Chateau Les Tourelles | 9-Bedroom Chateau in Carlux Cazoules

Twenty guests arrive at Chateau Les Tourelles in Carlux to discover something unexpected: a 17th-century fortress that feels nothing like a museum. The driveway climbs through woodland toward a hilltop stronghold where the Dordogne valley spreads below like a landscape painting. This isn’t a property that whispers its credentials—it announces them through stone walls, stained-glass windows, and the kind of architecture that featured in Vogue.

Inside Chateau Les Tourelles

Chateau Les Tourelles sleeps 20 guests across 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, each room individually designed and air-conditioned. The ground floor establishes the grandeur: a grand salon dominated by a fireplace and historic furnishings, a period dining room seating 20 beneath a medieval chandelier, and a vaulted kitchen that surprises with its modernity—gas hob, commercial oven, American refrigerator, dishwasher—opening directly onto a courtyard for al-fresco meals.

The first floor contains five guest bedrooms. Bedroom 1 features a king bed and mirrored antique furniture with a turret en suite. Bedroom 2 offers a super king-size leather bed with Dordogne river views and double-sink bathroom. Bedroom 3 showcases a four-poster double with art-deco styling. Bedroom 4 provides a super king bed with opulent marble finishes and double sink. Bedroom 5 presents a king bed with flamboyant décor and marble en suite. The historic library on this floor features original 17th-19th century bookshelves, painted ceilings, and a sound system—the desk where an early 19th-century US Ambassador reportedly drafted letters to the President.

The second floor houses the final four bedrooms. Bedroom 6, inspired by Provence’s aesthetic, offers a super king bed and turret bathroom with a standalone bath positioned for 360-degree valley views—accessed via narrow tower steps. Bedroom 7 pairs twin beds with original tapestry wallpaper and river views. Bedroom 8 showcases hand-carved furnishings, stained-glass windows in both bedroom and bathroom, with the toilet discretely concealed behind an armoire door. The Royal Suite (Bedroom 9) represents the property’s pinnacle: a super king bed under stained glass, a separate living area with sofas, and a copper standalone bath positioned for unobstructed views.

Two guest WCs on the ground floor serve the main entertaining spaces. Every bedroom includes contemporary bathrooms with walk-in showers, double sinks where applicable, and heritage details—marble tiling, stained glass, turret positioning—that distinguish each space.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds extend across 30 hectares of forest, meadow, and cliff-edge terracing. The swimming pool sits on two levels—a shallow children’s section (60cm depth) and main pool (1.35m depth, 5x7m dimensions)—enclosed by walls and fencing with dual safety alarms. A poolhouse provides changing facilities, bar, refrigeration, and shower. Sun-loungers overlook the valley from the pool deck.

Three distinct outdoor dining areas serve different moods: a large enclosed courtyard with LED lighting and water feature (a 5-metre waterfall cascading into a pond), an al-fresco terrace capturing the Dordogne valley perspective, and a cliff-top lounge area for aperitifs at sunset. A barbecue, yoga pavilion with meditation deck overlooking forest, and a 12-foot in-ground trampoline complete the recreational landscape.

Private hiking trails wind through ancient woodland where wild boar occasionally appear. Stone walls, old wells, and the ruins of a Roman church occupy the higher elevations. The property boundary extends to the Dordogne riverbank, accessible via a 20-minute forest walk where picnics by the water command views of Château de Beynac across the opposite cliff.

Location: Carlux and the Surrounding Area

Carlux anchors the central Périgord Noir, positioning guests equidistant from the region’s two defining characteristics: gastronomic sophistication and medieval architecture. The village itself sits 15 minutes’ walk through forest or 5 minutes by car from the château, offering a boulangerie, small grocer, and a restaurant-bar with Friday evening live music. Bicycle and kayak hire operate within walking distance.

Souillac (13km, 15-20 minute drive) provides substantial amenities: multiple restaurants spanning rustic regional cooking to fine dining, artisan shops, cafés, and a supermarket. The Friday morning market sells local produce, charcuterie, and cheese. The Abbey Sainte-Marie, a Romanesque masterpiece, deserves a morning visit. Golf enthusiasts access Résidence Souillac Golf & Country Club approximately 25 minutes away.

The Dordogne’s most celebrated villages cluster within 30km. Sarlat-la-Canéda (17km) has earned renown as the foie-gras and truffle capital—its Saturday market sprawls across medieval squares, and the narrow lanes reveal Renaissance architecture at every turn. La Roque-Gageac (21km) cascades down riverside cliffs in honey-coloured stone. Domme (20km) crowns a hilltop with panoramic terraces. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (27km) combines fortress ruins with sweeping valley views. Browse our luxury villas in France to explore similar destinations.

Château de Beynac rises opposite on its own promontory—accessible by canoe from the riverbank below or by car via narrow lanes. The gardens of Eyrignac near Thonac and Jardins de Marqueyssac near Vézac showcase formal French landscaping. Lascaux’s prehistoric cave paintings (Montignac, 35km) provide cultural depth. Saint-Amand-de-Coly (30km), classified among France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, combines abbey architecture with village charm. The Lot department’s border lies just beyond, introducing villages like Gourdon (18km) and Rocamadour (38km), a vertical pilgrimage site cut into limestone. For wine exploration, Cahors (60km) produces legendary tannic reds. Read our Dordogne travel guide for seasonal event calendars and deep-dive regional recommendations.

Nine Michelin-starred restaurants operate within 30 minutes’ drive, reflecting the region’s gastronomic seriousness. The Dordogne is Europe’s freshwater kayaking capital—companies in Souillac and Sarlat hire equipment for day paddles past medieval villages. Summer brings outdoor markets daily; autumn centres on truffle hunting and wine harvest festivals. Spring wildflowers (April-May) and autumn foliage (September-October) offer photographers sublime light.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families spanning three generations find the 20-guest capacity and range of bedroom types accommodating. Parents occupy the Royal Suite; teenagers claim tower bedrooms; young children access the shallow pool section while grandparents rest in ground-floor bedrooms.

Corporate retreat groups and friendship circles of 12-20 appreciate the formal dining facilities, library workspaces, and distinct indoor/outdoor zones that permit simultaneous activities without crowding. The chef, catering, and sommelier services transform the kitchen into a hospitality base rather than a cooking burden.

Couples seeking profound privacy should note that Chateau Les Tourelles functions best as a multi-party rental—the scale and service infrastructure serve group dynamics. Solo travellers or pairs renting independently may experience underutilised space and starkly higher per-person costs.

Food and wine enthusiasts leverage the on-site cooking classes, wine-tasting experiences, truffle-hunting expeditions (autumn), and proximity to Michelin-starred restaurants. The property’s chef service elevates everyday meals beyond standard villa catering.

Practical Information

Chateau Les Tourelles accommodates 20 guests across 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. Libourne Airport (80km, approximately 90 minutes by car) and Périgueux Airport (70km, approximately 75 minutes) both serve the region. Paris-Orly (500km, 5.5-hour drive) provides international connections.

Air-conditioning operates in bedrooms; heating throughout. Wi-Fi covers the property. Bed linen, towels, and bathrobes are provided. Pool heating is available seasonally (May-September, subject to supplementary charge). Laundry facilities (washing machine and dryer) are on-site. A maid service maintains the property daily. Check-in flexibility accommodates varied guest arrival schedules.

Transfers from airports can be arranged via the concierge. The village bar-restaurant at the château’s drive entrance provides casual evening meals. Souillac’s supermarket stocks everyday groceries and household items. The property operates year-round, though summer (June-August) experiences peak pricing and highest demand.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chateau Les Tourelles

How many guests does Chateau Les Tourelles sleep?

Chateau Les Tourelles sleeps 20 guests across 9 bedrooms with 9 en-suite bathrooms. Bedroom configurations span king beds (Bedrooms 1, 5), super king-size beds (Bedrooms 2, 4, 6, 8, and the Royal Suite), a four-poster double (Bedroom 3), and twin beds (Bedroom 7). All bedrooms include private bathrooms; additional guest WCs serve communal areas.

What is the nearest airport to Chateau Les Tourelles in Carlux?

Libourne Airport operates 80km away (approximately 90 minutes by car). Périgueux Airport, slightly closer at 70km, requires roughly 75 minutes. Paris-Orly (500km) accommodates international flights, requiring a 5.5-hour drive. The property’s concierge arranges transfers from any airport.

What is the best time of year to rent Chateau Les Tourelles?

May through September offers optimal swimming conditions with the heated pool available seasonally. June-August brings peak tourism, higher prices, and busier regional attractions. April-May features spring wildflower displays and Easter markets. September-October combines warm days with autumn foliage and truffle-hunting season. November-March provides peaceful rural solitude but reduced daylight hours and occasional rain. The pool closes outside summer months.

Is Chateau Les Tourelles suitable for families with children?

Yes. The pool features a dedicated shallow section (60cm depth) with dual safety alarms and walled enclosure. The 12-foot in-ground trampoline entertains school-age children. Nearby Sarlat-la-Canéda and river villages provide low-intensity cultural activities. The property’s spacious grounds allow younger guests to roam safely. However, the narrow tower stairs accessing Bedroom 6 pose a hazard for toddlers or unsteady walkers. Chef services eliminate meal-planning stress for families managing multiple dietary preferences.

What is included in the rental price at Chateau Les Tourelles?

Rental includes accommodation for up to 20 guests, bed linen, towels, bathrobes, Wi-Fi, heating, air-conditioning in bedrooms, laundry facilities, and daily maid service. Pool heating (May-September) is available at supplementary cost. Chef, catering, breakfast, cooking classes, wine-tasting, truffle-hunting, and airport transfers are available à la carte through the concierge. Utilities (electricity, gas, water) are included.

What restaurants and shops are near Chateau Les Tourelles?

The village of Carlux (5km by car) provides a boulangerie and small grocer. Souillac (13km) hosts a Friday morning market, supermarket, artisan butchers, and restaurants ranging from casual bistros to gastronomic establishments. Sarlat-la-Canéda (17km) operates a renowned Saturday market specialising in foie gras, truffles, and local produce, alongside multiple gourmet restaurants. Nine Michelin-starred establishments operate within 30 minutes’ drive. The château’s resident concierge maintains current reservations at regional restaurants.