Beautiful countryside and a well-restored château with every modern convenience -- what more could a visitor to France ask?  This enchanting château in the Vienne near the lovely River Creuse is waiting for a group of family members or friends to make it home.  From a large and comfortable salon with a fireplace and a separate family room to a spacious dining room and completely equipped kitchen, everything has been included to make your stay just perfect.  The enormous bedrooms, many with terraces, are pleasant retreats.  Life for a week or two at Château d'Alogny will long be remembered as a time of relaxation -- enjoying the good life in rural France! 

The Château d'Alogny, midway between the Loire Valley and the city of Poitiers, is not a bed and breakfast -- it is a gîte:  a completely self-catering accommodation for up to 12 people.  It offers guests the opportunity to enjoy its park-like grounds including a swimming pool and beautiful views as those seen in the photo above.   The master bedroom even has a Jacuzzi.  The owners provide tourist information for local attractions, recommended restaurants, and lists of neighbors who offer classes to château guests.   There are phone numbers of local contacts should the need arise, and complete instructions for operating the dishwasher and other things mechanical within the château.  It can truly be a home away from home.

From the region of the Poitou-Charentes,  château guests will find it easy to visit Futuroscope, the Abbey Church of St-Savin, several village markets, the  Benedictine Abbey of Fontgombault to hear Gregorian chants, the beautiful village of Angles-sur-L'Anglin and its ruined château, or a bit farther afield the great châteaux of the Loire Valley and the Atlantic Coast at La Rochelle for the perfect seafood dinner.  Whatever you choose to do, there will be no shortage of ways to find yourself immersed in French country life.

Visit  Château d'Alogny on our web site today where you will find many photos of both the stunning exterior and the warm and comfortable interior, as well as rental information, a Michelin map and directions.  As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at info@au-chateau.com. 

                                               The Bridge and Abbey Church at St-Savin

We  are thrilled to finally be able to bring you a château in the marvelous Ariège of southwestern France.  This rugged and beautiful region of France has so much to offer -- and one of those special offerings is Château Rhodes !   This newest addition to our web site is a bed and breakfast, but can be rented by the week if a group of guests so desire. 

Château Rhodes is a lovingly-restored,  aristocratic manor which has been decorated to the highest standard by the owners, an American man and his Japanese wife.   With English, Japanese and French spoken, there is truly an international atmosphere at the château.  Elegant Persian rugs and a tasteful selection of 18th and 19th century antiques add to the warmth and charm of this inviting residence.

  The Breakfast Room                                                    The Professional Kitchen

The château specializes in weddings.  They provide planning assistance for every phase of the event from pre-wedding parties and outings, to providing an officiant, flowers, catering  services and the reception.  The family and friends of the bride and groom will find themselves in awe of the surroundings, including a view of the Pyrénées, the beautiful 17th century chapel and landscaped park.   Visit the château on our web site for contact numbers to inquire about a wedding or other large gathering at the château. 

The Ariège is a dramatic and exciting tourist destination.   If you are fascinated by prehistoric man's life, habitat and artistry, the caves of the Ariège are there for your exploration -- in fact there are more prehistoric caves in the Ariège than in any other département of France.  Cathar fortresses, the Toulouse-Lautrec museum in Albi, the city of Toulouse and its rose-colored old town, the walled fortress  of old Carcassonne,  the spa at Aulus-les-Bains as well as myriad outdoor activities such as wine tastings at local vineyards, skiing, hiking, climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and white water rafting, are all convenient to guests at Château Rhodes. 

Do consider a visit to this part of France -- near the Spanish border and Andorra -- and within an easy drive of the Languedoc-Roussillon coast of the Mediterranean.  You will find tranquil villages and friendly people creating long-lasting happy memories of your visit to France.
 
 

         Ceremony about to begin in the Chapel

During World War II Allied troops were provided silk map scarves -- easily worn around their necks, but serving a much more important purpose:  the maps could help them find their way.  The original map scarves of France have become quite collectible.  Today, you can own a map scarf of Paris -- 100% silk twill and hand-screened -- to help you find your way around the City of Light when you are next in town!

A  London-based company, TASARAM, makes these beautiful scarves and is offering them for sale.  Visit them on their web site at http://www.mapscarves.com for prices and to place your order.  If you don't want to purchase one for yourself, remember that they would make a wonderful bon voyage gift for anyone about to visit Paris! 

Please mention that you heard about the map scarves from au Château !

Also from Britain comes this fantastic opportunity  -- an actor's workshop in the Midi-Pyrénées of southern France! 

Attic Door Theatre is a professional company offering Summer vacation workshops -- a great opportunity for all you would-be thespians to try your hand at a little Shakespeare while enjoying the good life in the south of France. 

Course tuition, transfers to and from the airport in France (if required), farmhouse accommodations, three meals a day including drinks, excursion transportation, one ticket to the theatre and one ticket to the hilltop fort in Bruniquel are all covered in the course, with price reductions for those interested in half-board at the farmhouse (breakfast and lunch only).    One of the outings is a visit to the nearby city of Toulouse.

Workshop leaders Alison Farina and Helen Godfrey are seasoned actresses and teachers of theatre arts who offer participants in the workshop their expertise and enthusiasm with a stimulating, energetic and creative approach.  Most of all, it's a lot of fun.  And it all wraps up with a Friday night performance by your theatre ensemble!

Accommodations are at L'Oustalou, a French farmhouse owned by Carole Roberts who is also your chef!  Excellent regional cuisine will be the fare of the day,  using the finest local products and produce, and meals are served with wine.  In fact, workshop participants will also try their hand in the kitchen to prepare cassoulet!

For more information on daily schedules (workshops run from the 7th of June through the 27th of September), outings the group will enjoy, or any other questions you have about the teachers, the course or the countryside, visit their web site at http://www.atticdoortheatre.com.  Or look for their ad after February 17th at MARKETPLACE.   And when you contact either Alison or Helen, do tell them that au Château sent you!  Merci!