Chateau du Parc Pezenas

Rooms

Set within the château and its historic grounds, the 15 gîtes range from chic two-person apartments to spacious four-bedroom retreats sleeping up to eight. The majority are in the chateau itself; a couple have been created in separate buildings, including what was once the gardener's house. Each has its own distinct character, from the former orangery and the winegrower's home to the impressive chapel with its original stained-glass window. Period features such as grand fireplaces, patterned tiles and high-moulded ceilings have been carefully preserved and are complemented by tasteful French fittings, like curved velvet sofas and elegant artworks.

The apartments are well set up for families and friends: each has a fully equipped kitchen and thoughtfully designed living space, and all bedrooms can be configured as twins for maximum flexibility. Some have French windows opening to the outside; just over half have terraces or balconies, and six have private Jacuzzis. Those on the upper floors are brighter; ours (La Roseraie), located on the ground floor, felt a little dingy but was incredibly spacious. Many rooms offer extensive views over the estate and woodlands - our terrace led directly to the vines.

All but three of the gîtes have an ensuite shower bathroom for every bedroom. The largest gîte, Chez Nerthe, also comes with a bathtub - and a grand piano! Note that the smallest, Le Pigeonnier, has a very steep metal staircase up to the bedroom and shower, with its kitchen and toilet below, so is only suitable for those with good mobility.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Central heating
• Coffee / tea making
• Cots available
• Hairdryer
• Iron
• Radio
• Satellite TV
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

While Château du Parc doesn't have an on-site restaurant, each gîte is well-equipped with a modern kitchen and everything you need to self-cater, from coffee machines to dishwashers. We had a gas BBQ on our private terrace (all apartments with outdoor areas are equipped with one) and enjoyed some leisurely alfresco meals overlooking the vines. The historic town of Pézenas, 3km away, has small supermarkets, artisan bakers, cheesemongers, delis and wine shops, alongside a lively covered market. There are supermarkets there too, including Aldi and Super U.

Breakfast baskets can be pre-ordered and delivered to your door each morning, with fresh pastries, bread, fruit and juices. Picnic lunches are also available for those heading out to explore the region. You can arrange a shopping service so your fridge is full on arrival, or a chef to cook for a special occasion as well.

For dining out, Pézenas has a very good selection of restaurants, from laidback bistros to haute cuisine - your welcome guide comes with recommendations. If you’re visiting in summer, the 'winegrower dinner' at nearby Allegria Vineyard is a sumptuous three-hour feast paired with local wines.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Chef on request
• Coffee maker
• Dishwasher
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Microwave
• Oven
• Self-catering
• Toaster

Activities

• Relax by the 20m heated pool, book a slot in the Finnish-style sauna, have a massage in the treatment room, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the estate's expansive grounds
• Book one of the chateau’s bespoke experiences, such as forest bathing, yoga or tatakizome (textile printing with plant dyes) workshops
• Stroll the pretty cobbled streets of pretty Pézenas – an artists' enclave and the stomping ground of playwright Molière – with its medieval buildings, artisan shops, galleries and L’illustre Theatre
• Tour the surrounding Languedoc vineyards, such as St Chinian, Faugere and Picpoul de Pinet, for tastings of the region’s excellent wines
• Cycle along the Canal du Midi’s shaded towpaths, passing vineyards, historic locks and charming villages like Vias and Portiragnes
• Drive 20 minutes to the Mediterranean coast, where you can relax on the sand at Marseillan Plage, try watersports in Cap d'Agde or explore the oyster farms of Étang de Thau

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Historical sites
• Meditation
• Museums / galleries
• Sauna
• Shopping / markets
• Spa treatments
• Well being
• Wine tasting
• Yoga

Kids

Château du Parc welcomes children of all ages and is perfect for families who enjoy space, nature and relaxed independence. The gîtes offer plenty of room and have well-equipped kitchens for easy family meals. Little ones will delight in the big swimming pool and spacious grounds. Our toddler was totally enamoured with the chickens, who were often roaming free around the vineyard. Baby cots and twin rooms are available.

Best for:

All ages

Family friendly accommodation:

Lots of gîtes are comfortably large enough for families of all sizes. The four 2-bedroom apartments are ideal for families of four. Of the 3-bedroom apartments, Chez Nerthe and Le Jardinier feature private hot tubs and spacious terraces, while the 3-bedroom cottage Chez Diane and opulent 4-bedroom villa Chez Jean-Francois have large private outdoor areas. All bedrooms can be set up as twins. Cots are available, but there are no extra beds, and only one gîte has a bath (Nerthe).  

Cots Available

Distances:

• Airport: 30 minutes
• Hospital: 5 minutes
• Shops: 5 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Château du Parc sits in a tranquil 70-hectare estate just outside Pézenas, a medieval town in the Hérault region of southern France. Expect rolling vineyards, historic villages and easy access to the Mediterranean coast.

By Air:
Montpellier and Béziers airports are within an hour’s drive.

From the Airport:
Either take a taxi or hire a car. We highly recommend hiring a car to explore the local area.

By Train:
Agde and Béziers stations have good connections, including TGV services from Paris.

By Car:
Accessible via the A75 and A9 motorways, 20 km from Béziers. Free electric charging points are available on site.