Chateau De Malley | 13-Bedroom Chateau in Mailly-le-Chateau Sagonne

Imagine thirty-three people arriving at a medieval fortified hamlet in northern Burgundy, each discovering their own corner of a sprawling 19th-century chateau while remaining moments apart. Chateau De Malley in Mailly-le-Château transforms large group holidays into something intimate—because scale doesn’t diminish connection when architecture, gardens, and a heated pool anchor everyone in the same breathtaking place.

Inside Chateau De Malley

Chateau De Malley sleeps 33 guests across 13 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms distributed through four distinct structures: the Main House, the Commons, two converted medieval caves, and a pair of pavilions. This configuration suits large families, multi-generational gatherings, and groups of friends who want proximity without enforced togetherness.

The Main House commands the hilltop. Ground-floor living begins with a generous salon flowing directly onto the rear terrace—the kind of space where morning coffee becomes an event when valley views spread across the horizon. A separate study with private terrace offers retreat; a billiards room provides evening entertainment. The kitchen is substantial and openly planned, opening onto a breakfast balcony angled toward distant limestone cliffs. This is where guests gather before dawn to catch sunrise over the countryside.

Six bedrooms occupy the first floor. Bedrooms 8 through 11 cluster around the courtyard, each measuring 20-30 square metres with coordinating bathrooms. Bedroom 8 contains a 140cm double and stand-up shower. Bedroom 9 offers a 160cm queen with compact shower facilities. Bedroom 10 pairs a 160cm queen with a bathtub and handheld fixture. Bedroom 11 features a 140cm double and hall-accessed shower. Bedrooms 12 and 13 function as a two-bedroom suite: the primary sleeps two in a 160cm queen with valley views; an adjoining dressing room accommodates additional guests in a 140cm double bed. This suite’s en-suite bathroom features both bathtub and handheld shower. Bedroom 14, approximately 20 square metres, offers a 160cm queen with stand-up shower and similar valley aspect.

The Commons comprises three bedrooms and one child’s room across two 17th-century structures, entirely air-conditioned. Bedroom 4 reaches 30 square metres with a walk-in wardrobe and sizable bathroom featuring a Jacuzzi tub angled toward courtyard and pool views. Bedroom 5 expands dramatically to 90 square metres, accommodating two 160cm queens and one 140cm double. Doors from this room open directly onto the elevated garden behind; forward-facing windows command courtyard and distant valley perspectives. Its bathroom includes both bathtub and handheld shower. Bedrooms 6 and 7 form a connected pair: Bedroom 6 holds a 160cm double with en-suite stand-up shower; Bedroom 7, accessible either from 6 or directly from the stairwell, contains a single bed and valley views. These rooms access the property via separate staircases from Bedrooms 4 and 5.

The Caves represent the property’s most theatrical spaces. Accessed via stone steps, both were originally medieval vaults and have been converted into full-featured suites. The first cave spans 50-60 square metres and contains a small tower bedroom with 140cm double, a large living area with 180cm king bed, open-plan kitchenette, bathroom with stand-up shower and Jacuzzi tub, and direct access to the pool area via hallway door. Valley views dominate. The second cave is more expansive at approximately 70 square metres, featuring a substantial living room, full kitchen, large bedroom with 180cm king (this room air-conditioned), and bathroom with steam shower. Its rear door opens directly onto pool grounds. Both caves showcase magnificent valley panoramas and monumental stone fireplaces, period furnishings reinforcing their historical character.

The Pavilions provide independent studios with contemporary comfort. Pavilion One measures roughly 30 square metres: sleeping area with 160cm queen, kitchenette, air-conditioning, modest sitting space, small bathroom with shower. Pavilion Two expands to approximately 50 square metres: sleeping area with 160cm queen, kitchenette, air-conditioning, medium bathroom with bathtub and handheld shower. Both display original stone flooring (sometimes uneven) and open onto the central courtyard, maintaining connection to the main house while providing autonomy.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The property’s outdoor structure mirrors its indoor complexity—layered spaces that feel simultaneously expansive and intimate. A heated private pool measuring 18 by 6 metres anchors the grounds; surrounding terrace offers sunbeds and two gas grills positioned on separate terraces for cooking flexibility. Stone terraces ripple across multiple levels; the elevated garden behind the Commons provides cultivated retreat while the central courtyard functions as the property’s social hub, accessible from every building.

Practical amenities integrate seamlessly: bicycles are stored in the pavilion studios and parking area for exploring surrounding countryside. A cinema room sits atop the studios (perfect for rainy afternoons when thirty-three people need collective entertainment). A ping-pong table occupies studio space. Cushions for poolside loungers, stored in the tower off the rear terrace, require minimal effort to deploy. Laundry facilities occupy the utility cave; extra linens and towels are systematically stored in entrance hall and storage armoires. Climate control throughout ensures summer comfort without disrupting the property’s period aesthetic.

Location: Mailly-le-Château and the Surrounding Area

Mailly-le-Château sits in northern Burgundy approximately 120 kilometres south-east of Paris—roughly two hours by car via the A6 autoroute. The village itself preserves rural France authentically: a modest bar and grocery store provision daily bread, fresh croissants, and essentials without requiring excursions to larger towns. The immediate landscape undulates between farmland, forest, and the Canal Nivernais, a waterway that has sustained the region for centuries.

The Chateau’s location unlocks exceptional activities. A dedicated cycling path runs along the Canal Nivernais for most of its length through Yonne department—flat, scenic routes perfect for mixed-ability groups. Back-country roads thread through farmland and ancient forests toward villages like Auxerre (20km south-west), known for its Renaissance architecture and exceptional white wines. The medieval hilltop town of Vézelay sits just 20km north-east; its 12th-century Basilica of Mary Magdalene commands the skyline and houses remarkable Romanesque sculptures that influenced cathedral architecture across Europe.

Wine culture permeates the region. Chablis vineyards—producing crisp white wines from limestone-rich soil—begin just 20km south. Irancy and St. Bris appellations cluster within similar proximity. The more prestigious Meursault and Montrachet vineyards lie just over an hour’s drive south toward Côte d’Or. Organised wine tours can be arranged; alternatively, self-directed tastings follow established routes through family-owned domains.

Beyond wine, the region offers rock climbing at local crags, hot air balloon flights departing from nearby fields, boating along the canal system, and tennis facilities in adjacent towns. Paris-Bercy airport (160km north-west, approximately 2 hours 45 minutes by car) provides international connections; alternatively, smaller regional airports at Dijon (90km south, 1 hour 20 minutes) and Orly (130km north-west, 2 hours) serve European destinations.

Browse our luxury villas in Centre Val De Loire for similar Burgundy properties, or explore our full European villa collection. For deeper destination planning, consult our France travel guide covering regional highlights, seasonal considerations, and practical logistics.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Chateau De Malley accommodates specific group dynamics exceptionally well. Extended families spanning three generations find the bedroom distribution allows grandparents independent suites while younger children and parents occupy larger connected rooms. The cave suites appeal to couples seeking romantic isolation within a social framework—sounds of the wider group never penetrate these stone sanctuaries.

Professional groups—corporate retreats, creative workshops, writer residencies—benefit from the cinema room, separate study spaces, and billiards area for structured breaks. Friends gathering for milestone celebrations (fortieth birthdays, anniversaries, landmark anniversaries) appreciate the pool and outdoor entertaining infrastructure without the formal constraints of hotel properties.

Parents managing teenagers and young adult children often book when coordinating complex schedules; the pavilion studios function as semi-independent accommodation, reducing friction common in shared holiday homes. Multigenerational groups appreciate that the Commons can function as a self-contained unit, allowing some guests privacy while others use main house facilities.

Practical Information

Chateau De Malley sleeps 33 guests maximum: 13 bedrooms with 13 corresponding bathrooms. All bedrooms include en-suite facilities; no shared bathrooms exist. The property includes Wi-Fi throughout, air-conditioning in the Commons and both caves, and full utilities (electricity, heating, pool heating). A chef or cook can be arranged on request; alternatively, the kitchen’s scale and equipment support self-catering.

Bicycles are provided as part of the rental. Pool heating is included during cooler seasons. Linen, towels, and basic cleaning supplies are provided; additional laundry facilities and storage for extra linens accommodate extended stays. Pets are accepted by prior arrangement. Check-in flexibility can be negotiated directly with Excellence Luxury Villas based on your travel logistics.

The nearest supermarket is within the village of Mailly-le-Château, walking distance or short drive from the property. Fresh produce and regional specialities are available daily at the village grocery; larger shopping requires travel to Auxerre (20km) where full supermarket facilities and specialist food shops operate.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chateau De Malley

How many guests does Chateau De Malley sleep?

Chateau De Malley sleeps 33 guests across 13 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms. The Main House provides 6 bedrooms (some configured as double rooms, others as suites). The Commons contains 3 additional bedrooms plus one child’s room. Two medieval caves function as full suites accommodating additional guests. Two independent pavilions provide studio-style accommodation with separate sleeping and living areas. Every bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom.

What is the nearest airport to Chateau De Malley in Mailly-le-Château?

Paris-Bercy airport, serving European and international routes, lies approximately 160 kilometres north-west of Mailly-le-Château (approximately 2 hours 45 minutes drive). Dijon airport, 90 kilometres south, offers regional European connections and shorter transfer time (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes). Orly airport, approximately 130 kilometres north-west, provides another Paris-region option. Ground transportation can be arranged; self-drive rental cars are practical for exploring the Burgundy wine region and surrounding villages.

What is the best time of year to rent Chateau De Malley?

May through September offers warmest weather, allowing full use of outdoor spaces, the heated pool, and cycling routes without weather constraints. June and September provide ideal temperatures (18-24°C) without summer crowds. April and October deliver spring and autumn atmosphere with generally reliable weather. The winter season (November-March) suits groups prioritising interior entertainment (cinema room, billiards, wine tastings) rather than outdoor activities; however, heating and indoor comfort remain excellent. Wine harvest season (September-October) aligns with vineyard activity if wine tourism interests your group.

Is Chateau De Malley suitable for families with children?

Yes, Chateau De Malley accommodates families well. A dedicated child’s room within the Commons allows flexible arrangements. The heated pool provides safe swimming with surrounding terrace supervision. The canal cycling path offers gentle riding suitable for children’s abilities. Nearby villages like Vézelay (20km) feature age-appropriate historical exploration; rock climbing sites accommodate various skill levels. Indoor amenities—cinema room, ping-pong table, billiards—provide entertainment during variable weather. The property’s scale allows children freedom of movement while parents maintain visual or proximity oversight. Some bedrooms connect (Bedrooms 6 and 7; Bedrooms 12 and 13), permitting parents to monitor younger sleepers.

What is included in the rental price at Chateau De Malley?

The rental price includes accommodation across all 13 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms. Wi-Fi internet access throughout the property is included. Utilities—electricity, heating, water—are covered. Pool heating is included during cooler months. Bicycles for exploring the surrounding region are provided. Linens (beds) and towels are supplied and laundered during stays; additional laundry facilities are available. Basic cleaning supplies for self-catering operation are provided. Parking on the property grounds is included. Optional services such as chef/cook availability, wine tour arrangements, and specialized activity bookings (hot air ballooning, rock climbing instruction) are arranged separately and charged additionally.

What restaurants and shops are near Chateau De Malley?

Mailly-le-Château village, immediately adjacent, contains a grocery store and local bar providing daily essentials and casual dining. Auxerre (20km south-west) offers substantial restaurant selection ranging from casual bistros to Michelin-recognised establishments, plus full supermarket chains, specialist butcheries, and markets. Vézelay (20km north-east), the medieval hillside town, hosts several restaurants alongside its basilica, positioning lunch visits conveniently with cultural exploration. Smaller villages like Irancy (15km south) and St. Bris (18km south) contain family-run restaurants and wine estate tasting rooms. The Canal Nivernais corridor supports occasional waterside cafés. Speciality food—regional cheeses, cured meats, local wines—is available through Auxerre markets or small producers accessible by short drives through wine villages. Self-catering is straightforward; the kitchen’s scale supports preparing meals for 33 when desired.