Chateau De St Jean

The imposing 12th Century Chateau de St Jean is surrounded by 56 acres of maintained grounds and is nestled just south of the Loire Valley, surrounded by numerous features of the period and region including countless hidden away Roman ruins, abbeys and picturesque villages. The oldest part of the Chateau de St Jean itself was constructed on Roman ruins, to be later expanded during the 16th and 19th Centuries.

The Chateau de St Jean has 16 bedrooms and makes an ideal venue for functions such as weddings, anniversaries or other group events, being able to accommodate up to 51 guests in comfort. The normal 34-person capacity can be augmented with 11 additional full sized single beds in the chateau and a three bedroom cottage can be rented to accommodate an additional 6 guests. 2 children’s cots are also available to rent.

Please note that the online price is based on groups of up to 34. Please 'contact owner' above for a quote if your group size exceeds 34. Prices for extra beds and cots are written in our “terms and conditions” page. The rental price for the cottage varies by the season.  Please contact the owner for a quote.

The chateau main entry on the ground floor gives direct access to the large mirrored dining hall, a smaller dining room and the main staircase offering access to the reception rooms on the first floor. A large well-equipped kitchen including a large double refrigerator and professional dishwasher directly serves both dining rooms and the terrace. There are also 3 toilets on this floor.

The first floor entertainment rooms, served by a large entry foyer include a music room with marble fireplace, a reception room and a library.  All have wifi internet internet access. The floor also has 3 bedrooms (each with en-suite bathroom facilities), 2 with king-sized four-poster beds and one with twin single beds.

The second floor has six bedrooms, three of which have en-suite bathrooms and king-sized four-poster beds. There is also a large 3-bedroom suite with full bathroom plus separate WC. One bedroom has a four-poster king-sized bed, one a queen-sized and one a double.

The third floor contains 3 two-bedroom suites. Each suite shares a full bathroom and one has an additional WC. Five of their six bedrooms have full-sized double beds and the sixth has twin single beds. There is also a 7th bedroom on the floor with double bed and en-suite bathroom.

The estate lies within 56 acres of tranquil gardens and parkland. It is located behind gated and secured walls and as such offers excellent security for large groups with children. The gravel driveway extending up to the front of the chateau provides a serene and idyllic setting for an afternoon cocktail and game of boules in the sun. A large terrace overlooking the rear garden with fountain and gazabo is directly served from the kitchen and is ideal for entertaining. Sun loungers and outdoor furniture together with a BBQ are available for outdoor use by guests.

The substantial number of outbuildings and beautiful grounds that comprise the estate can be used for a wide variety of functions and events. In particular the old carriage house which has been transformed into a banquet hall seating up to 200 people can be used for weddings, seminars and catered events. For catered occasions the facility comes with a catering kitchen, WCs, and separate parking area for non-resident guests.

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

The nearest airport is Poitiers just 15km away. The chateau sits on the edge of a small village in the centre of the ancient French kingdom of Poitou, a picturesque region close to the Loire Valley that is rich in history and nature.

The capital city of Poitiers, a short drive away from the chateau, is steeped in history and provides guests with numerous opportunities for day trips and chances to explore the narrow medieval streets and churches of the town. The town is home to some 3rd Century church ruins that should be missed. The coastal town of La Rochelle is a short journey away; as are the golden beaches of favoured celebrity resort the Ile de Re. The celebrated vineyards of Cognac and the Loire Valley are also very close by and open to tours and tasting sessions.

Abbey of Nouaille Maupertuis (13km) is a charming medieval abbey is next to the site of the 1356 “Battle of Poitiers” battlefield where Jean II was captured and defeated by forces under Edward of Woodstock, more commonly known as ‘the Black Prince’. Angles sur l’Anglin (34km) is a pretty town set on the edge of a river with an abundance of fantastic local shops and restaurants. The town is also host to a large summer festival and craft fair each year. Bonnes (8km) is a pleasant village bordering the River Vienne; the location houses a renowned chateau, Chateau de Touffou, which has some spectacular landscaped gardens which are open to the public. Chauvigny (9km) is an attractive market town on the River Vienne containing a spectacular medieval fortress. Futuroscope (23km) is a famed visual media themed attraction - a great attraction for adults and children alike and just a short journey away.

There's a pleasant 18 hole golf course on the chateau grounds in Mignaloux Beauvoir with a relaxed atmosphere and helpful staff. The stables in Lavoux (5km) offer horse riding facilities. There is a kayaking centre in neighbouring Chauvigny (9km) for water sport enthusiasts. French communal swimming facilities are a short journey away in both outdoor bathing areas and local rivers. Country walks, tennis courts, cycle paths and cycle hire are also available within a very short distance of the chateau.

There are excellent and very professional local caterers in the area. Alternatively a full or part time cook can also be arranged with cost dependent on expectations. Typically this will be in the region of 15-20 euros per hour. Maid service, extra cleaning, and babysitting are available for 20 euros per hour.

We host a large number of weddings at the chateau and can seat parties of up to 200 indoors with larger receptions on the terrace or in the park where marquees can be set up. We provide wedding planning services for a fee or can provide contact information for caterers, musicians, florists, marquee hire etc. to those wanting to make their own arrangements.

We host a large number of weddings at the chateau and can seat parties of up to 200 indoors with larger receptions on the terrace or in the park where marquees can be set up. We provide wedding planning services for a fee or can provide contact information for caterers, musicians, florists, marquee hire etc. to those wanting to make their own arrangements.  Please note: There is an additional €500 fee for a wedding.

Capacity
Indoor reception capacity: In the Chateau up to 50 people, in the wedding reception Hall 200 people.
Outdoor reception capacity: On the terrace 150+ people, in the grounds unlimited (i.e. 1000+ with marquee).

Availability
All year round

The Service
There is a chapel next to the chateau that that can be used for a service. There is access to an English speaking vicar or priest.

Catering
Costs depend on level of catering i.e. from canapés to a full banquet with wine and champagne.

Other Services
Flowers:  Yes, Live bands/DJs: Yes, Transport: Yes, Marquee hire: Yes

Accommodation
Up to 45 guests can sleep at the château and 6 in the cottage.  For larger parties there is almost unlimited accommodation within a 15 min drive in Poitiers or the surrounding area.

Travel
Poitiers airport (served by French Airlines as well as Ryanair from the UK is 25 minutes by road from the Chateau. Also Poitiers railway station – from Paris by TGV  1½  hours is 20 minutes by road from the Chateau.

Other
Excellent parking within the grounds. Additional small 3 bedroom cottage for hire next to wedding reception hall. Professional kitchen facilities in the chateau. Wedding Hall and some of the grounds can be hired without the chateau and the full grounds.

- Capacity: Chateau comfortably sleeps a maximum of 34 adults. 11 full sized single beds can be added and a cottage for 6 guests is available for total of 51 adults.
- Security deposit: €750. This is paid on arrival and will be refunded in full after departure (within 30 days) subject to damage inspection.
- Linen & towels: All bed linen and towels are included in the rental price.
- Energy costs: There is a 95 euro per day charge for central heating if required.
- End of stay cleaning: Included.
- Arrival time: 2pm onwards.
- Departure time: 11am.
- Pets: No pets allowed.
- Smoking: No smoking inside the buildings.
- Banqueting hall: For short breaks of less than a week during June, July & August rental of the banqueting hall is obligatory (seats up to 200) at a cost of €1900. This is paid directly to the owner and is in addition to the online rental rate.
- Additional beds: Extra beds for groups over 34 are charged at €100 per bed (50€ per bed for 1 or 2 night stay). 2 children’s cots are also available for 50€ each per stay.
- 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.

"What a remarkable place the Chateau is – I feel like we've been in a film for the last week. Our retreat was very successful, with people saying they hadn't had such a good time in years, and that they'd return in a minute, and that if others knew how great the Chateau and the week was, I'd have a long waiting list."

Mary Lou Weprin

It is hard to describe our experience at St Jean without using too many superlatives or exclamation marks! We were delighted by how helpful Tiphaine, the chateau manager, was. She was available to answer our questions no matter how random they seemed. The place itself was just beautiful, very well maintained inside and out. Our guests had an unforgettable time and felt it was well worth a trip across the atlantic to spend time there. We think we had the best wedding and are so grateful to the Nash and Linda for the chance to stay at their amazing chateau!

Olivia

Merci Tiphaine. We have still not stopped talking about our time at St Jean with you all and our very special day. It is something we will remember for ever. The pictures we have are fantastic of the Chateau and all the events we had. Everyone had such an amazing time. Thank you again for all your hard work and organising. xx Richard

Ernesto Rocco and Richard wedding