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The Château ExperienceThe Château is nestled within a landscaped, walled estate in the village of St. Julien l’Ars just south of the Loire Valley near the ancient city of Poitiers. It offers the romance of a historic castle with the comfortable informality and spirit of a home. The peace and serenity of the château can be felt the moment you pass through the château gate, beneath the 100 ft. Gothic spire of the village church and into the castle courtyard. The oldest part of the château, the 12th century medieval tower with its distinctive spiral staircase, was built on the site of an old Roman fortification. It was enlarged substantially during the Renaissance, and again in the mid-nineteenth century by the Count du Beauchamp who incorporated the styles of the earlier eras into a harmonious whole. Cuisine at the château is rustic French-style, prepared with produce from our garden and fresh local ingredients. Meals often feature regional specialties, and are served informally both indoors and on the terrace. The Village and BeyondThe château is located well off the beaten path near the city of Poitiers, about 90 minutes from Paris by train, in an unspoiled rural agricultural region where traditions remain strong, and tourists are few. Just beyond the château gate lies the sleepy country village of St. Julien L’Ars that supplies the château with the daily necessities: fresh baked baguettes, pastries and the local news. The area beyond the village invites walking, bicycling and leisurely car touring with endless winding back roads, charming villages and châteaux. The nearby towns of Chauvigny, St. Savin, Angles sur l’Anglin, as well as Poitiers have regular outdoor flea markets, antique sales and luscious produce markets. The area rewards exploration with unexpected opportunities for sightseeing, shopping and dining in the small towns and villages of this lovely agricultural region. Golf, horseback riding and kayaking are available within a 15 minute drive, as is Futuroscope, France’s high-tech exhibition center. Your HostsThe château is owned and operated by Seattle architect Nash Gubelman and artist Linda Softing whose family brings a relaxed sense of style to this historic property.
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Please contact us for further information and reservations. Château de St. Julien l'Ars 2 rue de Château, |