Chateau Ventenac,
Ventenac-en-Minervois, Aude.
Self catering in superb Chateau
accommodation
Beautiful grounds, private pool
Chateau Ventenac sits
majestically above the Canal du Midi, with panoramic views over the
fields of the Minervois wine-growing region and to the hills of
Corbieres and the Pyrenees beyond. There has been a chateau on this site
for more than a thousand years. The current house was built just over a
hundred years ago and while it is equipped for all the luxuries of
twenty-first century life the chateau and its beautiful grounds retains
an elegant period charm.
Chateau Ventenac is
close to fabulous beaches and is ideally situated for exploratory
trips to the historic towns and villages of the Languedoc. While there
are plenty of local attractions the auto route is only 15 minutes away,
making it easy to take more adventurous day trips.
Self catering accommodation
Château Ventenac is available during the summer months (31 May to
5 September), and for two weeks over Christmas and New Year, for
self-catering holidays by a single family or group. Our seven bedrooms
and five bathrooms accommodate up to 14 people in style and comfort, and
your group will have the whole house and its spacious gardens including
the private pool, to yourselves. These self-catering weeks run from
Thursday to Thursday, so that guests benefit from low-cost air fares.
The newly fitted French country kitchen has everything you need, from a
garlic press to a toaster, and we provide starter packs of essential
supplies for our guests. Linen and towels are changed weekly, and we
have washing machines and tumble dryers for your own clothes.
The 2 sitting rooms have comfortable sofas, a library of books and
games, as well as a TV/DVD and video player. For Christmas/New Year
holidays, the big open fire is particularly welcoming - we keep a ready
supply of logs for guests' use.
Cots and high chairs are available on request, although we ask our
guests to supervise small children at all times particularly in the
outside areas where there are many steps.
Gardens:
We are still in the process of restoring the beautiful gardens to
their former glory but there are already many shady places with garden
furniture for relaxing and reading.. At the bottom of the garden is the
pool ( 8 metres by 4 metres) with sun loungers, chairs and tables set
under a wonderfully shady pergola. Steps lead down to a private lockable
wrought iron entrance gateway leading onto the Canal du Midi (and only
50yds from the Vente de Vin where the local wine costs 2 euros for a
litre!).
Off season we offer bed and breakfast and regular courses,
including painting, yoga, French cookery, Cathar history, wine tasting,
"A Taste of France" and "Rest and Recuperate" weeks for total relaxation
away from the cares of the world. We can also customise courses to suit
the needs of your group.
The Locality:
Ventenac-en-Minervois is a small, friendly village, typical of the
region. The restored canal-side is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and
boats can be hired by the day nearby. There is a mobile bakery, post
office and two restaurants which offer a wide choice of menu and al
fresco dining.
Attractions further afield: Chateau Ventenac is ideally situated
for exploring the beaches, mountains, towns and villages of the
Midi.region of southern France. Narbonne Plage and Gruisson, just 35
minutes away, provide safe, sandy family-style beaches. Within easy
reach you'll find the famous medieval walled city of Carcassonne, the
ancient Roman capital of Narbonne and the historic hillside village of
Minerve, with its dramatic location and Cathar roots.The Pyrenees are
just 90 minutes away and Northern Spain or, in the other direction,
Provence, are easy day trips.
Local Activities: Walking/cycling along the Canal du Midi,
fishing, tennis, golf, swimming, sailing, windsurfing,
kayaking/canoeing, wine-tasting and gourmet dining.
Travel details:
By plane: Ryanair flies to Carcassonne (35 minutes) and Perpignon
(50 minutes). British Airways flies to Montpellier (1 hour 30) and
Toulouse (1 hour 40). Flybe flies to Toulouse and Perpignan
By train: High-speed TGV trains connecting at Paris and Lille
from Waterloo come directly to Narbonne, which also has a motorail
terminal, just 15 minutes away from the Chateau.
By car: Ventenac is just 15 minutes from the autoroute.
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