Chateau Paquerette | 6-Bedroom Chateau in Lencloitre Cernay

Fourteen guests arriving at Chateau Paquerette in Lencloitre find themselves in one of Aquitaine’s most distinctive privately-owned estates. This isn’t a villa designed for Instagram—it’s a functioning 19th-century chateau where serious entertaining happens, where wine flows from local vineyards 15 minutes away, and where the grounds sprawl across three hectares of Vienne countryside. You’re positioned between Poitiers and the Loire Valley, exactly two hours from the Atlantic Coast, with Paris accessible in three hours by road.

Inside Chateau Paquerette

Chateau Paquerette sleeps 14 guests across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, arranged across multiple floors with the flexibility that only a genuine chateau can offer. The property accommodates 12 adults and 3 children, though configurations vary depending on your group composition.

Ground-floor living centers on a spacious lounge featuring television, Sky Digital, Canal+, and DVD entertainment. Adjacent lies a formal dining room where all 14 guests can gather for seated meals. The kitchen commands respect here—fully equipped with dual ovens (one full-sized, one compact), gas hob, integrated dishwasher, microwave, and substantial refrigeration. This is the kind of kitchen that stops reluctant cooks from hiding; a serious cook will volunteer immediately.

The bedroom arrangement reflects thoughtful multi-generational design. The first primary bedroom holds a double bed plus single child’s bed, with an en-suite bathroom and separate toilet. A second similarly-configured bedroom provides identical flexibility—double plus child’s single, en-suite bathroom, private toilet. A third primary suite expands the concept: it features a double bed, a separate adjoining anteroom sized for a child, an en-suite bathroom with both bath and shower, private WC, and the option to add an extra single bed within the main bedroom itself.

The remaining three bedrooms serve different purposes. One offers twin beds with private bathroom and toilet. Another provides a double bed configuration with private facilities. The sixth bedroom contains two single beds, making it ideal for either guests preferring separate sleeping arrangements or a pair of young adults. Every bathroom includes both shower and toilet facilities.

Throughout the interior, period details remain evident—hardwood flooring, fireplaces for genuine winter ambiance, and furnishings that suggest rather than enforce the 19th-century provenance. Central heating ensures comfort across all seasons. A washing machine and tumble dryer handle household laundry. Children’s games, table tennis equipment, and boules sets distribute throughout the property for evening entertainment.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Step beyond the chateau’s walls and the landscape reveals its primary strength: space. Three hectares unfold across gentle slopes—century-old tree species punctuate wildflower meadows. Squirrels, hedgehogs, and multiple woodpecker species inhabit these grounds, creating a genuinely active natural environment rather than a manicured estate.

The heated swimming pool measures 8.5 meters by 4.2 meters with depths ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 meters, covered by a safety enclosure. It operates roughly April through October, temperature-controlled for comfort across the warmer months. A sun terrace adjacent to the pool includes al-fresco lounge seating and parasols for shade—the space where guests naturally migrate at midday.

Dining al-fresco accommodates 12 guests at a dedicated terrace, shaded to permit comfortable summer meals even during peak afternoon heat. A barbecue station sits nearby for evening cooking. A separate lounge area on the terrace extension provides post-dinner gathering space with views across the grounds toward distant tree lines.

Bicycles stand ready for exploring the immediate surroundings—the Ligne Verte converted railway track passes through Lencloitre itself, offering 11 kilometers of flat cycling and walking routes toward Chatellerault and Loudun. An 11-kilometer footpath called Le Sentier des Bois du Dognon borders the chateau directly, passing through the local village, a Romanesque church, and the town hall in approximately 2.5 hours on foot.

Location: Lencloitre and the Surrounding Area

Lencloitre sits in northern Vienne, positioned strategically between Poitiers (40 kilometers south) and the Loire Valley wine regions (approximately 60 kilometers northeast). This placement proves decisive: you’re far enough from tourist centers to experience genuine regional life, yet close enough to reach world-class attractions within an hour’s drive.

The immediate dining landscape begins modest and improves with distance. Within 10 kilometers, Le Savignois at Savigny-sous-Faye offers traditional regional cuisine in comfortable surroundings. Autour des Halles at Scorbé-Clairevaux (10 kilometers) maintains a family-oriented atmosphere. For more ambitious dining, Le Saint-Fortunat near Neuville-de-Poitou (20 kilometers) delivers sophisticated plating and gourmet technique. La Fourchette de Fague at Faye la Vineuse (25 kilometers) combines restaurant and catering services with a summer terrace and traditional cooking.

Wine tasting defines the immediate experience. Three domains operate within 15 kilometers: Domaine Ampelidae and Domaine de la Rôtisserie both occupy Marigny Brizay, while Domaine de Villemont sits near Mirebeau. These aren’t tourist attractions but working vineyards where proprietors welcome serious visitors. The Loire Valley’s celebrated châteaux—Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau—lie within 60-80 kilometers (approximately one hour to 90 minutes by car).

Medieval towns warrant specific mention. Angles-sur-l’Anglin, designated one of France’s most beautiful villages, sits 60 kilometers away overlooking the Anglin river from a hilltop position dominated by 11th-century fortress ruins. Chauvigny (50 kilometers) displays vestiges of five separate chateau-forts on its promontory; the Bishop’s Castle now hosts Les Géants du Ciel, a professional falconry display. Richelieu (35 kilometers) represents an ambitious 17th-century vision—Cardinal Richelieu commissioned architect Jacques Lemercier to design both chateau and town starting in 1631. Though revolutionary forces dismantled the main structure, the park, dome, cellars, orangery, and monumental gate survive.

For broader destination planning, explore our villas in Vienne region or browse our luxury villas in Europe for comparative options. Our Aquitaine travel guide provides comprehensive regional context including seasonal considerations and cultural events.

Active recreation centers on several focal points. Golf du Haut-Poitou (30 kilometers toward Châtellerault) hosts the International Open series across 18 notably technical holes ranked among France’s best. The course includes a nine-hole alternative and pitch-and-putt options. Saint-Cyr Lake (30 kilometers) permits swimming, canoe rental, pedalo hire, and windsurfing. Cable skiing and wakeboarding operate at a 10-hectare facility also within reasonable reach. Air ballooning from Mirebeau offers aerial perspective across the Vienne’s countryside. Pony riding facilities sit just 15 kilometers distant.

Futuroscope, France’s pioneering theme park, occupies a position 50+ kilometers away but merits the drive for families—25+ attractions include Arthur, the 4D Adventure (cinematographer Luc Besson’s design) and the world’s first skybar. Poitiers itself (40 kilometers) functions as a university city of 100,000+ residents with preserved medieval quarters, the remarkable Notre-Dame-la-Grande cathedral (11th-12th century Romanesque), Parc de Blossac, and sustained cultural programming.

Seasonal considerations matter substantially. May through September brings optimal pool temperatures and outdoor entertaining weather. June hosts various regional food festivals. July and August bring peak holiday crowds to major attractions but coincide with school holidays. September-October provides warm days with fewer visitors—harvest season in vineyards makes wine tasting particularly engaging. Winter months (November-March) reduce pool utility but offer remarkable peace across the grounds; fireplaces transform evening entertaining.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families spanning three generations find Chateau Paquerette’s flexible bedroom configurations and separate bathroom facilities genuinely functional rather than compromised. Grandparents occupy primary suites with en-suite privacy; parents manage a second primary suite; teenage and adult children distribute across remaining bedrooms. The 14-guest capacity permits multiple family units to gather without shared accommodation tensions.

Groups of friends—particularly those focused on wine culture—benefit from the vineyard proximity and the Ligne Verte cycling infrastructure. Twelve guests at a dining table, with kitchen facilities supporting chef preparation or personal cooking, transforms entertaining from logistical nightmare into manageable pleasure.

Multi-generational celebrations—milestone birthdays, reunions, wedding parties—suit the space because the chateau itself provides distinction without requiring external venue rental. The heated pool and grounds permit daytime activity; the formal dining room and lounge accommodate evening structure.

Corporate retreats and creative working groups increasingly choose rural French chateaux for focus and renewal. Chateau Paquerette accommodates teams seeking intensive collaborative environments with evening sociability built into the architecture rather than imposed as separate programming.

Practical Information

Capacity: 14 guests maximum, distributed across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Configurations accommodate 12 adults and 3 children, or can be adjusted for different group compositions. The property includes Wi-Fi throughout, heating systems, television and DVD entertainment, and pool heating (seasonal, April-October operation).

Nearest commercial airports: Poitiers Biard Airport lies 40 kilometers south (approximately 45 minutes by road). Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly both operate 200+ kilometers away (approximately three hours). Nantes Atlantique sits roughly 150 kilometers northwest (approximately two hours). Ground transfers can be arranged; private car hire remains more flexible for multi-day exploration across the region.

Nearest significant supermarket: Leclerc and Intermarché outlets operate in Châtellerault (30 kilometers), with smaller convenience stores in Lencloitre itself for essential top-ups. Local markets operate in Poitiers, Châtellerault, and smaller towns—inquire with local tourist office regarding market days.

Included in rental: property use, heating, Wi-Fi, pool heating (April-October), linen and towels, basic kitchen equipment, entertainment systems, grounds access, bicycles, and children’s games. Additional services available on request: maid service, professional chef, private transfers, and wine-tasting arrangements can be coordinated pre-arrival or during stay.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chateau Paquerette

How many guests does Chateau Paquerette sleep?

Chateau Paquerette accommodates 14 guests maximum: 12 adults and 3 children across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Bedroom configurations include three primary suites with double beds plus child-accommodation options, one twin-bed room, one double-bed room with private bath, and one two-single-beds room. Multiple children can share anteroom or single-bed spaces.

What is the nearest airport to Chateau Paquerette in Lencloitre?

Poitiers Biard Airport operates 40 kilometers south of Lencloitre—approximately 45 minutes by private car or arranged transfer service. Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly lie 200+ kilometers away (three hours). Nantes Atlantique represents an alternative approximately 150 kilometers northwest (two hours). Ground transfers can be pre-arranged through the property management.

What is the best time of year to rent Chateau Paquerette?

May through September provides optimal weather for pool use and outdoor entertaining, with May and September offering fewer crowds than July-August peak season. June features regional food festivals; September coincides with wine harvest activities. June through August brings highest temperatures but also peak tourism at Loire Valley châteaux. April and October permit pool use with heating. Winter months (November-March) offer complete solitude and fireplace ambiance, though outdoor activities diminish significantly.

Is Chateau Paquerette suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property includes a heated, covered swimming pool with safety enclosure (April-October operation). Three bedrooms specifically accommodate children with single-bed configurations within larger family suites—grandparents and parents maintain private bathrooms while managing younger guests. Children’s games distribute throughout the property. Nearby attractions include Futuroscope theme park (50+ kilometers), Saint-Cyr Lake swimming and pedalo facilities (30 kilometers), pony riding (15 kilometers), and numerous medieval villages for exploratory walking. The grounds provide safe play space across three hectares of managed gardens.

What is included in the rental price at Chateau Paquerette?

Included: full property use, central heating, Wi-Fi internet, television and entertainment systems, pool heating (seasonal April-October), linen and bath towels, fully-equipped kitchen with cookware and utensils, bicycles for guest use, children’s games and activities, access to three hectares of grounds, and washing machine/tumble dryer facilities. Additional services available at supplementary cost include professional maid service, private chef or cook arrangements, ground transfers from airports, and coordinated wine-tasting visits to local domains.

What restaurants and shops are near Chateau Paquerette?

Le Savignois (Savigny-sous-Faye, 10 kilometers) offers traditional regional cuisine. Autour des Halles (Scorbé-Clairevaux, 10 kilometers) provides family-oriented dining. Le Saint-Fortunat (Neuville-de-Poitou, 20 kilometers) delivers sophisticated gourmet service. La Fourchette de Fague (Faye la Vineuse, 25 kilometers) combines restaurant and catering with summer terrace. Supermarkets (Leclerc, Intermarché) operate in Châtellerault (30 kilometers). Local markets operate in Poitiers (40 kilometers) and smaller towns—contact the Lencloitre Tourist Office for specific market-day schedules. Wine tasting available at Domaine Ampelidae and Domaine de la Rôtisserie (Marigny Brizay, 15 kilometers each) and Domaine de Villemont (Mirebeau, 15 kilometers).