The words “ultramodern castle” aren't a contradiction when you experience this expertly renovated chateau in Languedoc, which is also one of the best wine producers of the region.
The words “ultramodern castle” aren't a contradiction when you experience this expertly renovated chateau in Languedoc, which is also one of the best wine producers of the region.
Here you have the best of both worlds; old stone arches are a cunning counterpoint to sleek, modern furniture. Playful textiles pop against clean and classic lines. Your guests will never forget the time they've had, sipping cocktails by the grand piano or exploring the timeless 3-hectare park.
You're invited to taste the wines that are produced on-site, which regularly win awards and have been well-reviewed in wine magazines bettane+desseauve and La Revue du Vin de France. There are 60 hectares of grapevines on this vast property, 40 km south of Montpellier (the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region). If you're in need of more activity than a stroll through the vines - and the 100 hectares of garrigue - have a swim in the 13m pool, or play tennis on the private court.
This holiday chateau is quiet and secluded, 4km from the nearest town of Montagnac. Dozens of wineries dot the landscape here, all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea. Have a gorgeous day at the beach in Meze (12km), where you can slurp the best oysters in France with shallot vinegar.
Chateau Interior
Ground Floor
-Grand reception room/ballroom with sofas and TV, grand piano
Upper Floors via magnificent wide Renaissance spiral staircase)
Outside Grounds
Facilities
Chateau De Valombreuse is set in a 3 hectare estate of beautiful countryside including vineyards, in the Herault countryside between Pezenas (12km) and Meze (10km).
You're invited to taste the wines that are produced on-site as there are 60 hectares of grapevines on this property. Surrounded by hectares of garrigue, it is a wonderful area for walking, including the ancient Roman route of Via Domitia which passes nearby. Cyclists can head to the nearest village or explore further afield on one of the many cycling routes in the area.
The closest village of Montagnac (3km) is very picturesque with some interesting shops, a handful of rural French bars and restaurants and a pretty medieval church worthy of a visit. Historic Pezenas (12km) is also just a short drive away, a great place to spend some time wandering around the town's art galleries and antique shops or stopping for a bite to eat in one of the many good restaurants. Pezenas also hosts one of the region's finest markets on a Saturday morning.
Within ten minutes drive you can be on the water's edge at Etang de Thau, one of the impressive lagoons along this part of the coast. The water is famous for oysters and you can take fantastic boat trips to the oyster beds of Bouzigues. Of course you can enjoy some excellent sea-food in the fishing villages dotted around Etang de Thau, including nearby Meze (12km) where you will also find some watersports, a weekly market and lots of local events. The unspoilt and authentic town of Sete (28km) has long sandy beaches and there are further seaside resorts at Marseillan Plage (24km) and Cap d'Agade (32km), with more watersports available.
The city of Montpellier (45km) is the region's capital and full of stunning plazas, great shops and historical sites. Other places worthy of a day trip include the magnificent fortified town of Carcassone (120km), the impressive Roman aquaduct at Pont du Gard (120km) and one of the most beautiful villages in France, Saint Guilhem le Desert (40km), all three of them are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
There are activities for young and old nearby, from kite-surfing in Marseillan to yachting in Meze, and golf lovers have a choice of courses in the Languedoc. There are plenty of marked trails for walking and bike rides and there is horse-riding within a few minutes. You may also like to watch the popular and traditional sport of water jousting which takes place throughout the summer with competitions between local seaside towns. Finally, dinosaur lovers have the choice of the nearby Dinosaur museum, just ten minutes drive away or the Dino-Park within 30 kilometres, both open from April to October.