Bright, sophisticated, and elegant, this chateau in Charente blends old-world charm with modern day comforts to provide a welcoming and luxurious holiday retreat in a serene setting. Vibrant decor and warm hardwoods energize the spacious and well-appointed interior spaces. Unwind in the comfort of the open plan living room beside the fireplace, or in the lounge by the bar. The colourful kitchen is fully equipped, and the formal dining room or terrace will gladly host family mealtime. Five bedrooms span across two floors, each beautifully designed and with en suite baths. Two of the bedrooms include anterooms with additional beds, making them ideal for those travelling with kids. A stroll around the expansive grounds will set anyone at ease. Set in the middle of a 7.5-acre park, guests will enjoy private access to beautiful lake with wooden bridges, ancient trees and wildflower meadows, and a heated pool. There are a wealth of activities and must-see destinations within an hour of the chateau: From authentic Italian restaurants within walking distance and wine tasting in the Loire Valley, to the numerous medieval towns and local markets in the Vienne. Advertised rates are for a maximum of 10 adults plus 3 children. Short break prices may differ depending on capacity. Please enquire. #### Features Max. 10 adults + up to 3 children Chateau Interior The chateau has five bedrooms on two floors, each with a private bathroom. Two bedrooms have ante-rooms with additional beds that are perfect for small children. We can accommodate up to 13 guests in total (10 adults + 3 children) Four of the bedrooms have a view of the park, whilst the fifth looks out to the wood behind the chateau. The fully-equipped modern kitchen has a large oven and microwave, copious fridge, gas hob, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer and iron. Outside Grounds The extensive grounds provide ample space for exploring, playing hide and seek or simply relaxing under a shady tree. There is a small lake with fishes, adorned with several wooden bridges, provides the perfect spot for painting or an evening stroll. Guest can take advantage of the first floor terrace and access to the dining room along with the private pool and a shady terrace. Facilities - Impressive fireplace - lounge and bar - Gas BBQ - Venetian glass candelabra - Also available are cot and, a highchair - Telephone & Internet : Free WiFi Internet access is available. Mobile phone coverage is good here, with coverage from Orange, Bouygues and SFR. - Television: A large flat screen Satellite TV and DVD player can be found in the sitting room. #### Location Chateau Paquerette is situated in the north of the Vienne, between Poitiers and the Loire Valley, 3 hours from Paris and 2 hours from the Atlantic Coast. Places to see & chateaux to visit An hours drive from Chateau Paquerette takes you right to the centre of the Loire Valley, with its many historical sites of interest and, of course, its world-renowned chateaux. Just as beautiful, the towns and villages of the Vienne boast many fascinating medieval buildings and monuments, as well as local food markets. Theres plenty to keep adults and children amused! The Loire Valley Chateau de Villandry – an hour and 20 minutes by car Villandry, right in the middle of the Loire Valley, is a Renaissance chateau sitting at the centre of three levels of terraced gardens. It was the last of the great Renaissance chateaux to be built on the river Loire. It is distinguished for the harmony of its architecture and, in particular, its wonderful all-seasons gardens. Chateau dAzay le Rideau – an hour and 10 minutes by car Azay-le-Rideau has to be one of the prettiest of the Loire chateaux! Built on an island in the middle of the Indre river by a rich banker during the reign of Francois the first, it reflects the latest building techniques and innovation of the time. With its feet in the waters of the Indre, its reflected facades gives it an other-worldly quality that makes it unique amongst the Loire chateau. Chateau de Chenonceau – an hour and 20 minutes by car A property of the Crown, then a royal residence, Chateau de Chenonceau is renowned not just for its architectural originality but for its inhabitants, namely, Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis. Today, the chateau is, after Versailles, the most visited in France. Chateau Royal dAmboise – an hour and 25 minutes by car King Charles VIII and Francois 1st (between the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries) transformed the medieval fortress of Amboise into a magnificent royal residence. It became a kind of cultural mecca, with many of the most noted European writers and artists of the day being invited to the Court of Amboise. One of them, Leonardo de Vinci, spent the last part of his life here in exile from Italy and is buried in the Chateaus chapel. Chinon – an hour by car Chinon is a picturesque town with a medieval heart. You can spend time walking round and admiring the old town and its quaint streets, its squares, gardens and quayside, which straddle the length of the Vienne river. Its medieval quarter and the fortress that dominates the hill above the town are not to be missed. Saumur – an hour and 15 minutes by car Saumur is Frances equestrian capital and the Cadre Noir, Frances national horse-riding school. It is one of the many places that you might want to visit here. The towns first buildings were constructed during the 11th century and it is home to two chateaux: Chateau de Saumur, a fortressed castle that was built during the 14th century for the Dukes of Anjou and has played the role of manor house, Governors residence, prison and arms depot and the elegant Chateau de Beaulieu, built in the 18th Century and designed by architect Jean Drapeau. The town lies at a natural crossing point between the rivers Loire and Thouet and is surrounded by vineyards. Tours – an hour and 10 minutes by car The capital of the Indre and Loire departments, Tours has a reputation for being discreet and is therefore a town where people live, as opposed to being a top tourist destination. That being said, Tours has some very well-preserved historic quarters, a fine arts museum, a magnificent cathedral and basilica, idyllic parks and some great places to shop, including several lively food markets, including the central marketplace (les halles). Richelieu – 35 minutes by car Designed by architect Jacques Lemercier, the chateau and the town of Richelieu were the vision of just one man, Cardinal Richelieu. Almost 2000 workers worked on its construction, which was started in 1631 and almost finished by 1642. However, come the revolution, Richelieus chateau was bound to be on the target list and its stone was ‘borrowed to build many of the buildings surrounding Richelieus historic centre. Happily, its vast park, the dome, its cellars, the orangery and monumental gate survived and make a delightful spot for a walk or picnic. Medieval towns in the Vienne Poitiers – 40 minutes by car A city packed with history and culture and capital of the historic region of Poitou, Poitiers town centre boasts some remarkable medieval buildings, pretty squares and parks – including the glorious Parc de Blossac - as well as some magnificent churches and cathedrals. Notable among them is Notre-Dame-la-Grande, a Roman Catholic edifice that was built between the 11th and 12th centuries. Its famous ornamental facade in which the main episodes from the Bible are carved is a must-see. Poitiers is also a University town and its 20,000 plus students give it a lively, youthful energy. Chatellerault – 30 minutes by car Built on the banks of the Vienne river, Chatelleraults origins date from the Middle-Ages. From that period until the Renaissance, its industry consisted predominantly of cutlery, sword making, tanning and watchmaking. In 1816, the commune became a centre for arms manufacture for the French government, a link which is preserved today in the form of the French militarys archives on armament matters, which are all located in the old weapon manufacturing facility. But Chatellerault charms are not all about arms! As you would expect from a town with a rich industrial past, the town has its fair share of architectural splendours and museums – including the Museum of Cars, Motorbikes and Bicycles (le Musee Auto Moto Velo) and one dedicated to French philosopher Rene Descartes, who spent his childhood here; gardens, a lake and forest. Angles sur lAnglin – an hour by car Aptly designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Angles-sur-lAnglin sits high on a hill overlooking the river Anglin, which was used to transport salt for storage in the towns caves. The ruins of the fortress that was built between the 11th and 15th century by the Counts of Lusignan dominate the High Town, where Saint-Martins church, the chapel of Saint-Pierre and its panoramic view can be found. In the Low Town, the Sainte-Croix Quarter has pretty houses with characteristic plain tile roofs and a Romanesque church, among the many sights of interest. Dont miss the Jours dAngles Festival when there are embroidery workshops that demonstrate the traditional fine pulled-thread embroidery that is unique to this area, or the ‘interpretation centre, where computer and laser copy technology take visitors back to the end of the ice age and into the caves and rock shelters of their ancestors. Chauvigny – 50 minutes by car From its promontory overlooking the Vienne, Chauvignys medieval quarter is unique in Europe, as vestiges of five chateau/forts can be found here. The ruins of the Bishops Castle now host the wonderful ‘Giants of the Sky (Les Geants du Ciel) Falconry display. Meanwhile, Chauvignys VeloRail (4-wheeled frames with small rail wheels that can be pedaled by up to 5 people) follows the ancient train track, and is fun for adults and children alike! Restaurants Traditional, regional cuisine or gourmet … youll find restaurants nearby that cater to all tastes. Heres a small selection of favourites: - Le Savignois, at Savigny-sous-Faye (10 minutes by car). Traditional and regional cuisine in a simple but very comfortable setting. Menus available at between 16 and 32€. - Le Saint-Fortunat, at Neuville-de-Poitou (20 minutes by car). Sophisticated setting and gourmet food. Menus cost between 27 and 70 €. - La Fourchette de Fagusat Faye la Vineuse (25 minutes by car). Restaurant and caterer. Traditional, great food. Simple, comfortable setting with a terrace that is perfect in summer. Menus available for 13 to 20€. - Autour des Halles, at Scorbe-Clairevaux (10 minutes by car). Good food and a family atmosphere. Menus at 11 and 20€. Wine-tasting At Chateau Paquerette, you are surrounded by vineyards. Not only are the Loire Valley vineyards just a short hop by car, but on your doorstep are several local wine producers that will let you visit their domains and sample their produce. - Domaine Ampelidae at Marigny Brizay: 15 minutes by car - Domaine de la Rotisserie, at Marigny Brizay: 15 minutes by car - Domaine de Villemont at Mirebeau: 15 minutes by car Air-ballooning At Mirebeau, you can take an air-balloon flight and get a birds-eye view of the Viennes magnificent scenery. A basket carrying 4 to 16 people starts at 125€ per person. Water-skiing Cable skiing is a means of water-skiing in maximum safety, as the skiers rope and handle are pulled by an electrically-driven cable. Come and try out the sport, as well as wakeboarding or kneeboarding, at a 10 hectare lake not far from Chateau Picole…or simply come and watch! Golf – 30 minutes by car Between Poitiers and Chatellerault is the Golf du Haut-Poitou, a course that plays host to the International Open series. The 18 holes here are deemed very technical and the course ranks as one of the best in France. There are magnificent views of Saint Cyr Lake too. Golf du Haut-Poitou also offers a nine-hole course and a pitch and putt. Walking Dont forget to bring your walking boots! Theres a footpath (called ‘Le sentier des Bois du Dognon) that borders the Chateau and takes you on an 11 km (2.5 hour) trail that passes the local vilage, a Romanesque church and the town hall. Maps are available at the Chateau. The “Ligne Verte” (Green Line) is an old railway track between Chatellerault and Loudun that has been converted into a walking and cycling route. You can access it at Lencloitre. More information and footpath maps can be found at Lencloitres Tourist Office. Swimming – 30 minutes by car Sandy beaches, fresh water… and no need to go as far as the seaside. At Saint-Cyr Lake, you can swim, rent canoes or pedalos, go windsurfing … its an ideal family day out when it warms up. Futuroscope Futuroscope was Frances first ever amusement park and remains a unique and must-see experience! A great day out for all the family, discover more than 25 rides and attractions and some stunning futuristic architecture. Recent additions to the line-up include ‘Arthur, the 4D Adventure, which was designed by cinematographer Luc Besson, and the worlds first skybar!