As far as the eye can see . . . 
                        the estate of Château du  Fraisse

  This Special Edition of au Château News  offers some photos you will not find on our web site -- giving you just a little
  more information and a larger view of our newest member property, Château du Fraisse,  located in the splendid
  Haute-Vienne département of the Limousin region of southwestern France.  Near the porcelain center of Limoges and
  not too far from the textile city of Aubusson,   this sprawling 1500-acre estate will provide guests with a tranquil and
  comfortable home base from which to enjoy all the area has to offer. 

Few people can say they live in the same house their family has owned for 800 years, but in the case of the Comte and Comtesse des Monstiers Mérinville, this is absolutely true.  The estate was received by Urbain des Monstiers in 1220 upon his marriage to Demoiselle Quitterie du Fraisse, and it remains a proud family possession to this very day.  Read the fascinating history of the destruction and reconstruction of much of the château on the  au Château web page,  Château du Fraisse. 

Fishing is a popular pastime of château guests, whether in the delightful pond or in the nearby river.  A tennis court is also available for guests' enjoyment, as well as spending quiet time by the fireplace or trying one's hand at a challenging and unique game of French billiards.   Nearby there are endless outdoor activities for visitors to keep them on the go such as hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. 

The photographs above provide further views of the grandeur of this château and its outbuildings.  On the left is the 15th century portion of the château, in the center the honey-colored stone stables, and on the right architect Serlio's Italian Renaissance wing, all framed by manicured lawns and bordered by streams.  The pictures below illustrate the well-appointed en suite bathrooms and comfortable guest rooms available for a stay at Château du Fraisse.

The Haute-Vienne has much variety to offer travelers.  The popular adventure park, Futuroscope,  is an hour's drive from Nouic, while the castle at La Rochefoucauld is about 50 miles from the château.  Only a few minutes away you will find one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Mortemart, and you will be amazed by the perfect condition of the first century Roman spa and sanctuary at Chassenon in the nearby Charentes. A short drive to the city of Bellac on the tiny River Vincou and its church, Notre Dame de Bellac, is recommended.  You may want to visit the World War II martyr village of Oradour-sur-Glane,  preserved today as a memorial to the 642 townspeople who lost their lives on June 10, 1944.  Oradour-sur-Glane was then set on fire.  Today it serves as a sad and powerful reminder of the suffering of people at war. 

Whether you choose to ramble around the countryside or stay close to home, your hosts at Château du Fraisse will be more than happy to give advice or assist you to plan your day.  You can even spend that day on the golf course at St Junien about 22 kilometers south of the château.  And, with dining in France the joyful experience that it is, they will also be pleased to provide the names of and directions to excellent area restaurants for your dining pleasure.