Chateau D'Ax

The old bones of this 14th century chateau in Midi-Pyrenees stand proudly on a hectare of green parkland. With sweeping views over the surrounding territory (known for sunflower and wine production), your guests will commune with this countryside on the edge of the Dordogne. Inside, simple furnishings let the chateau's character shine; stone walls, well-loved brick fireplaces, and mysterious spiral stairs suggest a storied past.

Up to 26 guests can spread out on the grounds here - they'll especially love the swimming pool and barbecue area in the summertime. A separate apartment in the chateau lends extra privacy for a large family - it features its own kitchen and living area, and a dorm room with five single beds for the kids.

Just 8km away is Tournon-d'Agenais, a lovely 13th century village with a central square and charming stone arcades – make sure you try some of the delicious apple-based dessert 'tourtiere' during your visit.

One of France's most beautiful villages, Pujols, is around half an hour away or spend time visiting the Malbec producing vineyards surrounding the gorgeous town of Cahors on the Lot river. Then there's canoeing, biking and hiking through the Lot and Cele valleys, castle ruins and many enchanting bastide villages and market towns.

You may fly in through Bergerac, a hub of wine-related commerce for the Dordogne (and certainly worth a pause on your way to the chateau!).

Features

1. Ground Floor & First Floor (5 bedrooms) - 12 guests
2. Apartment & Second Floor (7 bedrooms) - 14 guests
3. Entire Chateau (12 bedrooms) - 26 guests

• Living room with grand fireplace
• Dining room
• TV room with home-cinema
• Kitchen, fully-equipped
• Bathroom

First Floor

• Bedroom 1 with twin beds (90x200cm each)
• Bedroom 2 with double bed (180x200cm)
• Bathroom (shared between bedrooms 1, 2 and 3)
• Bedroom 3 (a side-room/annexe) with French bed (120x190cm)
• Bedroom 4 with double bed (180x200cm) and en-suite bathroom
• Bedroom 5 with double bed (160x200cm)
• Bedroom 6 with twin beds (90x200cm each)
• Bedroom 7 (tower room) with twin beds (90x200cm)
• Bathroom (shared between bedrooms 5, 6 and 7)

Second Floor

• Bedroom 8 with double bed (180x200cm) and en suite bathroom
• Bedroom 9 (tower room) with double bed (160x200cm) and single bed (80x190cm)
• Bedroom 10 with twin beds (90x200cm each) and French bed (120x190cm)
• Bathroom (shared between bedrooms 9 and 10)

Self-contained apartment

• Living room with fireplace
• Kitchen
• Bedroom 11 with double bed (160x200cm)
• Dorm-style bedroom 12 (low ceiling) with five single beds (90x200cm each)
• Bathroom
• Terrace

Outside Grounds

• Swimming pool (14x7m, depth: up to 2m) with safety gate/fencing, open approximately mid-May to end-September
• Al-fresco dining terrace
• Barbecue
• Grounds with fruit trees

Facilities

• Wi-Fi
• Heating
• Home cinema
• DVDs
• Board games for children
• Children's books
• Table tennis
• Table football

Location

Chateau d'Ax is in a tiny village in the Lot department, close to medieval Tournon-d'Agenais and around forty minutes west of Cahors. The nearest airport is Bergerac (76km) whilst Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is about a 90-minute drive away.

There is a restaurant around 3km away as well as a tennis court within a 5-minute drive which Chateau d'Ax guests may use on a complimentary basis. The nearest shops can be found in the lovely village of Tournon-d'Agenais (8km) with its medieval lanes and a picturesque central square – make sure you try some of the apple-based pastry dessert ‘tourtiere' during your stay.

Montcuq (15km) is home to a brilliant Sunday morning market and is a lovely village to explore with glorious views of the Lot valley. The bastide town of Lauzerte (21km) is another gorgeous place to visit, officially classified as one of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages'.

Drive around 20 minutes north to the Lot for peaceful picnics, canoeing opportunities and lovely walks with the most beautiful scenery. Summer boat trips depart from Puy-l'Eveque, a charming village perched above the river with an attractive Tuesday morning market. A little further away is Villeneuve-sur-Lot (34km), a historic bastide town which could be combined with Pujols, another one of France's most beautiful villages with many wonderful views.

Heading east, Cahors (37km) is known for its famous bridge, Pont Valentre, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pick up all sorts of regional delights from the twice-weekly market including Quercy melons when in season, and stroll around the captivating historic centre with its medieval lanes, pretty squares and impressive cathedral.