THE GUIDE CHÂTEAUX 2021


Domaine de Pouzelande features a well-designed swimming pool and tennis court, all situated in 170 hectares of peaceful woodland


includes beautiful gardens (the focal point of which is a 400-year-old oak tree), a swimming pool, pitch and putt golf, a fi shing lake and a neighbouring forest. www.chateauchambiers.com


Domaine de Pouzelande (Dordogne)


Just northeast of Bordeaux, this gorgeous château features a well-designed swimming pool and tennis court, all situated in 170 hectares of peaceful woodland. There are four guest rooms in the main house and four self-catering cottages within the grounds. You can even book tennis lessons with local former national junior player Manon Echenard. www.gites-chambres-hote- dordogne.com


Château d’Ainay-le-Vieil (Cher) Viewed from above, this octagonal 13th-century fortress (with a Renaissance house tacked on) looks almost perfect, with its moat, seven cylindrical


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towers, portcullis, arrow slits, ramparts and crenellations, all encircling a central courtyard. In the middle of France, not far south of Bourges, it has been recently renovated so there are now fi ve chambres d’hôtes to stay in and three gîtes. There’s also museum of arts and crafts, a restaurant and a shop on site. chateau-ainaylevieil.fr


Château de Verrières (Maine-et-Loire)


“This family-sized château has


kept its private mansion atmosphere with authentic decoration and period


furniture.” So say the owners of this fi ve-star hotel château in Saumur, in the Loire Valley. There are ten guest rooms on offer, plus an outdoor heated swimming pool, and a spa with sauna, Jacuzzi and treatments. www.chateau-verrieres.com


Domaine des Bidaudières (Indre-et-Loire)


An elegant 15th-century


château, the Domaine des Bidaudières is in the heart of the Vouvray vineyards in the Loire Valley. Owners Sylvie and Pascal have nine guest rooms on offer, each one named after a local vineyard. On one side are views over the estate grounds and lake; on the other you can see the swimming pool terrace and surrounding countryside. www.bidaudieres.com


Au Château (All regions)


Château de Verrières oozes authentic decoration and period furniture


This online agency features over 60 different châteaux dotted across France. “Share in the charm and ambiance of stately manor houses, medieval castles, Renaissance châteaux and aristocratic family homes,” they boast. “We offer a wide selection of properties, from unique small castles and country manors offering understated elegance to opulent and stylishly-decorated luxury châteaux.” Rather conveniently, you can search for a château to stay in using preferences ranging from art classes, French lessons,


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IMAGES © DOMAINE DE POUZELANDE, CHÂTEAU DE VERRIÈRES


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