Chateau Des Audaces

Not far from one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, Chateau des Audaces is a historic and beautiful home which enjoys wonderful views over the stunning Tarn-et-Garonne countryside.

You can also enjoy the romantic vistas of forests and farmland from many of the large windows across the 13th to 18th century house, which is unique for a château from this time. The owners have lovingly restored this home to create a stylish and comfortable space yet have respected its historic past by retaining traditional features such as thick stone walls, wood beams and vaulted ceilings. The home has been furnished with great care, a graceful blend of old and new and artwork adorns the walls; you can tell it’s an artist’s home. There is a relaxed ambience throughout, after all this is the Tarn-et-Garonne with its gentle landscapes and unhurried way of life.

With six bedrooms across both the château and a separate apartment
across the courtyard, there is a great sense of space for families and friends. The main living room has a plush sofa facing the wood-burning fire and an informal dining area by the tall windows which flood light into the room. A second salon has open doors leading down to a glorious terrace with a gas and wood-fired barbecue and pretty views. Even the well-equipped kitchen is a pleasant place to relax under the curved ceiling or by the enchanting Juliet balcony.

Three hectares of grounds, all for your exclusive use, feature century old trees, a small vineyard and many pretty spots where you can sit quietly in the shade enjoying the tranquillity around you. The 5m x 12m heated swimming pool has its own south-west facing terrace, bathroom and covered seating area plus there’s a courtyard garden and great areas for al-fresco dining. The expansive views are just lovely and add to the charm and appeal of this picturesque home.

It’s just 2km to the local village with its boulangerie or drive a little further to Lauzerte, one of the country’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ with its restaurants, shops and cafes. There are some wonderful walks across this area, including the Camino pilgrim’s trail which passes near the château. There’s also swimming in lakes, kayaking, playing golf and horse-riding in the area and the quiet roads are perfect for cycling.

Try some of the great local produce either at local farms or one of the Farmer’s markets dotted around the region’s villages and towns. Montcuq, Moissac and Puy-l'Évêque are particularly great market towns filled with history and charm. The fascinating town of Cahors and its surrounding vineyards producing some of the world’s finest wines are also a must.

After a day out exploring the lovely Tarn-et-Garonne, take your delicious wares home to enjoy on the peaceful terraces and beautiful home of Chateau des Audaces.Set in the beautiful countryside of Tarn-et-Garonne, with lovely views of woodland and farmland, Chateau des Audaces enjoys an enviable location just over 2km from a local village.

You can pick up morning pastries and fresh bread from the boulangerie in the local village and there’s also a small grocery store there, whilst a larger supermarket is around 7km away.

The small bastide town of Lauzerte (7km) is classed as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ with its pretty arcaded square, medieval buildings which have recently been restored and charming cafes, shops and restaurants. Stop off in Le Jardin du Pelerin which is on the famous Camino pilgrim's route that passes through the town (the GR65, which also passes within 3km of the house).

The Tarn-et-Garonne is often referred to as the ‘Tuscany of France’ due to its beautiful valleys and rolling hills. You will find food markets in many villages and towns across the region, certainly one for most days of the week. Local specialities include grapes, duck, Cahors wine, fruit and you’ll be able to visit vineyards, organic farmers and fromagiers both nearby and further afield. Look out for the weekly summer brocantes (flea markets) as well.

There are some wonderful cycling routes through the countryside landscapes as well as walking trails (including the famous GR65 pilgrim route) and horse-riding. There’s a small but very pretty golf course 11km away and tennis courts even closer.

Just a twenty-minute drive away is Lac De Montcuq with its lake beach, restaurant, play area, fishing opportunities and supervised swimming on some summer afternoons. There’s also a popular water park at the top of the lake. If you prefer boating, head to the Canal des Deux Mers, just over half an hour away, also known for its picturesque cycling tow paths or hire kayaks on the river in Moissac.

Montcuq (18km) is a delightful town with a great Sunday morning market and a fascinating Cathar history. Puy-l'Évêque (43km) is also incredibly beautiful, a perched village on the River Lot and you can take boat trips in the summer months. Moissac (24km), on the banks of the Tarn River, is worthy of a visit for the Abbaye Saint-Pierre, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Montauban (34km) is another great town with its impressive square, restaurants, museums and lovely walks along the Canal De Montech.

Try to visit the historic town of Cahors (45km) on market day, twice a week, where you can pick up all sorts of amazing local delights such as Quercy melons, truffles and the finest foie gras. The famous bridge, Pont Valentré, is a UNESCO World Heritage site; it’s an incredibly picturesque town to explore. The surrounding Cahors vineyards are world-famous and produce some of the best Malbec and Syrah varieties – be sure to visit a vineyard or two during your stay. Main Château Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Entrance hall
-    Living-dining room (45m2) with sofas, chairs, dining table (seating 10-12 guests) and wood-burner. Satellite TV, DVD/Blu-ray player and stereo
-    Second living-dining room (36m2) with fireplace and doors/steps leading to terrace
-    Kitchen (40m2), well-equipped including dishwasher, electric oven, 5-burner hob, fridge, freezer and bar fridge. Large breakfast table and chairs (10-12 guests), lounge area and wood-burner
-    Large bedroom (30m2) with double bed (180cm) and a child's bed, with en suite shower room with WC. Room for cot on request
-    Utility room with dishwasher, sink and fridge
-    Laundry room with double sink, washing machine and dryer
-    WC

First Floor

-    Bedroom (28m2) with double bed (160cm) and single bed (90cm) and low ceilings.
-    Bathroom with bath and separate shower
-    Separate WC
-    Bedroom (25m2) with double bed (140cm), child's bed and desk. En suite bathroom with bath, shower, bidet and WC

Apartment Interiors (separate to main château)

-    Lounge/bedroom (27m2) with TV and DVD player. Double bed (140cm) and two divans that can be made into single beds (90cm each)
-    Bedroom (15m2) with double bed (160cm). En suite bathroom with shower and WC
-    Bedroom (15m2) with small twin beds (75cm each, can be made into 150cm double)
-    Bathroom with shower and WC

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (12x5m), fenced in with safety gate. Open approximately May to October
-    Poolside sun-loungers (x6) and umbrellas
-    Pool house with covered seating area, shower and WC
-    Terrace (50m2) with south/west facing views
-    Wood BBQ
-    Gas plancha-style BBQ
-    Outdoor sink
-    Table and chairs for up to 12 guests
-    Table tennis
-    Boules set
-    Lawn courtyard garden
-    Small vineyard
-    Private grounds (3 hectares total, part of it enclosed)
-    Secured car parking for several cars

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating
-    Satellite TV (with UK channels)
-    DVD/Blu-ray player
-    Stereo
-    Table tennis
-    Boules
-    Washing machine /dryer

At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:

- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting / childcare services

Extras available at this property (payable locally):

- Private chef

Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!

Security deposit
€1000 paid via bank transfer to the owner before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time
4.00 p.m.

Departure time
10.00 a.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes.

Linen & towels included?
Yes. Bed linen and bath towels are changed once for stays of more than 7 nights.

Pets welcome?
On request only and with prior agreement with the owner.

Other Ts and Cs
Weddings, stag/hen parties and other special events are not permitted.

The main beds in the château sleep up to 12 guests. There are also four single beds for children across some of the rooms which can be made available on request, subject to a supplement. Please enquire.

Changeover day
Saturday from end of June to mid-August. Otherwise flexible.

End of stay cleaning available?
Yes and a mid-stay clean is included for stays of more than 7 nights. Please note, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Smoking Allowed?
Outside only.

Minimum stay
14 nights in July up until mid-August. 5 nights during all other periods.

Heating costs included?
No. €40 per day, payable locally, if required. There is a wood burner in the kitchen and main living room and an open fire in the second living room. A reasonable amount of firewood is provided.

Pool heating charge?
No. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.

Pool towels included?
Yes.

Pool opening dates?
The pool is open approximately May to October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.