Chateau De Pouiller Estate
Region: South of France & Languedoc Guide Price: £6753 - £7880
Contact Owner
Submit Feedback
Facilities:
Sleeps: 36
Family Weddings and Large Group holiday venue with exclusivity
• Discounts for some dates in 2012 please contact for details
• Best weather in France with over 300 days of Mediterranean sun per year
• On-site accommodation for 36, ideal for Family Weddings, Large Groups wanting exclusivity and Family or Group reunions
• For larger Weddings unlimited outside accommodation available nearby
• Relaxed ‘home from home’ atmosphere with large heated pool
• 6 acres of gardens and a small vineyard
• Resident Chef offers full range of reasonably priced Wedding or Group menus, full or part catering, from simple lunches to a gastronomic experience
• Packages include ‘Welcome Buffets’, ‘Farewell BBQ's’, ‘Birthday dinners’
• Magnificent converted wine hall for dining, live music & dancing
• Beautiful Courtyard for reception or group dining under the stars
Weddings
• Non-religious or Church weddings
• 2 magical blessing/ceremony situations in the vineyard or gardens
• Personalised Blessing ceremonies based on your needs
• Free Wedding consultations includes 1-night accommodation if you proceed
• Experienced Wedding planning service included at no additional cost
• Attractive local church for Catholic Weddings within short walking distance
• All services available – English speaking celebrants, flowers, DJ, hair & make-up, photography, Live’ musicians or groups etc
• Beautiful horse and carriage, or American Vintage cars available
• Full sound system available for the entire period + radio mike
General
• On-site concerts often organised from Classical to Rock
• Table tennis, basketball, badminton & boules
• Group activities arranged: Wine tours, Canal Boat trips, cycle tours, courses
• 25 minutes to the sea or mountains for full range of activities
• Wind-surfing, sea fishing, white water rafting, canyoning, randonnées
• Nearby activities – Horse riding, tennis, canoeing, kayaking, golf etc
• Only 90 mins flight from anywhere in the UK or Ireland; train from Paris 4hrs
Chateau Du Pouiller was built around 1840 and for 150 years was the largest wine domaine in Ginestas, a village situated close to Le Canal Du Midi in the Aude region of sunny Languedoc. It has since been beautifully and lovingly restored by it's current owners to create that mixture of history and rural France which is so unique. The relaxed and magical ambience it provides, makes it the perfect venue for weddings, family celebrations, group holidays or corporate workshops.
Guide Price
From €7487.50 (4-night weekend, mid-season wedding)
From €8737.50 (4-night weekend, high season wedding in July & August)
Mid-week, 2 or 3-night Wedding options available.
From €8,288 (7-night Group Holiday price mid-season)
For a quote tailored to your group please use the 'contact owner' button
Please note that prices are not published online for this property so please use 'contact owner' to request a quote for your group size and dates.
On the ground floor there is a large sitting room with Satellite TV, a dining room for Chambres D’Hôtes guests, a large modern kitchen that hosts the Food Courses and WI-FI connection. The self-catering Chateau Suite that sleeps 5/6 is situated on the ground floor of the Chateau. It has a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with French doors leading to a private patio, a galley-style children’s bedroom with 2 single beds & its own shower room. The kitchen/dining/living room has a sofa bed, two further private patios and BBQ.
A magnificent sweeping staircase leads to the first floor were there are: two en-suite ‘Family’ bedrooms, each sleeping 3, both decorated in traditional ‘French Style’ each with a ‘Queen’ size bed & single bed. Two standard double en-suite bedrooms, one ‘Queen’ double or twin with en-suite shower and one standard double with en-suite shower/bath. One 'Family' bedroom sleeping 3 with a Queen size bed & single bed that has its own dedicated shower room opposite. All of the rooms have superb mattresses & are equipped with Satellite TV’s; cots are available on request.
Behind the Chateau are three old wine makers cottages that have been excellently restored, each have a kitchen/living/dining room on the ground floor & a private sun patio with a BBQ.
Chauffeur’s cottage: Sleeps 5/6. Ground floor: Kitchen, dining/living room with 1 sofa bed. 1st floor: 1 triple bedroom with 1 double & 1 single bed, 1 twin bedroom, WC/Shower room.
Grande Regisseur’s Cottage: Sleeps 5/6. Ground floor: Kitchen, dining/living room with 2 sofa beds and WC. 1st floor: 1 Double bedroom &1 twin bedroom, WC/Shower room.
Petite Regisseur’s cottage: Sleeps 2/3. Ground floor: Kitchen, dining/living room with sofa bed. 1st floor: 1 Double bedroom with en suite WC/Shower room. The Grande & Petite Regisseur’s cottages can be joined to create a self-contained unit of 3/4 bedrooms.
Monet House: Sleeps up to 6/7. The old gardener's cottage is situated in a lovely part the gardens of the Chateau near the swimming pool. This stunning cottage is ideal for outside dining with a private patio garden next to the old well & small orangery. Ground floor: separate kitchen/dining room, living room with sofa bed. 1st floor: 1 triple bedroom with 1 double & 1 single bed, 1 Double bedroom, a single bed on landing in-between and a WC/Shower room.
The Chateau & cottages are totally self-contained within 6.6 acres that are surrounded by peaceful gardens, lawns & small vineyard. There is a large heated swimming pool & activities include table tennis, basketball, badminton, boules & a trampoline.
The old wine processing building or ‘Cave’ is located on one side of the inner courtyard & has been renovated as a prestige venue for Wedding receptions, conferences, musical evening and dancing. It is also the home of the restaurant & still contains the original wine press (now the Bar) & four of the original 12 foot oak barrels, once used to store wine. The beautiful inner courtyard, with traditional fountain in the centre, is kept free of cars & is an ideal location for summer evening dining under the stars.
*Please note, locations shown on the maps are approximations only
The chateau is surrounded by vineyards in the picturesque countryside of the department of the Aude, an area within the Minervois wine region of Languedoc. It is located close to the World heritage site of the ‘Le Canal Du Midi’ and between the sandy Mediterranean beaches to the south and the awesome mountains of L’Espinouse in the North. It is 45 minutes from Carcassonne airport which is 90 minutes from the UK. There are 5 other international airports within easy driving distance.
The Chateau is situated on the edge of a village called Ginestas, 20 minutes North of Narbonne and amenities include a general store, a bank (with ATM), a boulangerie, post office, bar and poodle parlour! Narbonne is well worth exploring, a charming town with an amazing covered food market and cathedral. Montpellier is 80 minutes drive away, Barcelona only 2.5 hours and one can also ski in the Pyrenees!!
Nearby activities include tennis courts, riding stables (at the rear of the château) and several good golf courses within 30 minutes drive, Canal boating is available within 10 minutes drive, bicycles can be delivered to the door for hire and canoeing/kayaking is great fun and popular every year with families or groups. All these can be arranged from the Chateau. There it is a fabulous region for walking, cycling (all levels) or driving, and the landscapes are truly beautiful; it is ‘big country’ with stunning landscapes.
The Languedoc boasts the largest concentration of vineyards in the World and tailor-made Wine Tours are organised by the owners. These visit a carefully chosen selection of Vignerons who are producing some the most amazing wines in France with the opportunity to sample them.
There are also fascinating monuments of history to be experienced, from the occupation by the Romans with architectural wonders such as ‘Le Pont Du Gard’ and the Coliseum in Arles, through to the Middle Ages with Carcassonne Castle and the Cathar Castles in Southern Corbières, right up to the recently constructed Millau Bridge designed by Sir Norman Foster.
Carcassonne airport is 45 mins, Bezieres 40 mins, Perpignan 60 mins, Montpellier 70 mins, Nimes 90 mins, and Toulouse 90 mins. By train, the nearest station is Narbonne (20 mins), the TGV direct from Paris takes 4 hours via Montpellier with no changes, Road-Rail offers an eco-friendly overnight service, Calais to Narbonne with private couchettes (May to Sept).
The restaurant on the Domaine provides superb quality cuisine at a reasonable price. Whether for individuals and families on holiday, or for large group bookings such as a Wedding, Celebration or Corporate function, every effort is made to provide an adventure into taste sensations with wines and an ambience to match. All meals are either served within the ‘cave’ building itself or, outside on the terraces overlooking the vineyard or in the enclosed courtyard where either alfresco luncheons & wood burning BBQ's offer relaxed outdoor dining. In the summer memorable romantic evenings can be spent dining out under the stars.
The menus are changed on a weekly basis. Guests eating at the restaurant are offered a choice of 2 or 3-course menus that start at €22 or from the à la Carte menu. Adult breakfast is €10 and lunches start at €18. Special menus for Wedding receptions or celebratory meals are designed to suit each individual client and their budget. Reception meal prices can vary from €35 to €80 per adult, large discounts for children. All dietary needs are catered for both medical and religious.
A full and carefully selected range of reasonably priced regional wines is available to suit most palettes and particular care is taken to match the wines with the flavours of the food chosen.
Accommodation capacity
The Domaine including the Chateau = 36+. For larger Weddings there is unlimited accommodation available nearby, mostly within walking distance.
Catering capacity
Indoor reception capacity: 140; Outdoor reception capacity: 180
Weddings
The Chateau provides a full ‘Wedding service’ for those wanting a romantic Wedding in the South of France costing much less than the UK equivalent and without any difficulties with language differences. Almost all aspects of your Wedding can be mutually planned and organised at no cost so that everything runs smoothly and your Wedding Day is ‘stress free’. The owners will help arrange your Blessing service, the Celebrant, a wide range of Wedding menus plus the cake, alcohol, table decorations, flowers, music and photography. Unlike many Hotels with fixed packages, Tim & Sasha provide considerable flexibility and adapt to individual requirements and budgets. Full testimonials are available this site and more on request. Unfortunately however they are unable to facilitate the venue for DIY or fully self-catering Weddings.
Groups
Groups can stay on a part, or fully catered basis, or solely self-catering if required. There is a restaurant on-site that can be booked daily by individual families or all of the group. For Family reunion events, Birthdays or any other celebration, a full choice of menu options can be discussed to suit budgets and/or dietary requirements. Live music, concerts and ‘Jam’ nights are a regular feature and can sometimes be arranged to coincide with your group holiday.
Accommodation
Open all year the entire Domaine is normally booked on an exclusive basis for Wedding parties or large groups and package details can be provided on request. For Wedding bookings there is a minimum stay of 2-nights for mid-week weddings and 3 or 4-nights for weekend Weddings. Group holiday bookings from mid July to mid August are for a minimum of 7 nights from mid-week to mid-week to help with flight availability and prices. One night’s accommodation is reimbursed to any bridal couple or group representative who wish to visit beforehand if they proceed with their booking. Prices for individual holidays depend on the time of year and availability (POA).
The Reception Venue
The restored wine making barn has been designed as a celebration to the history of the Domaine and the tables are surrounded by many of the historic artifacts of wine production used there. These include the original wine press (now the Bar) and four of the original 12-foot oak barrels, once used to store wine. It offers a stunning environment for Wedding receptions, Family reunions/Birthdays, musical evenings, dancing or as a conference venue. For dining outside during the summer months, either during the day or under the stars, there is a beautiful inner courtyard with fountain and on the other side, two terraces that look out onto the vineyard.
The Ceremony
We offer very personal humanist or religious wedding blessing ceremonies that are held either in the vineyard or in the gardens. This is usually after guests have had their Civil marriage in their country of origin which avoids the doable but complicated requirements in having your civil wedding in France. We have several Church Weddings each year that can be held at the local Catholic church in Ginestas. Blessing ceremonies are held either under a flower garlanded Tonelle in the vineyard or under a gazebo beneath the pine trees in the gardens or in the ancient wine cave itself. All venues create a unique setting & provide a very moving, romantic & memorable occasion.
Catering
Sasha who is Chef and joint partner will spend time with each individual Wedding couple or Corporate organiser to create the right choice of menu to suit their requirements and budget. Reception meal prices vary from €35 to €80 per head and there are large discounts for children. For Weddings and corporate functions a comprehensive range of wines are also offered to suit all budgets and tastes; a free tasting of a range of wines is offered in order that guests can make their own choice for their reception or function.
Other Services
A full range of additional services can be organized for you. Flowers, Table decorations, Photography, sound system, live bands, disco & DJ, hairdressers, plus outside activities such as wine tours, hire of bicycles, horse riding, canoeing, golf and sight seeing. Coach hire can be also be organised.
Travel
The time from the Chateau to the following airports is Carcassonne 45 mins, Bezieres 40 mins, Perpignan 60 mins, Montpellier 70 mins, Nimes 90 mins, and Toulouse 90 mins. Gerona 100 mins. By train, the nearest station is Narbonne (20 mins), the TGV direct from Paris takes 4 hours via Montpellier with no changes, Road-Rail offers an eco-friendly overnight service, Calais to Narbonne with private couchettes (check availability).
- Security deposit: Enquire directly with the owner as to how much, and how it is paid. The security deposit is paid on arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection.
- Linen & towels: All linen and towels are included in the rental price.
- Energy costs: Included in the rental price. There may be a charge for the low seasons.
- End of stay cleaning: Included in the rental price.
- Arrival time: 4pm onwards.
- Departure time: 10am.
- Pets: Please enquire.
- Smoking: No smoking 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.
"We chose Domaine de Pouiller because it appeared to have all the ingredients we wanted from a holiday; attractive setting, interesting places to visit, a swimming pool, our own terrace and good quality accommodation plus the option of on site evening meals if required. It also had a ‘family friendly’ feel to it. We were not disappointed. The setting was idyllic. Lovely old buildings, with their character preserved and attractive gardens with lots of places to sit and relax as well as ball game areas for the more energetic. Tim, Sasha and their family were so welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. When we ate at the Domaine, the food, and wine were delicious and it was interesting to meet guests from a range of countries, regions and backgrounds. As the weather was balmy we ate outside, meals were informal more like having supper with a group of new friends. Tim and Sasha went out of their way to ensure that we were aware of local events. A group of us attended the open air village festival, for wine, food and dancing to a live band, complete with piano accordion of course. We sat at long trestle tables to eat confit de canard with copious amounts of local wine. It felt like we had been taken back to the France of 50 years ago. If you like night clubs and designer anything, this probably isn’t the area to visit although I’m sure these can be found in the larger cities! What you will get is good honest food made from local ingredients washed down with local wine. We were not staying in the world’s largest vineyard for nothing! Our daughter was kept entertained by the swimming pool, table tennis, trampoline and badminton, as well as the company of other children. Full marks to Elly and Lily for the welcome they gave our Lily. The grounds are large enough to absorb all the guests without feeling crowded. There is very much a ‘home from home’ atmosphere to the Domaine but without the need to do very much! You can socialise if you want, but privacy is respected. We became so chilled out that we didn’t visit half the places we had planned. Still that’s a good excuse to return, not that we need one!”
Kate Steere, Michael & Lily Ison
“We (2 adults + 7 year old) loved this impressively converted chateau and cottages. Our first week was B&B - lovely room and sociable breakfasts. We also sampled the owner's superb 3 course dinners sitting in the tranquil garden most evenings. Week two was self-catering in one of the cottages. Again the conversion was lovely and there was pleny of space for all of us. The grounds and the pool are wonderful and the hosts, Sasha and Tim, create an atmoshphere that is truly relaxing. Nothing is any trouble. As a base for exploring (Carcassone, Narbonne, Cathar castles, Canal du Midi),
the location is excellent. Add to that the abundant vineyards and you've got all you need for a memorable holiday.”
Colin, Nicole and Mostyn
"I am just coming back down to reality after a wonderful long weekend at the Chateau. We booked the whole Chateau for my daughter's wedding at the end of September 2008. The wedding guests and we were able to stay in the chateau guest rooms and cottages, with others staying in accommodation nearby (booked by the chateau proprietors). The rooms were all different and have been renovated keeping the character of the original buildings. The Chateau has a beautiful courtyard with a fountain statue in the centre - this was a lovely focal point, set out like a cafe with tables and sun umbrellas where guests congregated long into the night. There was a beautiful pool, with cover if needed, and sun deck with numerous sun loungers where we were able to relax and enjoy the glorious sunshine. There was also a table tennis table, large trampoline, and small field where the more active members of our party arranged a football tournament - great fun for all! We enjoyed a variety of different meals, including dinner in the Chateau, a buffet served in the 'cave' and enjoyed in the courtyard, a barbecue, and of course the wedding breakfast itself. The food was fresh and prepared to a high standard and the menu offered was imaginative and delicious! Many special dishes were prepared for the numerous allergies / special dietary needs of our guests (including myself and the bride) and we were catered for brilliantly by the chef (Sasha) and her staff, without us feeling that we were being a nuisance. The setting for the wedding was perfect with terrace leading down to a 'bower' among the vines. A champagne reception was held in the garden and the bride threw her bouquet down from the balcony! The reception was held in the recently converted 'cave' which held 2 enormous old wine casks and a wine press, but still room for the 100+ guests to wine and dine, and later to dance. The tables looked beautiful set out with our black and white theme in such a dramatic setting. The proprietors, Sasha and Tim, along with their staff, were committed to do what they could to make everything go smoothly and they succeeded - it was a perfect wedding weekend, enjoyed by absolutely everyone. Can't wait to see the photos and we will certainly be back one day.”
Gill Ladhams
We had 37 people at the Chateau and hired it for 4 nights. Sasha and Tim are very helpful and willing to adapt to what you want to do. They put up with 100s of emails from my mum and I so that we could make sure everything ran smoothly. They are very flexible too. They were there when we needed them but also allowed us to have our own space too. Sasha and her team prepared wonderful food, just had we asked. Everyone commented on how much they liked the dauphinois potatoes and the duck confit. The BBQ was great. The bar has an excellent selection. Everyone commented how much they enjoyed the celebrations. Some couples talked about going back to stay.
HCMC
“Dear Tim & Sasha, Finally we write to thank you for our amazing wedding and stay with you in July. It really was a fabulous time and will be remembered by all. The wedding weekend was a great success and the food was delicious and plentiful. We feel lucky to have spent time with people we are so dear to us, in such relaxed and beautiful surroundings – we hope that everyone was well behaved!
The logistics and planning was hard work, but truly worth it. Thank you also for the champagne left to us and my Parents – this was a truly lovely and delicious touch! Thank you also to Ruairi for being so accommodating and for playing our chosen music at chosen times etc. A big thank you to Stephanie who we all loved! Beatrice, Daniel and all the others were fantastic and contributed enormously to the atmosphere. The Chateau will always be a very special place for us, and we fully intend on visiting in the near future.
Much love & thanks.”
Katie & Tom Ibbotson
Dear Tim and Sasha, We hope that this finds you well & happy! and hope you’ve had a beautiful summer. Chris & I are finally back in the flat after being away with the family & with work etc. Our biggest thank you is to the three of you all for all of your hard work & enthusiasm, imagination, flexibility, skill – the list goes on & most of all for sharing our vision & how we saw it all happening & helping us achieve exactly that. We couldn’t have wished for a better weekend & we know that all of our guests thought that the Chateau & grounds were just fantastic, magical; any event in these surroundings with your cooking, Sasha & your lovely touches everywhere, could not fail to be stunning. Ruairi; as our D.J. you & your tunes are truly awesome! Much love and thanks to you all.
Georgina and Christian Nelson
From the minute we drove through the entrance we were hit immediately with the peaceful atmosphere of the estate. When we met Sasha and Tim they made us feel so welcome and at home. They took so much time going through everything and listening to our requirements, taking notes, that straight away they won our trust (and business!) and we knew that this was were we wanted to get married. No request is too difficult or out of the question for Tim and Sasha.
Anonymous
When we arrived on the Monday before the wedding we were blown away by the place. It was even nicer than the pictures we had seen on the website with a mixture of the old style of the chateau, picturesque area and also the up to date facilities. The cave (where the wedding would take place) was also top of the range and had kept some lovely features of the old winery such as the massive wine barrells showing of it's heritage.
We also got on very well with Tim, Sasha and also Ruari (our DJ and barman for much of the time) and Stephanie who looked after the day to day running of the Chateau. They were always around to lend a hand or deal with any problems/last minute organisation that needed to be taken care of eg. Babysitters, taxi's etc... They made us feel right at home and looked after us all very well.
Simon Norton
Our octagonal room with wallpapered ceiling and balcony in the typically provincial main house, the Chateau, was very special indeed, and Tim and Sasha (our hosts) have preserved a lot of the traditional décor which makes it so uniquely ‘French’ ... antique, yes, tatty, no! The food was excellent, both French and English breakfast every morning and each night a long dinner with great company.
Anonymous
We cannot say thank you enough to the team for all of their hard work with the weekend, but also for all the emotional support that you gave us, I don't think the weekend would have been anywhere near as spectacular without all your commitment and care.
We have all talked about nothing else since we got back; in fact we are planning to come back next year just for a relaxing holiday.
This is just to thank you once again for your outstanding hospitality and general helpfulness, which contributed so much to making a memorable special, special wedding day.
Anonymous
