
Email us at Ritz
Resorts and click for
More Info. |
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Château de Lantic is located in the Region of Aquitaine,
just a quarter of an hour from the center of Bordeaux,
this 18th century residence has been renovated with
taste and respect for its stone construction, welcomes you in
one of its charming apartments, in its ‘chambre d’hotes’ and
invites you into its elegant rooms where you can hold
receptions, seminars or other activities [from 50 to 150
persons]. We have considerable equipment and leisure activities
at your disposition…accommodations by the night, week-end or by
the week. We have both
rooms [chambres] and individual cottages [gites] to rent out.
Our chambres are beautifully decorated, with showers or baths,
and conveniences. We are open all year long, providing a
wonderful holiday in the famous Bordeaux wine country where we
can cater to all your seminar or reception needs.
Email them at: Chateau
de Lantic and click here for
More Info. |
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Château de Montautre
is located in the Region of Limousin,
and the Dept of Haute-Vienne. The chateau sits southwest
of Paris and within the towns of Bessines-sur-Gartempe,
Chateauponsac and Fromental. Chateaux Montautre was built in the
15th century and has been lovingly restored by its new owners.
The amenities are numerous, both for indoor and outdoor
activities, not to mention their beautiful facilities for
weddings and receptions or seminars for groups of up to sixty
persons. This is a great place to get away from the
craziness of our day-to-day and for smaller groups to
participate in art, sculpting or cooking classes. The
largest town nearby is Limoges famous for its porcelains,
enamelware and faience. And to the southeast sits the Village of
Aubusson famous for their magnificent tapestries the world over.
The area is filled with lovely villages, ancient castles, and
beautiful parklands. Email us for more info at:
Chateau de Montautre for
More Info and
Directions |
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Chateau de
Thoiry and Wildlife Park is located in the Region of Ile-de-France,
just north of Paris.
It is one of the
most visited places in France. You not only can visit the
magnificent chateau, that was designed using the 'Golden Mean'
creating the most unique phenomenon on the winter solstice, but
there are the formal gardens created by Claude Desgot [LeNotre's
nephew and successor], and their famous Wildlife Safari park
that you can drive through, and visit all the animals up close.
There is a regular zoo, and a petting zoo for little ones. There
are continual events taking place year-round; as the wildlife
park is open year-round. This is an absolute must to visit
for young and old alike
Email them at:
Chateau de
Thoiry and click here for
More Info. |
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Domaine Bellefond
is located in the Region of Limousin,
in the middle of the Corrèze region
offering the perfect combination of
rest and relaxation with optional recreational pursuits. The
striking main building on the estate dominates the surrounding
area. The house dates back to the middle of the 17th century.
It goes without saying that all of our guest rooms are
comfortably furnished, as are all of the rooms in the house. The
owners keep the atmosphere relaxed and informal. Breakfast is
served around the Aga in the large live-in kitchen. When
the weather is fine meals can be served on one of the three
terraces. Menus change with the seasons and always include
regional dishes. The exceptionally well equipped kitchen
holds cooking courses on a regular basis. Email them at:
Domaine Bellefond and
click here for
More Info |
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Hôtel
du Centenaire is
located in the Region of Aquitaine. The grand
entrance of the Centenaire opens out onto a green, floral haven.
Hidden away lie the superb pool and lawns, delightful for
sunbathing. A little nearer the hotel entrance, is an enticingly
shaded terrace, a perfect place for afternoon naps or, in the
evening, an ideal setting to enjoy a delicious cocktail.
The Hotel du Centenaire has 20 rooms and 4 apartments that
combine both the modern and luxurious. Everything here is
practical, elegant and stylish. The Centenaire's
reputation has long since crossed the boundries of the perigord. The
dining room is in itself in pastel tones, is stylishly
decorated, a refined atmosphere, and excellent cuisine from
Roland Mazère's delicacies that come from the kitchens. Email
them at:
Hotel du Centenaire and
click here for
More Info. |
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La Maison du Frene is located in the Region of Provence
Cote 'Azur, in the very heart of the historic district of Vence,
and a superb and typical provençal guest house that was built
near the end of the 18th century. In giving the utmost
attention to the renovation of the house, we preserved the
original architecture and
style typical to this era. The house has been used as a small
boutique hotel this past century.
This delightful guest house offers
the most charming accommodations, with all the
modern conveniences. Particular care has been given to each of
our four suites, to offer you the ultimate in luxury and
comfort. Each suite is unique and welcoming and the baths are
spacious and elegantly decorated with all the amenities. A
delicious breakfast is included. Email them at:
La
Maison du Frene and for
click here for
More Info. |
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Le Clos de la Tuilière is located in the Region of
Rhone-Alps, is in the middle
of a small but charming hamlet of the Grand Tuilière. This is
an old farm dating back to the 17th century, that is made of
stones and rocks from the Drôme area. It once functioned as
stables for the King in the times of Madam de Sévigné, and later
as a mail way-station. Le Clos de la Tuilière welcomes you to
stay in our friendly and hospitable ancient stone home, with
comfortable and spacious rooms, and daily housekeeping. Each
room is uniquely decorated, with modern baths that have either a
shower or bathtub and separate water closet. In the morning
after a hearty breakfast with homemade jams, your hostesses
Annick and Kitty will gladly help you organize your program for
the day. Enjoy the pool, play golf, horseback ride or hike
this ultra scenic area. Email:
Le
Clos de la Tuiliere and for
More Info |
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Le
Papillon Mignon is located in the Region of Ile de
France, 'the petite butterly' is the happy name for the ‘L’
shaped antique farmhouse with its divine courtyard and acre of
totally enclosed backyard. It is perfectly in keeping with the
‘storybook’ feel and untouched harmony of the country homes and
beautiful stone villages in Ile de France....and just 35 minutes
by train or car from Paris. The farm house is composed of 4
bedrooms in the main house with 3 bathrooms. It has a beautiful
entrance with a powder room and a spectacular large living room
kitchen with a massive fireplace at one end and at the other
multi-paned windows that look out on the garden. Activates
abound in the area, visit Fontainebleau or Barbizon. A wonderful
country breakfast is included. Email them at:
Le
Papillon Mignon or click here for
More
Info |
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L'Oustal Nau les Combes is located in the Region of
Midi-Pyrenees, and
is a beautiful and comfortable
residence with a lot of charm that is located on a natural
wooded hillside on the heights of the historic city of Carennac.
This property offers rooms, or exclusive rental except during
the months of July & August, and arrangements can be made for
your reception at the airport or train station.
There are six guestrooms,
all the rooms are tastefully
furnished, where you can spend
enjoyable moments of relaxation.
All rooms are equipped either
with a private modern bath and WC [water closet], or shower room
and WC. Meals can be
arranged by making reservations ahead of time ; please make your
reservations for the beauty spa as well. Email them at: L'Oustal Nau les Combes and
click here for
More Info |
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Manoir
de Bellerive is
located in the Region of Aquitaine. It is a 19th century country
manor that is situated in a quiet English-style park on the
banks of the Dordogne river. The Manoir invites you to
discover the charm and colors of Perigord, whatever the season.
Our beautifully appointed rooms either look out over the park or
the river, and of course have all the luxurious amenities for
your comfort, with modern spacious baths. Marcel Clevenot and
Eric Barbe's high standards of cuisine have received several
most prestigious food guide awards. We offer a 'One Week Loaded
Cooking Program Plus', and several introductory cooking classes.
The wines of this area are superb! Afternoons are spent
sightseeing and exploring the regions prehistoric caves, cliff
villages, outdoor activities of biking, canoeing, hiking, rock
climbing and admiring magnificent vistas. Email them at:
Manoir.bellerive@wanadoo.fr
and
click here for
More Info |
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For more information on Castle Tours in France
click here. |
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For more information on Chateaux Gourmet Culinary Programs -
click here. |
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© 1999 -
2007 by Sharon Atchley All Rights Reserved. |
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