CHÂTEAUX 2020 THE GUIDE


Clockwise from above: Château de Césarges is popular as a wedding venue; enjoy the watery view at Château de Tocqueville; indulge in rustic refinement at Château d’Olmet


the Egyptian cotton bed sheets, guests are also free to use the grange and garden to relax. chateauolmet.com


Château des Arpentis (Indre-et-Loire)


Built in the village of Saint- Règle, an old fief of Château d’Amboise (just a few kilometres away), the Château des Arpentis sits majestically amid 30 hectares of peaceful parkland. Entirely restored in 2007-2008, all of its rooms have been uniquely decorated, with murals and tapestries lending olde-worlde elegance to the bare stone walls. Among our favourites are Chambre Rose (The Pink Bedroom), with its wooden floors and exposed beams, plus a large window overlooking the park, and the spacious Quentin & Aymeric attic room.


Breakfast is served in a large room on the ground floor with


French doors that open onto the terrace, where breakfast is served when the sun is shining. www.chateaudesarpentis.com/en


Château de Chambiers (Maine-et-Loire)


Durtal, in the former Anjou province between the Loire and Loir rivers, is where you will find the luxury hotel Château de Chambiers. Accommodation, which is rich and varied and includes dream-like suites, cosy cottages and chambres d’hôte, has been restored in a way that is both modern and respectful of history and nature. The considered philosophy of your hosts, Elie and Anne Crouan, means they passionately combine the fundamental values of hospitality and art de vivre – and that means conviviality, sheer comfort and great food and drink (tasty gourmet eating with a ‘slow food’ ethos). On the doorstep, there is plenty


to do and see, notably golf, outdoor activities, and a riveting visit to the highly popular La Flèche zoo.


chateauchambiers.com


Château de Césarges (Isère)


What makes Château de Césarges in Isère (30 minutes from Lyon and 40 minutes from Grenoble) so unique is not merely the charm of the place itself – fully renovated in 2017 with très chic modern decor and soft furnishings – but its setting. Wander the parkland in the morning or evening and you might spot deer and pheasants milling around – they too are chez eux, after all! The château is blessed with a large reception room of 170m² that can be separated into three rooms (the château is a hugely popular as a wedding venue and for business seminars), as well as 10 bedrooms, giving a capacity of


Château de Tocqueville (La Manche)


Such is its historic importance and eclectic blend of architectural styles (which combine 16th-, 18th- and 19th-century construction), Château de Tocqueville is a prestigious Monument Historique. Added kudos comes from the fact that it was also the home of Alexis de Tocqueville, the noted aristocrat, diplomat, political scientist and historian. Feel part of history by booking a stay in the majestic Tower wing, located on the south side of the château. It has recently been fully renovated with all modern comforts, while preserving the old style, cachet and charm of the original castle. Boasting sea views, it sleeps up to 10


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28 beds. The whole castle is accessible to people with reduced mobility. www.chateau-cesarges.com


IMAGES © CHATEAUX DE CESARGES, TOQUEVILLE AND OLMET


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