Chateau Laroque

For those looking to experience rural France at it’s most beautiful, the immaculate Chateau Laroque positioned on the outskirts of Rodez, in the heart of the Aveyron, is the perfect setting.

After crossing extensive grounds, you reach the Chateau Laroque through gates opening onto a large courtyard on the north side. South of the property is a swimming pool and landscaped garden, while the east wing of the building is an ornate tower featuring a ‘Pigonnier’ style loft with circular rooms. Many of the main rooms have been hand painted by an Italian artist in the 19th century, are of generous size and feature vaulted ceilings. Up to 20 people can be accommodated in the elegant but comfortable dining room. The main living room is very large with traditional, period furniture.

A total of six bedrooms sleep 12 people or more. There is a huge party room, a large games room with a pool table and a wine cellar. For those wishing to rent the property during the winter, the Chateau Laroque is centrally heated. The majority of the chateau dates to the late 19th Century, with the Pigeonnier part of the property being built in the 12th century.

On the ground floor is a large, well-equipped kitchen that can also be used as a dining room. This leads to a separate utility room with washing machine, dryer and dishwasher. Up to 20 people can be accommodated in the formal dining room which is both elegant and comfortable. The main living room is very large with traditional, period furniture, and includes Hi-Fi facilities. There is also a large games room with a pool table and Wi-Fi internet access throughout the chateau.

On the first floor there are six bedrooms to sleep 12 people or more. The Master Bedroom collects a lot of natural light through double windows at both the front and rear of the building. The grandeur of the Chateau clearly shows through in this spacious room with wonderful large fireplace and high ceiling - hand painted by an Italian artist. Its en-suite bathroom is equally grand offering every comfort with oval corner bath, separate shower cubicle and double vanity unit in marble and large mirrors. It even has a separate room containing the WC and a bidet. The Four Poster Bedroom overlooks the rear gardens and has a four poster double bed in the centre. The bathroom for this bedroom is located just down the corridor.  The King Size Bedroom has a king size bed and modern en-suite bathroom. The Twin Bedded Room has two substantial singles (130cm wide) and could therefore easily accommodate two couples. It has an en suite shower room. The Yellow & Green Room overlooks the gardens and the swimming pool in the corner of the tower and features a double sleigh bed. Blue Room is ideal for children, as it is the smallest bedroom in the chateau but it is still a double room in the tower and overlooks the gardens to the east.

Outside the chateau is well fenced for safety and the grounds comprise of one acre of well maintained, landscaped gardens with BBQ facilities. Outdoor furniture includes: tables, chairs, and sun loungers. Badminton, boules equipment and plenty of on-site parking are also available. All guests can be accommodated in the outdoor dining area. The pool is fenced and regularly maintained.

*Please note, locations shown on the maps are approximations only

The nearest airports are Rodez (6km), Toulouse and Montpellier (both 120km). The region features many picturesque small villages, with perhaps the most famous being Najac, with its chateau overlooking the village. There is a very good restaurant/hotel just opposite the chateau that can order your bread and croissants for you.

Within an easy drive is the major regional city of Toulouse – offering unique attractions such as the Space City and the Aerospatiale factory (where you can observe airliners being assembled) in addition to classic shops, restaurants and pavement cafes.

The house offers information on all of the attractions and activities, as well as a collection of local guidebooks and maps.

A traditional medium-sized French town, Rodez is located in beautiful countryside with varying surrounding terrain to explore - verdant rolling hills, forests, mountains, gorges, and rivers. It has an attractive shopping area and three times a week holds a traditional bustling market. The town is home to a striking cathedral, three cinemas, an indoor go-kart track, a bowling alley, squash courts, museums, night clubs.

The excellent restaurants of Rodez include: La Taverne where the atmosphere / decor is of an old French wine cellar, serving a range of local cuisine with a comprehensive selection of wines. Restaurant Le Lion d'Or is extremely popular in Rodez with locals and tourists alike, offering excellent local cuisine and wines at reasonable prices.

Other activities available locally include horse-riding, canoeing, rock-climbing, hang-gliding, swimming, fishing, tennis, golf, cycling, skiing and of course walking.

We have a range of contacts with local caterers, ranging from large commercial companies for weddings etc. to a local couple who would cook simple family meals at a reasonable cost.

We have contacts with trusted local people who are willing to supply extra services and general help at the request of guests.  Guide price of 10 to 15 euros per hour.

- Security deposit: £500. This is paid on arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection.
- Linen & towels: All linen and bath towels are included in the rental price.
- Energy costs: Included in the rental price.
- End of stay cleaning: Included. Please leave the property in the state that you found it.
- Arrival time: 4pm onwards.
- Departure time: 10am.
- Pets: 4 pets allowed.
- Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in the property.
- It is recommended that all guests take out insurance to cover against potential cancellation and any accidental damage caused during your stay at the property.

"The chateau was absolutely great. The best accommodation we have had in France over the past 19 years. Thanks again for an excellent holiday location. We took photographs, printed them as postcards and sent them to our friends in the UK. There is a great deal of interest in the Chateau!! We did have a James Bond theme evening during our stay complete with Martinis and casino games. An excellent backdrop for such an evening."

D. Gillies

"We have recently returned from our two week stay in the Chateau and enjoyed our time there immensely. The chateau and the facilities were splendid and all our family had a great holiday."

P. Dunn

"We very much enjoyed our stay at the Chateau and would be interested in returning next year. We would also like you if possible, to personally thank Anita and Bertrand, who helped us above and beyond the call of duty when somebody hit our hire car. They are very friendly, without being obtrusive. Is it possible you could forward prices for next year so that we can think about organising."

L. Brooks