Chateau Cedre | 12-Bedroom Chateau with Private Pool in Pudenas Sos

Twenty-four guests across twelve bedrooms: this is how Chateau Cedre in Pudenas functions as the rare French property that genuinely accommodates large family gatherings without compromise. Positioned in the Lot-et-Garonne region—a quieter cousin to the Dordogne’s crowded villages—this historic fortress-turned-palace offers the kind of scale and amenities that wedding parties, multi-generational families, and corporate retreats actually need. Stone arches frame sunlit courtyards. Centuries-old cedars punctuate manicured parkland. The south-facing terrace commands uninterrupted views across rolling countryside.

Inside Chateau Cedre

Chateau Cedre sleeps 24 guests across 12 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms distributed between two separate guest houses positioned 60 metres apart on the estate grounds.

The Logis accommodates 16 guests (plus two infants) in eight bedrooms with six bathrooms. On the ground floor: a fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar and dining table for sixteen, a generous living room, and four bedrooms. Chambre Claude and Chambre Odile (the latter featuring wheelchair access) are twin rooms with private en-suite bathrooms. Chambre Valentine is a double with en-suite facilities. A guest WC serves additional visitors. The first floor contains five further bedrooms: Chambre Haute functions as the bridal suite with its own bathroom; Chambres Philippine, Athénaïs, Henri, and Marie are all twin configurations with shared bathroom access. Each bedroom overlooks the valley, and a private courtyard garden with loggia provides outdoor breathing space.

The Maison is the intimate counterpart, hosting up to eight guests (plus one infant) in four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Designed with young families particularly in mind, the ground floor encompasses a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, a wood-fired living room, laundry facilities, and a bathroom with separate WC. Upstairs, one double bedroom and three twin bedrooms are served by a family bathroom and separate toilet. A private garden and covered terrace give this cottage its own identity while remaining steps from shared facilities.

Both properties feature washing machines, tumble dryers, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers in each bedroom. The kitchens are not token installations—they contain everything from coffee machines to full-sized ovens and freezers, suitable for self-catering or supporting a professional chef if hired through the estate.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The salt-water swimming pool measures 8 by 12 metres with depths ranging from 1.4 to 2.5 metres, situated prominently at the estate’s front with an expansive terrace and barbecue area. Pool hours run from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., with safety barriers in place. The water temperature is maintained year-round.

Beyond the pool, the grounds reveal themselves gradually. A children’s swing set occupies the southern parkland. A recently renovated tennis court (2020 upgrade) sits ready for matches. A golf practice area with a five-hole approach green and bunker—installed in 2022—allows serious golfers to maintain their swing without leaving the property. Table tennis, badminton, petanque courts, and table football accommodate less competitive recreation. A private fishing lake lies 800 metres distant and operates on request.

The vast gardens are planted with Lebanese and Atlas cedars, cypress, Siberian elm, and over one hundred additional species collected across two centuries. These are not ornamental features added last year—they are living inheritances from the 18th and 19th centuries, creating a landscape where morning walks feel like botanical exploration.

Twenty-five acres provides sufficient space that the owners’ private residence (discretely positioned elsewhere on the grounds) never intrudes. The chateau itself—a listed Monument Historique with exceptional reception rooms—remains closed to guests except for occasional guided tours of its antique-laden, fireplace-graced interiors.

Location: Pudenas and the Surrounding Area

Pudenas sits in the Lot-et-Garonne, a department that retains the Dordogne’s natural beauty without its summer tourism saturation. Rolling sunflower fields, fruit orchards following country lanes, and villages where tourism infrastructure remains refreshingly underdeveloped define this corner of southwestern France.

The nearest market hub is Mezin, 8 kilometres away, where a fortified church anchors a weekly Sunday market selling local produce and artisanal goods. Agen—the regional capital at 25 kilometres south—offers proper urban amenities: restaurant-lined streets, shopping streets, pavement cafés where hours genuinely evaporate. The Lot river itself, running through Agen, provides water activities including canoeing and boat hire.

Food and wine define the region’s character. Foie gras production is not a sidebar—it is fundamental. Armagnac distilleries operate throughout the surrounding countryside; many welcome visitors for tastings and distillery tours. Local fromageries produce unpasteurised cheeses sold at weekly markets. Wine estates across Buzet and Duras appellations (10-20 kilometres distant) conduct tastings and cellar tours from spring through autumn.

For cultural immersion, the Séviac Gallo-Roman villa—the largest Roman villa in Europe—lies just 12 kilometres away and operates as an archaeological museum. The fortified village of Penne d’Agenais climbs a hillside 18 kilometres to the east, offering medieval streetscapes and panoramic views across the Lot valley. Henri IV’s chateau at Nérac, 22 kilometres northwest, illustrates Renaissance military architecture and hosts summer theatre events.

Active pursuits cluster throughout the region. Archery, accrobranche (canopy walks), horse riding, and cycling are available at multiple operators within 15 kilometres. The Landes Forest—an expanse of maritime pine and sandy trails—lies 30 kilometres south and provides day-hike and mountain-biking terrain. Canoeing the Lot and Garonne rivers operates seasonally (April through October) with multiple hire points.

Bordeaux airport (140 kilometres northwest, approximately 1.5 hours by car) handles international flights. Toulouse airport (120 kilometres south, approximately 1.5 hours) provides an alternative. For private aircraft, several regional airstrips operate within 30 kilometres.

Explore our villas in Lot Et Garonne for additional options in this exceptional region, or browse our luxury villas in Pudenas and broader French property collection. For deeper destination insight, consult our Dordogne travel guide, which covers neighbouring attractions and seasonal planning.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational family reunions: The two-house layout allows parents to occupy one property while adult children and their own families spread across the second. Shared facilities prevent isolation while enabling privacy.

Destination weddings: The chateau’s six reception areas (bookable separately and at additional cost) provide ceremony and celebration venues. Guest accommodation spans both properties on the same grounds, eliminating hotel shuttles or village logistics.

Corporate retreats and team gatherings: Twenty-four sleeping capacity, commercial kitchen facilities, and activities from tennis to fishing support both structured programmes and informal bonding.

Families with children under twelve: The swimming pool, swings, table games, badminton, and enclosed gardens create safe recreation. The Maison’s family-oriented layout with ground-floor living proves especially practical.

Couples seeking culinary experiences: A chef can be arranged through the estate. The commercial kitchen, proximity to farmers’ markets, and wine region location enable multi-course dining experiences nightly.

Practical Information

Capacity and Layout: Chateau Cedre sleeps 24 guests in 12 bedrooms with 8 bathrooms. The Logis contains 8 bedrooms (6 bathrooms) for 16 guests. The Maison contains 4 bedrooms (2 bathrooms) for 8 guests. Both houses are self-catering equipped, though a professional chef is available on request.

What’s Included: Wi-Fi throughout both properties, all linens and towels, salt-water pool use (subject to posted hours), access to all grounds facilities including the tennis court, golf practice area, table games, and swings. Heating is included. A caretaker/owner presence on the estate provides discretionary support.

Nearest Airport: Bordeaux-Mérignac (140 kilometres northwest) is the primary international hub, roughly 1.5 hours’ driving. Toulouse-Blagnac airport (120 kilometres south) offers an alternative with similar driving time. Private transfer services can be arranged.

Nearest Supermarket: Agen (25 kilometres south) contains multiple supermarkets. Local markets in Mezin (8 kilometres) operate Sundays and selected weekdays for fresh produce and artisanal products.

Check-In Flexibility: Flexible arrival and departure times can be discussed directly with the owners and estate management.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chateau Cedre

How many guests does Chateau Cedre sleep?

Chateau Cedre accommodates 24 guests in 12 bedrooms across two separate properties. The Logis contains 8 bedrooms for 16 guests, and the Maison contains 4 bedrooms for 8 guests. Additionally, the properties can accommodate up to 3 infants in cots. A third cottage with its own private pool, garden, entrance and parking area is available for booking additional guests by separate arrangement.

What is the nearest airport to Chateau Cedre in Pudenas?

Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport lies 140 kilometres northwest of Pudenas, approximately 1.5 hours by car via motorway. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (120 kilometres south) provides a similar journey time. Both airports receive flights from across Europe and North Africa. Private transfer companies operate regionally and can be pre-arranged.

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

May through September offers warm, reliable weather with daytime temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. May and June bring lower tourist density, wildflower blooms, and active vineyard activity. July and August are warmest but coincide with peak regional tourism. September offers continued warmth, harvest-season wine-estate activities, and returning solitude. April and October are shoulder seasons with unpredictable weather but excellent value. Winter (November through February) sees cool temperatures (5-10 degrees Celsius) but quieter villages, fewer tourists, and occasional frosted parkland scenery. Spring markets and summer festivals define the busier period.

Is Chateau Cedre suitable for families with children?

Yes. The Maison property is specifically designed for families with young children, featuring ground-floor living and easy access to the adjacent pool and playground. The 25-acre grounds include a swing set, the saltwater pool has safety barriers, and the enclosed gardens limit unsupervised wandering. The region offers child-friendly attractions: the Lot river for paddling, bicycle hire for family rides, archery venues, and local beaches at the Lot and Garonne rivers. Farmers’ markets provide entertainment and food variety. The swimming pool operates during daylight hours with supervised safety features. High chairs, cots, and children’s beds can be arranged through the estate.

What is included in the rental price at Chateau Cedre?

The rental price includes all linens, towels, and pillows; Wi-Fi Internet access throughout both properties; utilities including heating and hot water; use of the salt-water swimming pool and all grounds facilities (tennis court, golf practice area, table games, swings, badminton equipment, petanque court, and fishing lake access by request); basic kitchen equipment including dishwashers, ovens, hobs, microwaves, coffee machines, and refrigeration; washing machines and tumble dryers; and the presence of a caretaker/owner on the estate for emergencies. A professional chef can be hired separately at additional cost.

What restaurants and shops are near Chateau Cedre?

Mezin (8 kilometres) operates a weekly Sunday market where local producers sell fresh vegetables, cheeses, charcuterie, and artisanal products. Agen (25 kilometres south) contains multiple restaurants ranging from casual brasseries to Michelin-listed establishments, plus conventional supermarkets (Carrefour, Leclerc) and independent butchers, fishmongers, and bakeries. Small restaurants and cafés operate in villages along the Lot valley (Nérac, Penne d’Agenais) within 15-22 kilometres. Wine-estate restaurants in the Buzet and Duras regions offer pairing menus and tasting experiences. Speciality shops for foie gras, Armagnac, and local wines cluster around Agen and throughout market towns. Farm shops selling direct-from-producer eggs, vegetables, and meat operate within 5-10 kilometres of the estate.