Rent Chateau Valjean Dordogne

Just outside one of Dordogne’s famous winemaking villages, ten minutes south of Bergerac on the Dordogne river, this spectacular and quintessentially French château welcomes up to twelve guests for a break in truly lavish surroundings.
The exterior is absolutely stunning and lovingly maintained, its pitched tower making a stylish addition to the skyline of this exquisite part of southwest France. The first floor’s master bedroom is served by a large balcony that delivers sunset views across the Bergerac valley, but the breath-taking vistas certainly aren’t confined to there.
Although the château has recently been renovated, most of its characterful features have been retained, such as the kitchen’s striking fireplace and pisé flooring. This type of floor is common in buildings of this type in the region, and is comprised of a mosaic of small stones, absorbing heat by day and releasing it at night.
Timber flooring, exposed and beautifully preserved stone walls continue the tasteful blend of restored and modernised elements, with stunning antique furniture and artwork adorning every room. You’ll find reception rooms with expertly reupholstered chairs and preserved walls, along with a huge living room featuring a vast, modern sofa in front of a smart television. The bedrooms are suitably well-appointed in the same vein, with sumptuous beds, beautifully tiled en-suite bathrooms and large windows that flood the rooms with glorious natural light as you begin your day at this exceptional house.
The château’s ten-acre grounds are just as superbly maintained as the building itself, with manicured lawns, ancient trees and smart topiary. The tasteful modern touches extend to the gardens too, with a ten-metre infinity pool with stone terrace and timber decking providing a superb spot to drink in the valley’s panorama – as well as a glass or two of the local wines. There’s a large dining table outside too, along with a pair of tables at the poolside terrace – ideal for a barbecue dinner with sunset views.
Although a stay at the grand Château Valjean constitutes a holiday in itself, a brief glance at a map of the local area tells you what a great location it’s in for those keen to explore some of the area’s prettiest towns and villages, as well as hiking and cycling around the glorious Dordogne countryside. Bergerac is just ten minutes away, a vibrant blend of half-timbered buildings now housing exclusive boutiques and a modern, thriving new town south of the river. As you’d expect in this heart of France’s gastronomic excellence, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants and wineries to visit. Golfers are sure to be tempted with spoiling a good walk at the world-class Château Vigiers golf course, which also hosts two terrific restaurants.
This beautifully restored Dordogne château is ideally positioned for visiting the prettiest towns and best wineries in the region – not to mention exploring the fabulous countryside itself.
There’s a superb blend of contemporary luxury complementing restored, original features here, from the modern appliances in the kitchen to the stunning infinity pool overlooking the Bergerac valley.
The infinity pool has no fence, so smaller children should be supervised when outdoors.
A seventh bedroom is available on request – please enquire for more information and pricing.
The stunning countryside location necessitates car hire, should you wish to get out and about during your stay.
Villa Interior
Ground Floor
– Reception rooms
– Drawing room
– Living room
– Kitchen with dining table, range oven, dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer, electric coffee machine
– Secondary kitchen with oven, fridge-freezer, air fryer, dining table
– Laundry room
– King-sized bedroom with shared en-suite bathroom
– Double bedroom with shared en-suite
First Floor (Tower)
– King-size bedroom with en-suite bathroom with bathtub, shower and separate WC
– Queen-size bedroom with en-suite bathroom and separate WC
Second Floor (Tower)
– Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower and separate WC
– Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower and separate WC
Outside Grounds
– Infinity swimming pool (10 x 5m) with shutter cover
– Sun loungers with parasols
– Terraces
– Lawns
– Large dining table
– Parking
– Gas barbecue
Facilities
– Wi-Fi
– Smart TV
– Fireplace
– Log burner
Château Valjean is just outside the a well-known winemaking village.As well as a couple of restaurants and an indoor market hall (where you’ll find a range of delicious local produce on a Sunday morning), the spectacular sixteenth-century Château is well worth a visit. There are interactive children’s activities celebrating the region’s viticulture and biodiversity, tours of the castle, and its grounds, wine tastings and a chance to purchase locally produced wines and foods in the boutique throughout the year, with special evening events during July and August.
Head ten minutes north and enjoy a taste of authentic Dordogne town life in Bergerac, with medieval, half-timbered buildings lining the squares and streets of the picturesque old town, north of the river. There are plenty of restaurants and open-air cafés to choose from, along with a selection of boutique-style shops. From the car park at the bottom end of the old town, you can join boat trips throughout the day, taking you along a picturesque route through the town and out into the countryside. The modern area is equally welcoming, with a range of more modern stores offering plenty to tempt the visiting shopper. Contrary to popular belief, the town has no connection with Cyrano de Bergerac, but those with a nose for a good wine certainly won’t be disappointed by a visit to the home of Monbazillac, Pacharment and Saussignac. A beautifully preserved, twelfth-century cloister in the old town is home to the Maison de Vins de Bergerac, an exhibition showcasing the town’s rich winemaking heritage. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to sampling the fabulous labels of southwest France too, with a plethora of wineries to discover around Bergerac, offering vineyard and cellar tours.
Eymet is just a twenty-minute drive west, one of the area’s wonderfully preserved bastide towns. An early start on Thursday is rewarded with the chance to explore the varied and colourful wares at the town’s weekly open-air market. From fresh fruit, vegetables and artisanal breads, to clothing and accessories, you’ll find a wealth of terrific local produce and goods. If you prefer a more measured start to your mornings, the central Place de la Bastide hosts the atmospheric Marche Nocturne on Tuesday evenings during July and August. Terrific street food, late openings at the town’s cafés and a tempting array of stalls all add up to make a delightful evening out in this vibrant town.
Golfers enjoying a break at Château Valjean will be just a twenty-minute drive from the spectacular twenty-seven-hole course at Château des Vigiers. With a magnificent lakeside backdrop of oak woods, vineyards and plum trees, the three diverse nine-hole courses are an absolute joy for linksmen of all handicaps, with a particularly stunning view of the castle at the ninth on the ‘Le Lac’ course. There’s a six-hole academy course too, along with driving ranges, training bunkers and practice greens to sharpen your chipping and putting before heading out on one of the picturesque courses. Club and cart rental is available, as well as the chance to treat yourself at the club shop. Visitors can book ahead and enjoy a well-earned meal at one of Golf des Vigiers’ two restaurants, with traditional and gourmet cuisine available.
The pace of life in the Dordogne is languid, laid back and positively infectious. Relax in bucolic beauty as you drift along the Dordogne River, or wander among the forests and hillside of the Périgord Natural Park.
The foodie scene too, is a relaxed affair. Take your time over your lazy lunches of local duck, black truffles and goats cheese. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hunt for them yourself. The wine here is second to none, with infamous grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chenin Blanc all having a huge presence here.
The Dordogne is also brimming with history. Castles and chateaux are scattered throughout the region, among the enchanting medieval villages. History of an altogether more ancient sort can also be explored in the incredible prehistoric cave drawings of Lascaux and Grotte de Rouffignac.