Chateau Les Bains

About this property

Stay in an elegant Belle Époque French château in a vast estate by the river, just a short walk from a spa-town with water that has been historically recognised for its healing properties. With its beautiful façade and graceful interiors, no wonder Château Les Bains has been considered one of the most romantic châteaux in France.

Set in nearly seven hectares of glorious parkland with a private heated swimming pool and vineyards producing Cabernet Sauvignon wine, this riverside setting in the Vienne department is truly idyllic. Stroll through the orchard of walnut and fruit trees, admire the century old birch, stop for a coffee overlooking the river then, as evening nears, relax with a glass of the estate’s wine by the poolside bar.

The inside of Château Les Bains is just as calming with its immaculate living spaces, including a billiard room and bar, and kitchen equipped to a semi-professional standard. Wander up the unique oak staircase which forms a heart as it gently curves up to the first floor and find four sumptuous bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and wonderful valley views. Climbing the turreted stairs, there are even more sensational vistas from the very top of the château – two of the three bedrooms here enjoy a balcony and there’s a terrace overlooking the distant landscapes.

Dating back to the mid-19th century, Château Les Bains has been sensitively restored retaining so much of its history from its parquet flooring, fireplaces and high ceilings to solemn reminders of its presence in WWII. You can appreciate its exquisite original architecture whilst being surrounded by comfortable furnishings and modern amenities.

A delightful 3-bedroom cottage within the grounds offers additional space, allowing up to 20 guests to stay across the château and cottage with exclusive use of the swimming pool and grounds. 

It’s less than a 10-minute walk to the spa-town which attracts visitors from across France and beyond for its water with healing and anti-inflammatory properties. As well as making the most of the many spa and balneotherapy treatments available in the town, enjoy its historic centre, restaurants and bars, take a walk by the riverside and soak up the ambience of the twice-weekly market.

Discover other picturesque villages and towns such as Angles-sur-l'Anglin and Châtellerault, walk or cycle through the peaceful landscapes of the Brenne Regional Natural Park and enjoy canoeing along the river or drinking wine in Chinon, around an hour away.

Then there’s the iconic grand châteaux of the Loire Valley for a fantastic day out whether visiting Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Villandry or many others. The city of Tours is also magnificent with its historic quarter, incredible cathedral and vibrant atmosphere by the banks of the Loire River.

Set in nearly seven hectares of grounds on the banks of a meandering river, Château Les Bains enjoys a beautiful location in the Vienne department, close to the Indre-et-Loire border and around an hour south from the grand city of Tours. If travelling by train, the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Châtellerault (23km) takes only 75 minutes whilst the nearest airports are Poitiers-Biard (58km) and Tours Val de Loire Airport (88km).

It’s under a 10-minute walk to the local spa town with water that has been historically recognised by the French government for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, containing trace elements of selenium and other minerals, thus attracting visitors from across France and beyond. As well as several places for spa treatments, the town has its own casino and 18-hole golf course within a short drive. Furthermore, a well-known brand of beauty products, now owned by L’Oréal, was founded here over a century ago.

Aside from the spa town’s reputation for its healing water, there are several restaurants and bars to enjoy and a characterful twice-weekly market. Spend time admiring the historic sites, medieval houses and flower-filled lanes before strolling by the river or taking a walk through the picturesque Parc Thermal Gardens. Look out for a range of festivities and events taking place in the town throughout the year.

During your time, discover other attractive towns and villages such as Angles-sur-l'Anglin (15km), one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ with its medieval centre and castle ruins, and Châtellerault (23km) with its pedestrianised lanes of shops and cafes, 11th century church and beautiful stone bridge crossing the Vienne River.

You are also well placed for a wealth of outdoor adventures in the Brenne Regional Natural Park with its varied wildlife and peaceful landscapes, best explored following the many marked trails on foot or by bike. The Étang de Bellebouche, around a 45-minute drive away, features a Base de Loisirs offering nature trails, lake swimming, kayak and pedalo hire as well as other summer activities.

Further afield, make the most of being close to the Loire valley for a choice of fantastic days out. Tours (85km) is a magnificent city with its historic quarter, grand cathedral, bustling markets and contemporary arts centre. Soak up the vibrant summer ambience by the banks of the Loire with the city restaurants and riverside beach and look out for summer boat tours of the river.  

Then there’s the iconic châteaux of the Loire Valley such as Château d'Azay-le-Rideau (71km), Château de Chenonceau (80km) and Château de Villandry (101km). Just over an hour away, Chinon (74km) is another fine day out with its enchanting old town, historic castle, wineries and surrounding vineyards, not to mention the town’s picture-perfect position on the Vienne River, ideal for summer kayaking and canoeing.

Accommodation

Main Château Interiors

Main Floor

-    Entrance
-    Living room with fireplace
-    Dining room
-    Bar
-    Billiard room
-    Kitchen, equipped to a semi-professional standard
-    WC (due to be installed in 2023)

First Floor

-    Lounge area
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.8x2m), valley view, dressing room and bathroom with bath/shower, WC and two sinks
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.8x2m), valley view from side balcony, dressing room and bathroom with shower and WC
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.6x2m), valley view, dressing room and bathroom with shower/bath and WC
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.6x2m), side balcony and bathroom with shower and WC

Second Floor Apartment (via winding turret staircase)

-    Lounge/family room leading to terrace
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.8x2m), balcony and en suite bathroom with bath/shower and WC
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.8x2m), valley view and bathroom with shower and WC. Space for child’s bed (on request)
-    Bedroom with twin beds, balcony and sink

Cottage Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Lounge
-    Kitchen-diner, well-equipped including dishwasher, fridge, induction hob and Smeg oven
-    Door leading to private garden with al-fresco dining area and barbecue

First Floor

-    Bedroom with double bed
-    Bedroom with double bed and en suite shower room with shower, sink and WC

Top Floor (sloping ceilings)

-    Bedroom with double bed
-    Shower room with shower, sink and WC

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (9x4m, depth: 1.1-1.8m) with safety alarm. Open approximately April to September
-    Poolside bar with fridge and sink
-    Barbecue
-    Boules
-    Table tennis
-    Vast estate (seven hectares) bordering the river
-    Orchard (walnut and fruit trees)
-    Working vineyard

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating
-    TVs
-    Picnic hampers
-    Table tennis
-    Boules