Chateau Chamborigaud | 10-Bedroom Chateau in Chamborigaud Portes

The village of Chamborigaud sits quietly in the Cévennes foothills, a 90-minute drive from Nîmes airport, and here—along the banks of the River Luech—stands a Renaissance château that accommodates 18 guests across ten bedrooms and seven bathrooms. A luxury château rental in Chamborigaud means sleeping in rooms named for flowers and light, dining at a table that seats eighteen under a magnolia tree, and waking to the sound of water that has flowed past these stone walls for five centuries.

Built in 1575, Chateau Chamborigaud rises with three towers and authentic turrets, its fairy-tale silhouette unchanged since the Renaissance. What has changed is the interior—thoughtfully restored to combine period character with modern comfort. The estate spans 4.5 hectares of enclosed grounds, bounded by the river on one side and forested hills on the other, with formal gardens, a 16-metre swimming pool, and terraces that catch the afternoon light.

Inside Chateau Chamborigaud

Chateau Chamborigaud sleeps 18 guests across 10 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, distributed across three floors with considerable flexibility for group dynamics.

Ground Floor: The entrance opens into a vaulted sitting-dining room dominated by an operational stone fireplace wide enough to heat the entire space—this room seats 12 at the main table and can accommodate eighteen when needed. A substantial kitchen with professional equipment stands ready for catering staff or ambitious cooks; a separate utility room and larder contain additional refrigeration. The Garden Room provides a quieter sitting area; an office with Wi-Fi serves those who cannot fully disconnect. A powder room and the spectacular wrap-around terrace—shaded by a mature magnolia and set with tables for eighteen—extend living space outdoors.

First Floor: The primary bedroom, named ‘La Roseraie,’ features a 190x200cm four-poster bed, walk-in wardrobe, and a bathroom with both freestanding tub and walk-in shower, dual basins, separate toilet and bidet. Bedroom 2, ‘Cyrus,’ is a 140x190cm double. The tower bedroom, ‘Emile,’ holds a single four-poster bed and is accessed through Bedroom 2—an arrangement that creates a private suite for parents with young children. Bedrooms 2 and 3 share a bathroom with bathtub, basin and toilet. ‘Eliane,’ the Toile de Jouy-themed room, contains twin beds (90x180cm each) with an en-suite featuring walk-in shower, toilet and basin.

Second Floor: ‘La Chambre Bleue’ offers a 140x190cm double bed and an en-suite with bathtub, bidet, toilet and basin. ‘Les Arums’ contains another 140x190cm double with matching en-suite facilities. ‘Les Grandes Fleurs’—the largest second-floor bedroom—has a 160x200cm bed and an en-suite with walk-in shower and twin basins. The tower twin bedroom ‘La Mouette’ houses two 90x180cm beds (joinable) and is reached through ‘Les Grandes Fleurs’; bedrooms 7 and 8 share a separate toilet. ‘La Moderne,’ a 140x190cm double, connects via either the shared WC or an external staircase. The final bedroom, ‘La Petite Toile,’ features Toile de Jouy walls and twin beds (120x185cm each), accessed via the external staircase. Bedrooms 9 and 10 share a bathroom with bathtub, toilet and basin.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds immediately surrounding Chateau Chamborigaud reveal themselves gradually. A paved terrace spans the building’s width, furnished with a dining table for eighteen and shaded by that magnolia tree; from here, the eye travels across manicured gardens to the pool beyond. The 16-metre by 6-metre swimming pool has a separate children’s paddling area—essential when overseeing two or three families. A poolside kitchen (cuisine d’été) with dishwasher, full barbecue station with eating area, changing room and WC create an independent outdoor living zone. A covered pergola provides shade when the Mediterranean sun becomes insistent.

Beyond the manicured lawns, the River Luech flows along the property boundary, accessible via a lockable gate. The water is shallow enough for stone-skipping and paddling on hot afternoons. Walking paths follow the riverbank directly from the château grounds, leading toward the neighbouring village of Pont de Rastel—a 20-minute walk through countryside that feels genuinely remote despite being minutes from shops.

Location: Chamborigaud and the Surrounding Area

Chamborigaud village sits less than a kilometre downhill from the château—a ten-minute walk through fields. The village, despite its small size, contains three supermarkets, a boulangerie with fresh bread daily, a butcher counter, three restaurants ranging from casual to ambitious, a wine merchant and tobacconist. A summer Sunday market brings producers from surrounding farms selling wild boar, chestnuts, mushrooms and local honey—specialities of the region that appear on dinner tables throughout autumn and winter.

The Cévennes National Park begins immediately adjacent to the property; the landscape here comprises steep river valleys, chestnut forests, and limestone plateaus where walking trails range from gentle riverside paths to demanding mountain routes. The Pont du Gard—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—lies 74 kilometres south and represents one of the finest Roman engineering achievements in Europe; the Roman aquaduct spans 275 metres and remains a mandatory pilgrimage for anyone fascinated by classical history.

Uzès, 61 kilometres south, is a walled medieval town built around a ducal château, with narrow cobbled streets, antiquarian shops, and restaurants strong enough to warrant a day trip. The town of Alès (30km south) provides larger amenities including cinema, ten-pin bowling, hypermarkets and a hospital. For wine enthusiasts, local vineyards throughout Gard offer free tastings and tours—the region produces both still wines and Muscat de Mireval, a fortified wine rarely found outside the region.

The Villefort reservoir, 26 kilometres east, offers pedalo hire, kayak rental, sailing boats, mountaineering guides and canyoning expeditions—ideal for active weeks when the château itself becomes a base rather than a destination. Skiing exists 30-40 minutes’ drive north at Mas de la Barque and Mont Aigaoul, though cross-country (ski de fond) dominates the region rather than downhill runs. Trout fishing is possible in several stocked lakes suitable for children and novices.

Tennis is available at the refurbished court a five-minute walk from the château (with a key provided); booking through the town hall or local restaurant costs approximately €7 per hour. Two eighteen-hole golf courses operate within 60 minutes’ drive toward Nîmes, with a nine-hole course closer to Villefort (30 minutes away). Explore our villas in Gard for alternative properties, or browse our full collection in France for different regions. For destination context, our Languedoc travel guide provides seasonal recommendations and cultural background.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational family groups find Chateau Chamborigaud ideal: grandparents occupy ‘La Roseraie’ on the first floor with its ensuite luxury; parents with young children claim the tower arrangement of Cyrus and Emile; older children and teenagers spread across the second floor with privacy but reasonable proximity. The configuration prevents the tension that arises when one family feels isolated from the group.

Business groups working together remotely benefit from the office with Wi-Fi, professional kitchen for catered meals, and accommodation separated enough that work zones don’t intrude on leisure time. The sixteen-person dining table transforms into a boardroom; the outdoor terraces provide informal meeting spaces.

Groups celebrating milestones—weddings, anniversaries, landmark birthdays—find the château’s formality and capacity ideal. The kitchen accommodates professional catering; staff can be arranged; the grounds support marquees if outdoor celebrations are planned. Friends travelling together across a two-week period occupy bedrooms in clusters that allow both socialising and private retreat.

Couples seeking solitude should look elsewhere: the property’s purpose is group living, and at full capacity, privacy is limited to individual bedrooms.

Practical Information

Capacity: 18 guests across 10 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms.

Access: Nîmes-Alès airport (100 kilometres, 70 minutes by car) is the primary gateway; alternatively, Paris Charles de Gaulle or Lyon airports serve international connections. Train service connects to Alès station (20 kilometres, 30 minutes by car) with onward connections to Nîmes and beyond. The drive from Nîmes airport ascends into increasingly mountainous terrain, following the Ardèche river for the final sections—scenery sufficiently striking that passengers typically abandon conversation to watch.

Included: Maid service, babysitting, and catering can be arranged. Wi-Fi and internet throughout. Pool heating during cooler months. Pre-stocked fridge on arrival. Baby monitor, booster seats, and children’s books available. Pets permitted on request (discussed directly with property management).

Village Services: A doctor’s surgery operates in Chamborigaud; the nearest hospital is in Alès (30km). Supermarkets within walking distance; larger shopping in Alès.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chateau Chamborigaud

How many guests does Chateau Chamborigaud sleep?

Chateau Chamborigaud accommodates 18 guests maximum across 10 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Bedroom configurations range from single four-poster beds in tower rooms to king-sized doubles on the second floor. The flexibility allows groups to occupy the property at reduced capacity (12-15 guests) if preferred, leaving certain bedrooms closed.

What is the nearest airport to Chateau Chamborigaud in Chamborigaud?

Nîmes-Alès airport is approximately 100 kilometres away, with a driving time of 70 minutes. The route ascends from the coastal plain into the Cévennes foothills, following river valleys—spectacular enough to compensate for the distance. For international connections, Paris Charles de Gaulle (500km, 5.5 hours by car) and Lyon airport (220km, 2.5 hours) offer wider flight options.

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

May through September offers Mediterranean weather with daytime temperatures reaching 25-28°C, ideal for pool use and outdoor dining. July and August attract tourists throughout the region, particularly at Pont du Gard and Uzès, so quieter weeks occur in June and September. October brings autumn colours and the mushroom and chestnut harvest—a draw for food-focused groups. Winter (November-February) reduces tourist crowds but brings rain and occasional snow in elevated areas; the château’s fireplace becomes essential. April and October represent sweet spots: warm enough for pool use, cool enough to require evening fires, without peak-season crowds.

Is Chateau Chamborigaud suitable for families with children?

Yes, with reservations about very young infants. The pool includes a shallow paddling area; Wi-Fi allows streaming entertainment during rainy periods. Baby monitors, booster seats and children’s books are provided. The grounds—bounded by a lockable gate—provide safe space for play without traffic concerns. The river is shallow and calm. However, the château’s architectural complexity (external staircases, multiple levels, tower rooms accessed through other bedrooms) requires supervision; a toddler cannot roam independently. Babysitting can be arranged through the property. The surrounding countryside offers minimal public amenities specifically designed for children, making self-catering or catered meals preferable to restaurant dining with very young families.

What is included in the rental price at Chateau Chamborigaud?

Rental includes all utilities (heating, electricity, water), Wi-Fi throughout the property, bed linen and towels, pool maintenance, and initial cleaning on arrival. Maid service, babysitting, and catering are available as paid add-ons. The pre-stocked fridge (initial arrival provisions) is typically included; restock costs are negotiated separately. Pets are permitted on request with additional fees and prior approval.

What restaurants and shops are near Chateau Chamborigaud?

Chamborigaud village (ten minutes’ walk) contains three restaurants ranging from casual bistros to more ambitious cuisine, plus a boulangerie with fresh pastries, a butcher, three small supermarkets, and a wine merchant. The summer Sunday market brings regional producers. Alès (30 kilometres south) offers hypermarkets, cinema, and restaurants. Uzès (61 kilometres south) is renowned for its restaurants and medieval atmosphere, worth a day trip. Local specialities include wild boar, chestnuts, mushrooms and Muscat de Mireval wine, available through village shops or the market.