20 Rural Idylls
by Julia Brookes
February 2007
Château de Beauregard, Laissaud, Savoie: Up to 17 people can sleep in the eight bedrooms of the magnificent 11th-century château, which is perfect for a house party. Perched on top of a hill overlooking the Isère River valley, it has three lakes within an hour's drive, including France's largest natural lake, Lac du Bourget, with windsurfing and sailing schools, and good swimming.
View château ref SA18 (for 25 persons) >>
View château ref SA18a (for 17 persons) >>
Take the Bateau to your Château
by Andrew Eames
February 2005
As well as a greater variety of holidays, you will also find a greater selection of villas, because increasing numbers of Britons who own property in France rent them out to subsidise their mortgage. Gîte and villa companies have responded by getting more creative or becoming specialist to survive. In some cases that has meant sticking to the top end, pools-only properties, as does family-run Dominique's Villas.
Historic Rental
by Jill Crawshaw
April 2004
Echoes of blood and thunder swirl round the towers and turrets of the 14th century Château de Beauvoir, a "maison forte" in St-Pourçain-sur-Besbre, occupied by the British in the 100 Years' War. Dominique's Villas rents out this little bit of history - the château can accommodate up to 18 holidaymakers and comes with nine large 14th century fireplaces, moat and original antiques and paintings - plus a solar-heated pool.
View château ref AU20 >>
Wow-factor castles
by Jeannette Hyde
February 2001
Château de Campanes, Lagraulet, near Gondrin, Gers, is in beautiful rolling countryside with views across vineyards and fields carpeted with sunflowers. A big attraction is the huge open terrace, and there's an open stone stairway to the huge oak double doors, four poster beds and tiny chapel in the courtyard.
One of the many bedrooms has oak beams crossing over from floor to ceiling with a big stand-alone bath in the middle. Bag the corner bedroom with four long windows for views of the whole valley.
View château ref PY21 >>
