Escape to the Chateau in Southern France
Escape to a French country chateau where you'll be transported to the past via spiral staircases made of stone, mullion windows and 'meurtriers', from which defenders peered. Here, you'll enjoy the comforts of home in a perfect hideaway from which to visit the gorgeous surrounding countryside and villages.
The Chateau de Balsac has been the residence of noblemen and royal confidants from the time of Louis VI and the Capetian Dynasty in the 12th Century. Elements of its early architecture remain, while the “newest” parts of the building date from the 16th Century. It was designated a historic landmark by the French State in order to recognize its importance to French heritage and to preserve its most significant attributes.
The chateau is open to guests throughout the year.
Comfort in a Country Village
The Chateau has accommodations to suit any occasion:Â A guest house that accommodates 8 adults; two elegant suites with views over the park and beyond that accommodate up to 3 people each; or the entire chateau, which sleeps up to 18 adults.
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When you stay in the suites you can lounge in the large salon, take meals in the 15th Century dining room and bask in front of a large fireplace. Â Take time to look over maps and guides to the local area and a neat collection of topical books.
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The Chateau's rooms double as event spaces, some large enough to accommodate groups of fifty persons. We regularly host weddings and family reunions, business meetings and artistic programs.
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Amenities & Services
Table d'Hote
The host table: enjoy local cuisine in the comfort of our home. We strive to use local ingredients and produce from our garden.
Tours/Concierge
We can assist you with your plans for your visit. Let us know what you are interested in and we can help with all the details. Also, we are happy to recommend and book local restaurants for you.
Gardens and Friendly Animals
The spacious private park is surrounded by a wall, yet enjoys views of the countryside. At night, revel in the starlit sky. The yard includes a traditional French garden and plenty of secluded corners.
While you spend time in the park you can visit with our pet goats, sheep, rabbits and chickens—they love attention from guests and will eat of your hands. Our border collie, Maya, performs her job every day, keeping the goats and sheep in line – she’s a joy to watch. Our cat, Henri IV, is often seen climbing the trees in the park or “herding” the chickens and rabbits.
Pool & Hot Tub
Enjoy a refreshing swim on a hot day in our 'petite' salt-water pool. Or, after a day of hiking or sightseeing, soak in our hot tub under the stars.
Events
The Chateau's rooms double as event spaces, some large enough to accommodate groups of fifty persons seated. We regularly host weddings, business meetings and artistic programs and family reunions. Enjoy a unique location for your event.
Bicycles
We have loaner bicycles for our guests to use to explore the area. Borrow them for a few hours and visit an ancient priory or ride to a local winery.
PHOTO GALLERY
The view of the Chateau from the East as you enter the property.
Relax at the end of the day in our saltwater pool
Activities While You Visit
Step Back in Time
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Visit the well preserved chateaus in the area, starting with the Chateau de Balsac. There are numerous chateaux open for visits within the area including Belcastel and Bournazel.
Enjoy Local Wines
The Aveyron is an up and coming wine region, unique due to the confluence of Mediterranean, Atlantic and Massif Central mountain climates. The local area, known as the Rouergue, is hilly and full of plateaus and valleys; single variety grapes are cultivated extensively in the deep red soils. Local winemakers welcome us to visit and taste, so ask us for a map, or to arrange a trip for you.
Visit our Friendly Animals
Relax in our park and visit with our pet goats, sheep and chickens -- they love attention from guests and will eat right out of your hands.
Float Through History
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Spend the day or just the afternoon on the Lot River, traveling past medieval villages and castles. Enjoy a picnic prepared by the Chateau or enjoy one of local restaurants for lunch or dinner.
Explore the Most Beautiful Villages in France
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Drive, hike or bicycle to one of 10 local villages designated as the most beautiful in France. Visit Conques, Peyre, Najac, Estaing and enjoy the peace and tranquility of these places that time forgot.
Guest Review
