Chateau Les Bains

Stay in an elegant Belle Époque French château in a vast estate by the river, just a short walk from a spa-town with water that has been historically recognised for its healing properties. With its beautiful façade and graceful interiors, no wonder Château Les Bains has been considered one of the most romantic châteaux in France.

Set in nearly seven hectares of glorious parkland with a private heated swimming pool and vineyards producing Cabernet Sauvignon wine, this riverside setting in the Vienne department is truly idyllic. Stroll through the orchard of walnut and fruit trees, admire the century old birch, stop for a coffee overlooking the river then, as evening nears, relax with a glass of the estate’s wine by the poolside bar.

The inside of Château Les Bains is just as calming with its immaculate living spaces, including a billiard room and bar, and kitchen equipped to a semi-professional standard. Wander up the unique oak staircase which forms a heart as it gently curves up to the first floor and find four sumptuous bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and wonderful valley views. Climbing the turreted stairs, there are even more sensational vistas from the very top of the château – two of the three bedrooms here enjoy a balcony and there’s a terrace overlooking the distant landscapes.

Dating back to the mid-19th century, Château Les Bains has been sensitively restored retaining so much of its history from its parquet flooring, fireplaces and high ceilings to solemn reminders of its presence in WWII. You can appreciate its exquisite original architecture whilst being surrounded by comfortable furnishings and modern amenities.

A delightful 3-bedroom cottage within the grounds offers additional space, allowing up to 20 guests to stay across the château and cottage with exclusive use of the swimming pool and grounds. 

It’s less than a 10-minute walk to the spa-town which attracts visitors from across France and beyond for its water with healing and anti-inflammatory properties. As well as making the most of the many spa and balneotherapy treatments available in the town, enjoy its historic centre, restaurants and bars, take a walk by the riverside and soak up the ambience of the twice-weekly market.

Discover other picturesque villages and towns such as Angles-sur-l'Anglin and Châtellerault, walk or cycle through the peaceful landscapes of the Brenne Regional Natural Park and enjoy canoeing along the river or drinking wine in Chinon, around an hour away.

Then there’s the iconic grand châteaux of the Loire Valley for a fantastic day out whether visiting Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Villandry or many others. The city of Tours is also magnificent with its historic quarter, incredible cathedral and vibrant atmosphere by the banks of the Loire River.Set in nearly seven hectares of grounds on the banks of a meandering river, Château Les Bains enjoys a beautiful location in the Vienne department, close to the Indre-et-Loire border and around an hour south from the grand city of Tours. If travelling by train, the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Châtellerault (23km) takes approximately 90 minutes whilst the nearest airports are Poitiers-Biard (58km) and Tours Val de Loire Airport (96km).

It’s a short walk to the local spa town with water that has been historically recognised by the French government for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, containing trace elements of selenium and other minerals, thus attracting visitors from across France and beyond. As well as several places for spa treatments, the town has its own casino and 18-hole golf course within a short drive. Furthermore, a well-known brand of beauty products, now owned by L’Oréal, was founded here over a century ago.

Aside from the spa town’s reputation for its healing water, there are several restaurants and bars to enjoy and a characterful twice-weekly market. Spend time admiring the historic sites, medieval houses and flower-filled lanes before strolling by the river or taking a walk through the picturesque Parc Thermal Gardens. Look out for a range of festivities and events taking place in the town throughout the year.

During your time, discover other attractive towns and villages such as Angles-sur-l'Anglin (15km), one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ with its medieval centre and castle ruins, and Châtellerault (23km) with its pedestrianised lanes of shops and cafes, 11th century church and beautiful stone bridge crossing the Vienne River.

You are also well placed for a wealth of outdoor adventures in the Brenne Regional Natural Park with its varied wildlife and peaceful landscapes, best explored following the many marked trails on foot or by bike. The Étang de Bellebouche, around a 45-minute drive away, features a Base de Loisirs offering nature trails, lake swimming, kayak and pedalo hire as well as other summer activities.

Further afield, make the most of being close to the Loire valley for a choice of fantastic days out. Tours (93km) is a magnificent city with its historic quarter, grand cathedral, bustling markets and contemporary arts centre. Soak up the vibrant summer ambience by the banks of the Loire with the city restaurants and riverside beach and look out for summer boat tours of the river.  

Then there’s the iconic châteaux of the Loire Valley such as Château d'Azay-le-Rideau (71km), Château de Chenonceau (80km) and Château de Villandry (101km). Just over an hour away, Chinon (74km) is another fine day out with its enchanting old town, historic castle, wineries and surrounding vineyards, not to mention the town’s picture-perfect position on the Vienne River, ideal for summer kayaking and canoeing.

Main Château Interiors

Main Floor

-    Entrance
-    Living room with fireplace
-    Dining room
-    Bar
-    Billiard room
-    Kitchen, equipped to a semi-professional standard
-    WC 

First Floor (fans provided in each bedroom)

-    Lounge area
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.8x2m), valley view, dressing room and bathroom with bath/shower, WC and two sinks
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.8x2m), valley view from side balcony, dressing room and bathroom with shower and WC
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.6x2m), valley view, dressing room and bathroom with shower/bath and WC
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.6x2m), side balcony and bathroom with shower and WC

Second Floor Apartment (via winding turret staircase)

-    Lounge/family room leading to terrace with AC
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.8x2m), AC, balcony and en suite bathroom with bath/shower and WC
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.8x2m), AC, valley view and bathroom with shower and WC. Space for child’s bed (on request)
-    Bedroom with twin beds, AC, balcony and sink

Cottage Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Lounge with AC
-    Kitchen-diner, well-equipped including dishwasher, fridge, induction hob and Smeg oven
-    Door leading to private garden with al-fresco dining area and barbecue
-    WC

First Floor

-    Bedroom with double bed (1.8x2m) with AC
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.6x2m) with AC and en suite shower room with shower, sink and WC

Top Floor (sloping ceilings)

-    Bedroom with double bed (1.6x2m) with AC
-    Shower room with shower, sink and WC

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (9x4m, depth: 1.1-1.8m) with safety alarm. Open approximately mid-April to mid-September
-    Poolside bar with fridge and sink
-    Barbecue
-    Boules
-    Table tennis
-    Vast estate (seven hectares) bordering the river
-    Orchard (walnut and fruit trees)
-    Working vineyard

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Air-conditioning (available in 6 of the 10 bedrooms)
-    Heating
-    TVs
-    Picnic hampers
-    Table tennis
-    Boules
-    Pool/Snooker Room
-    Bicycles
-    Games room 

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

Extras included at this property:

- Maid service 

Extras available at this property (payable locally):

- Catering
- Extra cleaning
- Fridge-stocking/shopping service
- Wellness and yoga/pilates sessions
- Vineyard and Wine Tasting

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
€1500 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month 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.

Pets welcome?
Not allowed.

Other Ts and Cs
Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges.


Due to the delicate parquet floors and furnishings across this beautiful château, it may not be suitable for younger children and the owners do request that all children be supervised at all times.

Changeover day
Saturday in peak season. Flexible during all other periods.

End of stay cleaning
Standard changeover clean included in the price. 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
7 nights approximately July and August, Easter, Xmas & NY. 3 or 4 nights during all other periods.

Heating costs included?
Yes.

Pool heating charge?
Included. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.

Tax
French Visitors Tax payable to Oliver's Travels at the time of balance payment (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required).

Pool towels included?
Yes.

Pool opening dates?
The pool is open approximately mid-April to mid-September. 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.