Chateau Ridou is accessed along a 3km private road in the renowned Champagne region of France. Beautifully secluded in the 2000 hectare Ardennes Forest, the chateau dates back to the 1600s, and is peacefully located in a vast valley. Chateau Ridou was built by Oranje-Nassau, using rocks from the mountain next to the château. The chateau itself sleeps a large group up to 18 people and, if the gites on the estate are also rented, the estate can accommodate up to 47 people. Facilities available on the estate include a tennis court, badminton court, table tennis, fishing and petanque. Please note that you should bring your own equipment. The area around the chateau is paradise for hiker and mountain bikers, and mountain bikes are available for hire. Guests are welcome to bring their own horse, and the estate and forest are excellent for riding.
In addition to the chateau’s own beautiful dining room, resplendent with an open fireplace, the estate benefits from a large reception barn that is furnished as a restaurant and available for hire.
Chateau Ridou was renovated and rebuilt in the 18th century by the King of Belgium, Leopold II, who acquired the property for his mistress. The King planted exotic trees from the Belgian colony of the Congo in the chateau gardens, including palm trees, which can still be seen on the estate. The oldest tree is now more than 300 years old. Today, the chateau estate benefits from a superb collection of rare plants and trees. The oldest building on the estate is the tannery, also built from stone from the mountain next to the chateau.
