THE GUIDE CHÂTEAUX 2019


Chalky-white Immaculate Château shines like a beacon among the Lot countryside, combining the traditional with modern facilities


side and over the swimming pool terrace and the


surrounding countryside on the other. The Château d’Amboise is just 20 minutes away! www.bidaudieres.com


Domaine des Etangs (Charente) For a taste of this château’s beauty, head first to its website – floating dust motes caught in the light and a dragonfly motif give a good idea of the natural wonder that encapsulates this property. Set in the heart of the Charente, the Domaine des Etangs ranges over an eye- watering 2,500 acres of protected land, spread across forests and grassland and dotted with ponds. Whether you stay in the 11th-century château itself, or in one of the six farmhouse cottages scattered across the site, this is your chance to get close to nature, and it’s not rare to catch sight of a fox, wild boar


156 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Apr/May 2019


or deer on your wanders through the grounds. In fact, there are numerous ways to take advantage of your gorgeous surroundings: slip into a boat and row the waters at your own pace; join a fauna and flora tour guided by forest rangers; or stroll through the vegetable garden and admire the fresh produce, soon to adorn your plate in the Michelin-star


restaurant. Paradise for nature lovers, the Domaine des Etangs is a timeless place connected to the cycle of the seasons. www.domainedesetangs.com/en


Immaculate Château (Lot-et-Garonne) Welcome to Immaculate Château, a spectacular holiday property in the heart of south-west France. Sleeping


It’s flora and fauna galore at the nature-loving Domaine des Etangs in Charente


up to 12 people, this home away from home sits just outside Le Temple-sur-Lot, a tiny village flanked by fields and its namesake river. Fusing traditional architecture and striking antiques with state-of- the-art facilities, it’s a spectacularly historical setting for a thoroughly modern holiday, which offers luxury self-catering or private chef options to guests. With 15 years’ experience in the restaurant and catering industry, château manager Alicia’s culinary capabilities are second to none and guests love her delicious family meals, exquisite à la carte-style fine dining and themed evenings. As if that didn’t sound tempting enough, there are also babysitting and maid services and optional fully-stocked pantry to make your life that little bit easier. www.immaculate-chateau.com FT


IMAGE © IMMACULATE CHÂTEAU, DOMAINE DES ETANGS


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