Chateau De Crassane

The stunning, spacious and listed 14th Century Château de Crassane was built on the site of an 11th Century fortress. The Château de Crassane has been entirely restored and furnished to excellent standards and comes complete with a heated private pool. The chateau, together with the medieval keep and cottage, can be let together for a group of up to 20 people. These historic and unique surrounds offer an arresting and unforgettable chateau experience.

The Chateau de Crassane was an early stopping point for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela while the Black Prince also stayed here in 1362, as did François I in 1519. The stunning 15th Century Gothic north wall of the chateau is adorned in the most spectacular décor and is of outstanding quality – a classic example of the welcome afforded to travelling pilgrims of the age.

The estate is rented in its entirety and can accommodate groups of up to 20. The accommodation is arranged over the chateau, keep & cottage buildings; the Chateau can sleep up to 10 people (plus 1 complimentary baby cot), the Keep an additional 6 and the cottage up to 4. The Pilgrim’s room is a spectacular feature of the chateau - a stunning central dining room with space for up to 30 people, complete with a substantial garden terrace.

The Château has been authentically restored to its original splendour, offering guests an enchanting and unique chateau experience. The chateau has two large reception rooms with accompanying stone fireplaces, together with a substantial library. The 5 bedrooms of the chateau all have en suite bathrooms and consist of 3 doubles, a twin and a suite with a double and a connecting twin. There is a separate WC on the ground floor. The chateau also has central heating, washing and drying facilities and a table tennis table.

The keep is part of the original 11th century fortress and has been sympathetically restored to exceptional standards. At the top of the tower is a large sun terrace affording stunning views of the nearby forest and countryside and a superb location to relax and enjoy the charms of rural France.  Inside the keep are three bedrooms (2 doubles and a king-size four-poster) with en suite bathrooms in addition to a large sitting room with original feature fireplace, a dining room, kitchen and WC. The keep has electric heating, washing and drying facilities, a dish-washer.

The very spacious and beautifully decorated cottage even has a private garden. On the ground floor is a large living/dining room, a kitchen, a laundry, a double bedroom, and a bathroom. On the first floor there is a master double bedroom, a twin with a private shower, a bunk bedroom, a bathroom and separate WCs.

Outside the chateau lies within 8 hectares of charming landscape, including a heated swimming pool for exclusive use of chateau guests (approximately 15mx6m with a maximum depth of 1.7m, complete with WC and changing facilities). Sun loungers and outdoor furniture are also provided. Parking for vehicles is available at the chateau.

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

The nearest airports are  La Rochelle (70km) and Bordeaux (150km). The nearest town of Saintes is 15km away.

For the more adventurous guests, just 2km away from the chateau are sites offering water sports activities, in addition to nearby superb course river fishing locations and embarkation points cruises along the Charente River. A further 4km away are horse riding and tennis facilities, in addition to a superb wildlife reserve. For golfing enthusiasts there are 6 excellent 18-hole golf courses within easy reach of the chateau.

La Rochelle (60km), a fabulous historical harbour town with narrow streets and walkways is a just a short journey away from the chateau. The town also has a large aquarium. Saint Emilion (80km) is a stunning medieval city, which also acts as a gateway to Bordeaux's many vineyards. The coast is less than 45km away from the chateau and offers superb natural beaches for those making a day trip. The beaches are of a very high standard and frequented by numerous visitors throughout the summer months. The region is well renowned for its oysters which can be sampled in the many restaurants in the locale. The coast also offers easy access to the different islands in the area, most notably the favourite visitor destination islands of Ré, Aix and Fort Boyard.
  
The area surrounding the chateau is interspersed with numerous attractive villages, abbeys, castles and features to explore, including the ancient fortified town of Brouage and the village of Talmont. The historical castles of La Gataudière, and Panloy are a short journey away. Guests should take the opportunity to wander and explore these many local sites that so enrich this beautiful region of France.

The Chateau is close to the tranquil and idyllic surroundings of the Marais Poitevin, a locale offering lake swimming and canoeing facilities for the more adventurous. A themed historical adventure attraction is a short drive away at Puy du Fou, while in neighbouring Poitiers is the exciting Futuroscope theme park – a great attraction for adults and children alike.

Authentic French cuisine by a local chef can be prepared if requested and will be served in the Pilgrim's dining room.

3 hours of daily maid service for the château is included in the rental price. On request additional maid service can be available for a modest €15 per hour.  A baby-sitting service is also available for €15 per hour.

Wedding capacity
Indoor reception capacity: 30
Outdoor reception capacity: 30   
There is a charge to hire the reception space at the chateau for a wedding of 500 €.

Availability
April to October

Service
There a chapel on site that can be used for a service and access to an English speaking vicar or priest.

Catering
25 € per person and upwards.

Other services
All wedding services and extras must be organised by the guests or a wedding planner.

Accommodation
30 guests can sleep at the chateau.

Travel
La Rochelle airport is 70km away.

- Security deposit: €3500. This is paid by bank transfer 2 weeks before 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. Pool towels are not included.
- Energy costs: Electricity is charged at 0.05 euros per kwh. Central heating is charged at 100 euros per day for the chateau & the cottage if needed.
- End of stay cleaning: Included.
- Arrival time: 4pm onwards.
- Departure time: 10am. If you leave later than 10am €1000 will be deducted from the security deposit.
- Pets: No pets allowed.
- 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.
- Please note that the chateau is a historical monument open to the public for tours during the afternoon. Tours are in the garden and on the ground floor of the chateau in the historical rooms only (2 sitting rooms, a gallery and the library). People are never alone but always with a guide. We offer a guided tour for our guests.
- Vehicles are not authorized to park in the castle car-park at any time. There is a private car-park located behind the property for your vehicles.
- We would like to draw your attention to the possible dangers of the moat around the park, and the terrace on the top of the keep.

"Fantastic chateau, super, would certainly recommend."

Dale Spencer