Castle holidays in family chateau gites near Gurat, France

One-Off Feature

Château de Gurat is a 15th-century estate in the Charente countryside in France with six comfortable gîtes. It is a quiet destination designed specifically for families seeking a proper break—where there is plenty of space for children to explore and everything is arranged to ensure life is easy for parents. If you're looking for quiet holidays in France where children can roam and parents can relax then you've come to the right place! This property is part of our holidays in France collection of unique and unusual places to stay.

General Info

The estate sits on the edge of Gurat village and has been restored to maintain its original character, featuring oak beams and thick stone walls that stay naturally cool even in the height of summer. Thoughtful details are provided to help everyone settle in: there are pre-prepared meal deliveries for when cooking is not on the agenda, as well as weekly wine tastings and pizza nights. Crucially, all the cottages are within baby monitor range of the terrace, allowing parents to enjoy an evening with a drink while children are tucked up nearby. It is a place where children find their fun and there is space for memories to be made for everyone.

The Area Surrounding The Property / Accommodation

Gurat is a small, quiet village with a local bar and a post office. Just below the village lies a 1,000-year-old monolithic church, which is a pleasant 40-minute round-trip walk for families. The property is close to beautiful locations like Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, which has an excellent river beach, and Villebois-Lavalette. Whether visiting local markets, going kayaking, or heading to the water park in Angoulême, there is a wealth of activities within a short drive.

Getting There & Local Amenities

Getting There:
The nearest ferry port is St Malo, about a 6 hour drive away, and by air the nearest airports are Bergerac and Limoges. If you want to come by train the TGV goes direct from St Pancras (change at either Paris or Lille) to Angouleme (20 minutes north of the Chateau). From here you can easily hire a car.

Nearest Airport:
Bergerac or Limoges

Nearest Train Station:
Angouleme 20 minutes

Nearest Ferry:
St Malo 6 hours

Car Hire:
Advised

Accommodation Details

Interior Details

The six gîtes vary in size, but all are well-furnished and comfortable.

Petit Château: The Château Wing Gîte is located in the west wing and is very spacious with a farmhouse kitchen.
L’Etable: The Spacious Family Gîte and Le Coin Fleuri: The Secluded Family Gîte (which features rose-covered walls) both offer three bedrooms.
La Forge: The Large Family Gîte is the largest property with four bedrooms and panoramic views, making it ideal for larger families or groups sharing.
Jardin de Roses: The Private Garden Gîte and Le Mas Provençal: The Toddler Safe Gîte are the two-bedroom options; the latter is particularly well-positioned for keeping an eye on the play area from the terrace.

Exterior Details
Each gîte has its own private terrace and barbecue. The grounds cover 14 acres of woodland and meadows, providing significant room to play and explore. The estate features a gated, heated pool and a separate toddler pool, alongside a play area with a trampoline and swings. There is also a play barn (the Bergerie) with table tennis, books, and toys for those needing some shade.

Conditions of Rental
Prices are per week, with a Saturday changeover (4pm arrival, 10am departure). During the peak summer weeks, there is a minimum two-week booking. A 25% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the balance due 10 weeks before arrival. Towels packs can be provided free of charge. The pool is open and heated to a guaranteed 27°C from mid-May to the end of September.

Property Info

Accommodation Type