Chateau Du Patrimoine (31 Guests)

It’s such a majestic sight as you approach Château du Patrimoine and stroll towards its impressive moat and grand entrance. With a fascinating history spanning over nine centuries, this is a wonderful and atmospheric place to stay, only 46km from the beautiful city of Le Mans.

This unique and inviting château in the Sarthe department of France, just south of Normandy, dates back to the 12th century and is set within a 100-acre of estate of rolling fields and woodland, perfect for long hikes embracing the surrounding countryside. From the château itself, wander past the rose garden, cherry trees and lavender to reach the tennis court and spend leisurely summer days by the heated swimming pool with ample space for sun-lounging and socialising.

Whether a group of friends or extended family, play badminton, football, table tennis or croquet with loved ones, before gathering by the fire pit in the evening for barbecues as stars shine brightly in the clear skies above you.

The château itself is steeped in heritage and has been charmingly restored by its current owners who have created such a warm and welcoming holiday home. From the rustic kitchen with its historic open hearth and stone walls to the elegant salon and dining room, soak up the French character as you explore the château’s interiors. A billiards room and TV lounge is the perfect place to kick back on cooler days, there’s also an office and intricately tiled hallway as well as a gym up on the second floor.

Follow secret steep steps and curving staircases to discover one of the sixteen bedrooms across the château and its annexe, many of which feature their own private bath or shower room. For smaller groups needing fewer bedrooms, there are flexible pricing options across the year.

Beyond the château’s vast estate, visit picturesque villages and towns dotted along the Sarthe River, starting off with Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, 8km by car, with its pretty restaurants and market place. The idyllic village of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is also close by, officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and a great inspiration to artists, whilst historic Alençon, famous for its lace-making traditions, should be visited on a Thursday or Saturday morning for its delightful market.

Set off for long walks through nearby woodland, canoe along the Sarthe River, ride horses through the Perche Regional Natural Park and discover cycle rides across the Parc Naturel Regional de Normandie-Marne. Le Mans is another brilliant day out, such an impressive city with its medieval quarter and cathedral, also famed for its 24-hour classic car race in mid-June.

Further afield, choose between the iconic châteaux and vineyards of the Loire valley to the south or the many Normandy gems to the north including Mont Saint-Michel, Bayeux and the incredible D-Day Landing beaches reached in less than two hours by car.