Chateau Ridou: Whole Site

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 60 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. Guests have exclusive use of Chateau Ridou and its grounds, and the gites and chateau will not be rented separately, so you can be assured that you will be the only group on site for the duration of your stay.

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.

The ground floor benefits from an entrance hall with WC, huge sitting room with satellite television and VCR, attractive dining room with music system, and a large fully equipped kitchen with electric oven, microwave, dishwasher and gas range.

On the first floor, guests will find three twin bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and two large double bedrooms with king size bed and en-suite bathroom. On the second floor, one will find the dormitory-style bedroom with five single beds and en-suite bathroom and the bedroom for three people with three single beds and en-suite bathroom.

The small farmhouses, dotted across the estate, are ideal for larger groups or those seeking more privacy. There are five separate cottages/gites in total to accommodate up to 40 guests.

Chateau Ridou has fantastic facilities for guests to enjoy during their stay.  An outdoor BBQ, wonderful dining terraces, ample parking, courts for badminton and tennis, table-tennis (in the chapel), boules, swimming and fishing at River Meuse, just in front of the chateau, walking and mountain biking can all be enjoyed in the grounds of the estate and surrounding area.

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

The nearest airport is Brussels (120km) and Calais is 300km away. The nearest town of Vireux is 5km from the chateau.

The Ardennes region is beautifully diverse, and a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers and riders, with woodlands, vast lakes, winding rivers and a variety of terrains.  The river valleys consist of canyons reaching up to impressive green mountainous peaks.  Towns close to the chateau include Namur, set around a 19th century Citadel and benefiting from excellent restaurants and great bars, Dinant, Rochefort, St Hubert, Bouillon, which is renowned for fantastic canoeing along the River Lesse, and Vireux, a super choice for restaurants, street markets and shopping.

There are so many places to explore around the region.  The Chateau and Abbee at Chimay, the Han caves, canoeing along the River Lesse, hiking in the woodlands making Chateau Ridou a fantastic base from which to discover the region of Champagne.

Catering sur place: menus from 15-35 euros per person depending on what you have. A breakfast buffet is available for 7 euros per person. Lunch is 15 euros per person for French salad, cheese and French bread. Dinner is available from 20 euros per person for a 3 course dinner. Please note drinks are not included in these prices. Wine is available from 15 euros for a 3-litre (4 bottles) carafe. Soft drinks are available for 3 euros per bottle. Champagne is available for 20-25 euros per bottle.

A house keeper is available for cleaning. Babysitting is available at 10 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: Linen and towels are available for hire at 12 euros per person. Alternatively you may bring your own.
- Energy costs: Included.
- End of stay cleaning: Included.
- Arrival time: 4pm onwards.
- Departure time: 10am.
- Pets: No pets allowed. You may bring a horse with prior arrangement.
- Smoking: No smoking in the bedrooms of the property.
- Party barn: This is available for hire for €150 or free if you purchase your drinks from the owner. This should be booked in advance of arrival.
- Changeover days: Please note that all weekly bookings run from Friday to Friday or Monday to Monday. Short breaks run from Friday to Monday or Monday to Friday.
- 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.

Your services has been outstanding. All 30 of us enjoyed this week. Thank you.

Swedish Student Reunion

It’s a wonderful place. Thank you for everything and for your kindness.

Silvana, Michael, Matteo

Excellent hospitality and place. We enjoyed every bit of our stay.

Sanjeev

Very pretty and relaxing. We loved the tennis court! Thank you.

The Smith family, Liverpool, England