Chateau Claria

About this property

In the beautiful landscapes of the Lot-et-Garonne, close to the Dordogne border, this 17th century family château welcomes up to 16 guests in charming surroundings.

It is said that the château was built in the late 1600s by a local duke who claimed it was for the lady he loved (and later married), the cousin of King Louis XIV. Even nowadays you can sense the château’s rich heritage across every room with spacious interiors, high ceilings and other characterful features. Relax in the lounge, read quietly in the library/study and prepare feasts in the rustic kitchen (or arrange a chef to cook) whilst younger guests can play to their heart’s content in the huge playroom upstairs with a puppet theatre, table-tennis table, board games and toys.

This is an authentic family home, furnished simply yet comfortably with six pretty bedrooms and four bath/shower rooms allowing this traditional French château to sleep up to 16 guests. It is ideal for an extended family or group of friends with different rooms for guests who seek a little solitude from time to time. Gather on the grand terrace in front of the château for al-fresco meals or by the glorious 16m long swimming pool below. The views towards the open countryside are wonderful.

Also part of the vast open grounds are three charmingly converted stables which are usually rented out separately (see Écuries Claria). If you wish to book both the château and the stables (for up to 32 guests in total), please see Domaine Claria.  

This estate is on a country road which leads to a pretty village and lake around 1.5km away. It’s a delightful place to explore with half-timbered houses, medieval lanes, a Renaissance castle as well as restaurants, some useful shops and a small Saturday morning Farmer’s market. The lake is the perfect spot for a nature walk and sometimes fishing is allowed (with a permit).

Visit picturesque market towns across the Lot-et-Garonne such as Castillonnès, Miramont-de-Guyenne and Villeréal as well as much-loved Monflanquin, officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Canoe or kayak in the summer near Allemans-du-Dropt, try wines across the vineyards of Duras and potter around atmospheric local markets showcasing regional delicacies such as Agen prunes, Marmande tomatoes and Tonneins ham as well as walnuts, truffles and foie-gras.

The allure of Saint-Émilion and its famous vineyards also awaits, just over an hour away, or stay closer to home as you discover southern Dordogne. Take a boat trip along the Dordogne, visit picture-perfect villages such as Issigeac, Eymet and Monpazier and head to the vibrant markets of  Sainte-Foy-la-Grande or Bergerac, both fine days out in this captivating part of southwestern France.

Château Claria is located in the Lot-et-Garonne department of southwestern France, close to the Dordogne border, around half an hour south of Bergerac.

Bordered by farmland and countryside, the château is set within the same open grounds as Écuries Claria, just off a country road leading to a pretty village dating back to medieval times. It’s a 1.5km drive or walk (no pavement) to the village with its restaurants, shops (including a bakery, grocery store and pharmacy), Saturday morning Farmer’s market and a rather grand Renaissance château. Stroll along the characterful medieval lanes admiring half-timbered houses, then come across the picturesque lake, ideal for bird-watching, picnics or fishing at certain times of year (a permit is needed).   

Drive to Miramont-de-Guyenne or Castillonnès for larger supermarkets and further amenities, both historic towns with charming weekly markets (Castillonnès’ is on a Tuesday morning, Miramont-de-Guyenne’s on a Monday). Close to Miramont-de-Guyenne is Lac du Saut du Loup for more attractive nature walks and fishing opportunities.

There are plenty of good walks in the area - the owner will give you a guide to some, as well as cycling routes (bike hire is available in the local village). Canoeing and kayaking is possible in Allemans-du-Dropt or along the Dordogne and Lot rivers.

Heading slightly north to the Dordogne department, nearby Eymet (9km) on the Dropt River is a picturesque 13th century bastide town with a wonderful Thursday morning market. Other unmissable villages to discover include Issigeac (20km), Villeréal (26km), Monflanquin (31km) and Monpazier (40km), all historic gems with beautiful houses, atmospheric markets and inviting restaurants.

Then there’s the vineyards around Duras (28km), Bergerac (30km) and beyond as well as the sweet wines of Château de Monbazillac just south of the Dordogne River. Wine connoisseurs may also wish to travel as far as Saint-Émilion (72km), a picture-perfect hilltop town with historic vineyards that have been classified as a unesco World Heritage site. Meanwhile, Bordeaux (120km) and its wineries are within two hours by car.

Food lovers will appreciate being so close to many markets in local villages and bastide towns across the Lot-et-Garonne, Gironde and Dordogne including those in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (37km), Marmande (32km) and Bergerac (35km) as well as Agen (63km), famed for its prunes steeped in Armagnac. Other delicious produce includes tomatoes, strawberries, asparagus, melons, walnuts, hazelnuts, truffles, cepes, ham and France’s famous foie gras.

Accommodation

Château Interiors (700m2, two storeys)

-    Hallway
-    Living room (58m2)
-    Dining room
-    Kitchen, well-equipped including Nespresso machine, kettle, toaster, electric oven, gas hob, dishwasher and fridge
-    Billiard room (with steps to cellar)
-    Library/study
-    3 x bedrooms with double bed and single bed
-    2 x bedrooms with double bed
-    Bedroom with three single beds
-    4 x bathrooms (two en suite) with bath and/or shower
-    Large upstairs games room/lounge (250m2)
Two of the bedrooms are en suite and on the ground floor.
Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (16x6m, depth: 0.9-2.8m) with safety fencing. Open approximately April to October
-    Large elevated terrace with dining table and chairs (low stone walls)
-    Barbecue
-    Large garden/grounds (unenclosed)
-    Badminton set
-    Driveway and parking (shared with Écuries Claria)

Facilities

-    High-speed Wi-Fi
-    Fireplace
-    Portable fans
-    TV 
-    Board games and toys
-    Puppet theatre
-    Books
-    Badminton set
-    Table tennis
-    Security cameras (outward facing)
-    Hairdryer
-    Washing machine and dryer (in cellar)