Chateau De Montpezat is a beautifully restored and impeccably designed Renaissance castle located on the banks of the Garonne river, with the Pyrenees mountains close by.
Chateau De Montpezat is a beautifully restored and impeccably designed Renaissance castle located on the banks of the Garonne river, with the Pyrenees mountains close by. Perfect for a grand family holiday or event, the chateau, with farmhouse next door and gatehouse down the lane, houses up to 22 guests amongst 40 hectares of forests comprised of oaks, pines, sycamores and ash trees.
Privacy, luxury and comfort are at the heart of this historic chateau, and a team of staff (security guard, concierge and maid) are on hand to take care of your every need, making your holiday a dream. The owner, Jean-Francois, began a decade-long renovation of this 1520s castle in 1998, and the fruits of his labour are rich indeed. The opulent blend of old and new styles will please the most discerning guests - from the bathroom lounges, to the ultramodern suite beneath the eaves.
The historical Salle des Gardes has hardly changed over the past five centuries. Initially a room where the castle's personnel cooked and guards came for some heat by its massive fireplace, it has become the primary dining room and remains the true heart of the chateau.
The red living room's history is marked by 19th century Gothic revival with its large chimney and wooden panelling. There is also the formal yellow dining room, billiard room and a fully functional office. The office offers a quiet space for work, and is equipped with a MAC (with all commonly-used software), internet access, a printer and a fax-machine. Located on the chateau's top floor, the billiard room is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of Armagnac after dinner. It is also the TV room, with access to major international channels through satellite connection and a choice of DVDs for guests to enjoy.
In terms of sleeping arrangements, the castle offers seven wonderful suites, six with queen or king-size beds and one with two spacious twin beds. The chateau renovations were finalised in 2008, culminating in the completion of the spectacular Cathedral Suite under the rooftop, with its 5 metre high ceilings. The historical rooms have also been decorated over a 10-year time-frame through years of searching in antique shops or auctions and are unique in style. The Cathedral Suite, however, is "outrageously" modern, with contemporary art, a design bed and 50s and 60s Brazilian furniture.
Bedrooms 8, 9 and 10 are located in the farmhouse just a few steps from the main building, while the 11th bedroom can be found in the gatehouse, located at the entrance of the property, a 1-minute walk from the castle. This cosy detached house used to be the residence of the former caretaker and is ideal for those seeking a little extra privacy. Inside, there is a kitchen, a living room, a double bedroom and a bathroom with a shower and WC.
Outside, the chateau's pool (heated upon request) is open from approximately May until October and is the ideal place to enjoy a rare moment of far niente. A poolside lunch can even be prepared and served for 20 guests at the pool, with the help of the Argentinian barbecue.
There are many activities available on site depending on the season, including fishing, hunting, archery, petanque, croquet, Molkky, bespoke orienteering races, darts, table tennis and trampoline. Yoga, reiki, reflexology and Tibetan bowl sessions can also be organised. Plus, you can enjoy the chateau's orchard which offers its fruit from June to October.
The nearest shops and restaurants can be found in the local village, just a 5-minute walk from the property with further options available in the riverside spa town of Salies-du-Salat (8km), a 10-minute drive away. Toulouse is around an hour away, accessible by car or by train, departing from the local village, and is not to be missed. Be sure to take in the wonderful arts and architecture of France's fourth largest city.
Chateau Interiors
Lower Ground Floor
Chateau De Montpezat is situated amongst 40 hectares of woodland area on the banks of the Garonne river with stunning views of the Pyrenees mountains. Despite its secluded ambiance, the chateau is conveniently located just a few hundred metres from the local village, allowing easy access to local shops and restaurants.
The region is charged with history; the chateau is even located on the road leading to Santiago de Compostela, the centuries-old pilgrimage route. There are a number of historical chateaux and churches to visit, such as the grand cathedral of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, and handful of charming villages are a short distance away by car, including the riverside spa town of Salies-du-Salat.
In the heart of the rural Midi-Pyrenees, around 30 minutes' drive from the chateau is the UNESCO classified ancient village of Saint-Lizier, one of France's Plus Beaux Villages. Perched upon a hill above the Salat, this Gallo-Roman site is rich with relics and ties to its past. Spend a slow morning strolling along the cobbled streets and secret passages, admiring the views of the meadows, forests, river and the not-too-distant Pyrenees mountains.
The local village train station is only a 10-minute walk from the chateau, with rail connections to larger towns and cities like Toulouse, Pau and Tarbes. Toulouse, also known as La Ville Rose, is well worth a visit, known for its distinctive pink-toned buildings, history, art, and of course, the food.
The South-West of France is a unique region in terms of its wines and gastronomy, and the team at Chateau De Montpezat will be happy to organise excursions for you to discover the best local specialities during your stay, namely foie gras producers and winemakers.
The beautiful natural landscapes give way to a host of sports which are available nearby, including tennis, horseback riding, golf, ski and summer mountain sports. In the milder months, you can cycle with road or mountain bikes (with or without a guide or assistance vehicle; e-bikes available), trek in the Pyrenees (with or without a mountain guide) or try white water rafting.
In 2022, the chateau partnered with Cynisca, a new US women's cycling team and a professional service course is now available for guests to use. It is one of the most upscale and professional cycling venues in the French Pyrenees and perfect for cycling enthusiasts looking to keep up with the sport during their holidays.