Chateau des Lauzes | Dordogne | France | Oliver's Travels

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This outstanding historic château, awarded five stars by the Périgord board, allows you to experience the very best of Dordogne. Set in over 60 acres of glorious grounds of woodland, fields and even a lake, Château des Lauzes offers beautiful accommodation between the Vézère and Dordogne rivers, a short drive from some of the region’s most incredible sights.

The château dates back to the 17th-century and is typically Périgordian in style with its towers, windows and shutters; look out for the locally sourced limestone, lauzes, protecting the roofs. There’s an air of fairy-tale charm as you wander around the grounds, gazing at the mesmerising château framed by ancient trees and splashes of summer colour from the terracotta pots, hanging baskets and gardens.

Inside, the historic ambience continues across the two wings and separate pigeonnier, over which nine bedrooms are scattered. In the oldest wing, a sumptuous lounge by the open fire awaits and a dining room with space for every guest is wonderful for feasts prepared in the well-equipped kitchen. Five elegant bedrooms can be found in this wing including a grand master suite at the top of one of the towers with panoramic views from each of the four windows.

The second wing and separate Pigeonnier offer a further four bedrooms, some with pretty balconies or terraces as well as a large living room leading on to a delightful round terrace with remarkable valley views. Throughout both wings of the château, the newly renovated bedrooms have been thoughtfully styled with antique furnishings and pretty touches to create a grand yet homely ambience.

Yet this château isn’t just about its history and Dordogne charm, the facilities will amaze you too. Downstairs there’s an impressive cinema room; bring your own DVDs and Blu-rays or watch a film on Netflix - kids will love the twinkling lights on the ceiling! There’s also an indoor hot tub and a bar service you can request.

Summers can be spent by the swimming pool, perhaps preparing lunch in the lovely Pool House and enjoying it under the gazebo in this gorgeous setting. Wander over to the lake with its own boat and skip over the bridge to a little island with its enchanting summer house. Not to mention the many acres of fields and woodland; look out for old pine trees, chestnuts, weeping willows and the magnificent planes that greet you as you arrive.

Once you leave this rural retreat you will discover how close you are to so many sights of the Périgord Noir. Within a 10-minute drive you can be on the banks of the Dordogne, hiring canoes or enjoying a riverside picnic, perhaps with produce picked up from the Sunday morning market in the local medieval village, just 4km away.

Other amazing places to visit include archetypal riverside villages such as Domme, Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac, some offering boat trips along the Dordogne, as well as the magnificent town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. The Vézère valley is also so close, as is the market town of Le Bugue and Les Eyzies with its pre-historic treasures.

The delightful château owners can guide you on some of the most wonderful highlights whether you’re seeking history, nature or fine food and wine. How ever you spend your time, the beauty of the château and surrounding area is breathtaking.