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| Château
d'Agel Département:
Hérault (34) |
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| It
is our great pleasure to include among our members the incredible
Château
d'Agel in the Minervois region of Languedoc (Occatanie). Located
just south
of
the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut Languedoc, this
imposing
12th century castle boasts an important historical significance as a
strategic
fortress during the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century. The
Crusade against the Cathars was led by the famous Simon de Montfort and
continued mercilessly as Simon attempted to take Minerve in 1210. The
château
was nearly completely destroyed by fire. The Treaty of Paris,
which
annexed Languedoc to France in 1220, put an end to the Crusade. It was
Guiraud de Pépieux, having escaped the massacre, who restored
the
castle for his own descendants. Records date back to the year
1300,
documenting all that took place and providing details of the many
owners
through the centuries.
As indicated by the various styles of windows in the château, ranging from the small windows of the 12th century to the large and lovely windows of the Renaissance, the architecture of the château evolved over the past thousand years. The Renaissance and 17th century brought changes to the castle such as replacing the Renaissance recesses of the façade by broad bays with small squares influenced by Trianon. Regrettably, by the early 20th century the castle fell into serious disrepair. It was the Ecal family who began the daunting task of restoration in the 1960s. Not only were the buildings restored, but the gardens were rejuvenated as well. Today, visitors will meet the Ecal-Besse family whose decades of loving effort have brought this amazing Medieval property back to life with warmth and beauty, reminiscent somewhat of Tuscany ~ but definitely maintaining the intrigues of the middle ages while offering visitors the comforts of the twenty-first century. Château d'Agel is a weekly rental property, and bed and breakfast accommodations are offered only in off season when there are no weekly bookings. There are two spacious and comfortable salons, a quiet library, an office, two dining rooms, a modern and well-equipped kitchen, six sumptuous bedrooms, and five bathrooms in the château ~ all on a park of two hectares. The park offers specimen trees, terraces, manicured box hedges and a fine swimming pool. Grape vines provide the fruit for the château's wines, and guests can enjoy tastings in the château's cellar and can visit the vineyards during their stay. An orangerie in the château is ideal for wedding receptions indoors, but a marquee can be provided for garden weddings as well. Staff can be hired when renting the château, including a maid and cook. For wine enthusiasts, this is a rich land with an abundance of vineyards for visits and dégustations. Château d'Agel is just about ten kilometers southeast of the town of Minerve, the heart of Minervois wine country, and just north of the Corbières wine region. Vines were first introduced to the region by the Romans, and it is said that Romans Cicero and Pline were lovers of Minervois wines. Primarily full-bodied red wines are produced here that are elegant when young and become silky after two or three years of aging. Dry white wines and fruity rosés are produced here as well. Some ten varieties of grapes are used to make the much appreciated wines of the region. Your hosts will be pleased to arrange a variety of thematic stays for your enjoyment including a 7-day Discovering the Minervois region, a Castle Weekend that includes winemaking, a Decorative Painting course, horse riding near the castle, and participation in other cultural events. The château is the ideal authentic French location for a wedding, family gathering or courses and seminars. Your hosts, Martine and Jean-Marie Ecal-Besse are warm and welcoming and have years of expertise in creating memorable special occasions for guests at their family home. Inquiries are welcome. When you are next planning to visit Languedoc, be sure to consider renting this incredible Medieval castle for a holiday you will always remember fondly. * * * Book this lovely château by contacting au Château and mention 'Agel' in the subject line. * * * |
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| Suites and Bedrooms | Cuisine and Dining | The Château | Salons for Relaxation | Park & Swimming Pool |
