Le Château
The Château Buildings
The Château is built on a rocky promontory overlooking the valley of the Célé. Surrounded by high walls on three sides, it was originally protected by a dry moat on the south side spanned by a drawbridge. The buildings we see today date mainly from the 13th and 17th centuries. Of the earlier castle, only the outline remains: a “U” shape, open to the north where there would originally have been stables. Below the north end of the courtyard are tunnels leading to loopholes for archers from where the castle could be defended.
The main tower, reached by a stone staircase to the west of the courtyard, dates from 1204 and the time of the Albigensian Crusade. The tower lost its original roof and its top floor after the revolution but still dominates the surrounding countryside.
To the east of the courtyard is the Grande Salle or Salle des Etats, a two-storey galleried room, with thick walls demonstrating its medieval origins.
To the west of the courtyard are workshops below a terrace where the chapel stood until the Second World War. In a very poor state, the chapel was demolished and replaced by a terrace by the then owner Jeanne Loviton after she acquired the chateau in 1939.
The main entrance to the courtyard and the chateau, guarded by two lions, bears the arms of the family Lostange, owners from the early 17th until the 19th centuriy. The Marquis Louis de Lostanges was the Seneschal of Quercy, the king’s representative in the region until the Revolution.
The chateau sleeps up to 14 and can be rented by the week or for long weekends, for holidays, weddings or other special events, with seating for up to 100 in the Grande Salle, or up to 150 for meals in the courtyard or under the Linden trees in the park.
8 Bedrooms / 8 Bathrooms
The Grande Salle
The beautifully decorated 100m2 Grande Salle (or Salle des Etats) is the main hall of the chateau, dating from the 14th century. The Parliament of Quercy met three times here during the Hundred Years War and it was from here that the barons of Quercy planned the successful siege of the English garrison at Saint Circ Lapopie.
The present appearance and furnishings of the Grande Salle are largely due to Maurice Fenaille, the owner of the chateau from 1911 until 1937 – see “History”.
The hall can seat up to 120 (160 including the gallery) for concerts, seminars and presentations, and up to 80 can be comfortably seated at 10 tables for a banquet.
The Salon
The Salon or “Salle des Notables” is the main reception room of the chateau. A large family room, it is equipped with satellite TV, DVD player and stereo system as well as a baby grand piano. A french window gives access to the garden terrace. The salon normally seats up to 17 but can seat up to 40 in comfort should the need arise. In spring and autumn a log fire and dimmable lighting add to the romantic appeal of the room.
The Dining Room
The dining room (La Salle Voutee) is the only room in the chateau that retains its original vaulted ceiling. It provides seating for up to 16.
The Kitchen
Fully equipped with appliances and features needed for home-cooked meals or a catering team.
The Bedrooms
Fully equipped with appliances and features needed for home-cooked meals or a catering team.
Ground Floor
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Le Poète has a four-poster bed and exceptionally large, luxurious bathroom. There is a sitting area and desk by the window which looks down the valley towards Figeac. Wi-Fi internet access is available in this room.
Le Poète was named after the great poet and intellectual Paul Valéry, who spent many happy hours here. His liaison with Jeanne Loviton, the then owner of the chateau, was one of the great untold love stories of the 20th century.
First Floor
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L’Ecuyer is a large, light and airy south-facing twin room with an en-suite bathroom. There is a sitting area and a writing desk facing the window overlooking the park. The private toilet is located immediately outside the room.
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Le Sénéchal is a stunning en-suite room with a double canopy bed. It enjoys breathtaking views both along and across the Célé valley. Access is via the gallery that runs the length of the Grande Salle. There is a sitting area and writing desk and the room has Wifi internet access. The large bathroom with immaculate décor also enjoys a spectacular view across the valley.
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Le Connetable is a twin-bedded room adjacent to the Senechale that shares its bathroom. The Senechal and Connetable together are particularly suitable for families with children.
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La Châtelaine is a large single room with a 17th century four-poster bed, and an en-suite bathroom decorated in Portugese tiles. The bed is a little shorter and a little wider than usual. There is seating by the fireplace, and a desk by the window with a view down the Célé valley towards Figeac.
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Le Chevalier, adjoining La Châtelaine, is a large private sitting room with a large day-bed which can be used as an additional single bedroom. It shares the bathroom and toilet of the Chatelaine.
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Le Prince is a large first-floor double bedroom with a 18th century canopy bed and en-suite bathroom. The room is named after Prince Pierre de Monaco who was a guest here in 1940 after the fall of France. The walls are panelled in dark wood and covered in rich fabric. The en-suite bathroom is decorated with hand-made Portuguese tiles. The room has two desks, one facing the window overlooking the park, the other looking out across the courtyard and the Célé valley.
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Le Demoiseau is a small single room attached to Le Prince and which shares its bathroom. A side exit from the Demoiseau gives access to the terrace and courtyard.
Le Poète
Le Poète
Le Poète en-suite bathroom
Le Poète en-suite bathroom
La Sénèchale
La Sénèchale
La Sénèchale en-suite bethroom
La Sénèchale en-suite bathroom
Le Prince
Le Prince
Le Prince and Le Damoiseau en-suite bathroom
Le Prince and Le Damoiseau en-suite bathroom
La Châtelaine
La Châtelaine
La Châtelaine en-suite bathroom
Le Chevalier
Le Chevalier
Le Connetable
Le Connetable
L'Ecuyer
L'Ecuyer
L'Ecuyer en-suite bathroom
Le Damoiseau
Le Damoiseau
The Grounds
The chateau sits within its own gardens and parkland with a private 14 x 7 metre swimming pool, and is surrounded by its own meadows and woodland.
The grounds include a rose garden, an orchard with mature fruit trees, a sunken garden with shaded seating and a fountain, and a tree-shaded park with stunning views along the Célé valley.
The pool has two separate changing rooms and showers, a kitchen area and toilet. Around the pool are chaises longues with cushions and parasols.
