Chateau De La Chasse France

Stay in an authentic French château set in the most wonderful gardens in the heart of a historic village known for its ceramic production. As well as being able to stroll to the café-bar, restaurant and nearby river swimming spots, famous Gaillac, Albi and Toulouse are also easily reached.
Embrace the 1.5 hectares of glorious grounds surrounding this 17th-century former royal hunting lodge, also once lived in by a well-known French sculptor whose work is exhibited in the neighbouring Centre Céramique. Come across the swimming pool with its decked poolside terrace, pergola and pool house before playing a game of tennis on the private court (which can also be converted into an astroturf football pitch).
Century-old trees provide shade across the vast lawns and there’s a wendy house, trampoline, swings and gym bars to keep the most energetic guests entertained. Set up your outdoor dining table by the roses for long al-fresco meals, perhaps accompanied by the internationally renowned wines of nearby Gaillac.
The backdrop of the red-hued château with its pale blue shutters is magical. Inside, the interiors will also enchant you with the ambience of old-fashioned charm throughout. Downstairs is the elegant salon, comfy TV lounge, a brilliant little bar and rustic kitchen whilst table football and pool can be found in the cellar.
Upstairs is the master double connected to a bedroom filled with books alongside six other bedrooms of varying style and sizes. Sleeping up to 22 guests, families will especially appreciate the layout with several connecting bedrooms alongside three en suite bathrooms whilst the pretty Orangerie, set within the grounds, houses three additional doubles and two further bathrooms.
Wander through the village to the main square for gorgeous views of the river and Tarn countryside beyond. It’s such a picturesque place to stay with its 13th century church, traditional red brick houses and ceramics whilst the exquisite Jardin des Martels and its water features, mini-farm and summer steam train is very close by.
The bustling Saturday morning market in historic Lavaur, around 10km away, is worthy of a visit, as are the medieval castle ruins and caves in nearby Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe. Meanwhile, spend time in picture-perfect villages such as Lisle-sur-Tarn and venture to the vineyards, some of the oldest in France, around the beautiful town of Gaillac by the banks of the Tarn River, only 20km away.
Then there’s the incredible small city of Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its idyllic riverside setting, remarkable historic buildings, atmospheric markets and fantastic dining opportunities. Toulouse, also known as ‘La Ville Rose’, and the Canal du Midi are also close enough for a great day out whilst Carcassonne, Narbonne and the Mediterranean beaches of the Languedoc coastline can all be reached within two hours in this magnificent part of southern France.It feels like such a privilege to be able to stay in such an authentic château in a traditional French village in the Tarn department, perfectly located for visiting the famous towns and cities of Gaillac, Albi and Toulouse.
Set in 1.5 hectares of grounds including a private astroturf tennis court (which can be converted into a football pitch), just stroll out of the gates and you are in the heart of a village known for its ceramic production which dates back to the 16th century. As well as the Centre Céramique hosting various exhibitions, the village is home to a café, bar, restaurant and shop alongside a 13th century church and many traditional red-brick houses so typical of this region. From the main square there is a glorious viewpoint of the countryside and river below – you can find summer swimming spots along the river within a 15-minute walk. There are also hiking and horse-riding opportunities in the forest beyond the village.
Close by is the vast botanical garden, Le Jardin des Martels, such an exquisite place to visit with its terraced water feature, canal, lotus pond and mini-farm. On Sunday afternoons (six days a week in the height of the summer) take a trip on the open-air tourist steam train which runs between the gardens and Saint-Lieux-lès-Lavaur. Furthermore, there is a great Base de Loisirs just beyond Saint-Lieux-lès-Lavaur, open July and August, with canoeing, pedalo hire, water play, picnic areas, a large playground and other activities such as pétanque, fishing, volleyball and more.
Lavaur (11km) also features the iconic red bricks of the region, a picturesque town on the banks of the river with a fascinating history. It is home to several shops and useful amenities (including a large supermarket on the outskirts) as well as a bustling market on a Saturday morning. There is a good choice of amenities and supermarkets in and around Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe (9km), also home to the remains of a medieval castle and underground caves.
Lisle-sur-Tarn (16km) is a picture-perfect riverside village with a beautifully arcaded central square, whilst wine-lovers should venture to the historic vineyards around Gaillac (20km), the oldest in France and known throughout the world. It’s a very attractive old town, dating back over 1000 years, situated by the Tarn River and featuring the impressive Abbey Saint-Michael.
Heading east along the Tarn, you will soon reach Albi (42km), an incredible medieval city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, with red-brick architecture and the mighty Cathédrale d’Albi. Look out for weekly markets in the wonderfully restored market hall as well as various events and festivities across the year. It’s a fantastic place to dine out whether you are seeking authentic bistros or high-end establishments whilst there are summer opportunities for canoeing and kayaking as well as boat trips along the Tarn.
It’s under an hour to reach hilltop Cordes-sur-Ciel (51km), yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, or head south-west to Toulouse (42km), also referred to as ‘La Ville Rose’ with its grand houses, museums, tree-lined riverside and the Canal du Midi.
Further afield, drive to the amazing city of Carcassonne (108km), admire fascinating Cathar castles north of the Pyrenees and you can even reach the beaches of the Languedoc coastline beyond the handsome city of Narbonne (190km), all within a 2-hour drive.