Chateau De Rayze: Maison Parc

La Maison du Parc, set within the grounds of Chateau de Rayze, is situated in the heart of the Black Perigord region of the Dordogne, close to the small town of Sarlat. This French chateau sits in 20 acres of land and facilities include a swimming pool, steam room, snooker table and a trampoline. The permanent residents of Chateau de Rayze include goats, deer and even a few donkeys!

This holiday rental sleeps 16 guests in six double bedrooms, four of which open straight onto the large, well managed garden, and two twin bedrooms. There are four en suite bathrooms and a further two communal bathrooms. There is a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious lounge come dining room.

This property can be rented along with Chateau de Rayze and the Pigeonnier which has a further nine bedrooms, sleeping a total of 34 guests.

Two independent, but closely situated properties boast a total of seventeen double or twin bedrooms. The Maison du Parc is available for hire either separately or alongside the chateau (with the pigeonnier) for groups of up to 34. Properties each have their own swimming pool and private garden. Fifteen of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms, and four have 4-poster beds. Each property has its own living room and kitchen with all mod-cons (including washing machine), whilst internet access is available in the chateau and a fax machine can be found in the Maison du Parc.

La Maison du Parc has a fully equipped kitchen with everything an intrepid cook could ask for. There is also a reception/conference room that is a very spacious room opening onto a fine terrace. The six double bedrooms, four of which are en-suite, all have direct access to a private garden. There are two further twin bedrooms and two extra bathrooms.

Outside numerous walking and cycling paths lead out from the chateau grounds in every direction. The chateau itself is situated at the summit of a hill and boasts 30 acres of rolling grounds with two swimming pools, kitchen gardens, an orchard with pear, fig and cherry trees, trampoline, centennial trees and acres of wilderness and forests. The Big Field is where you’ll find the donkeys, deer and resident goat! Wander the grounds or simply relax with a good book and enjoy this haven of tranquility.

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

The nearest airport is Bergerac 60km away but Toulouse and Bordeaux are also both available 150km away.

The setting of the Chateau de Rayze is simply breathtaking: expect tree-lined hills, valleys, vineyards, walnut groves, orchards, maize and sunflower fields, foie gras farms, imposing chateaux and ancient villages and towns. The locals here are warm-hearted and friendly and the buzzword is food – you’ll find a wealth of choice here from chic gourmet to traditional family restaurants serving home-spun delicacies.

Cazoules is the closest village and only a short walk away. It has a great boulangerie and bar restaurant. Souillac (3km) is a delightful town, only 5 minutes by car, with delightful streets, quaint little shops and it’s main draw, the twelfth-century church of Ste-Marie. Romanesque sculptures and carvings grace the interior of this massive-domed structure. The mechanical doll museum is good for some light relief, and particularly suited for children. The town can be reached in 5 minutes by car.

The Saturday morning market in Sarlat’s market square is renowned for its vibrancy and buzz. Stunning medieval, Gothic, and 17th C architecture line the streets and a gorgeous square in the front of the Cathedral is a fine vantage point to observe the various goings-on and is also host to some good restaurants. Concerts and plays are held here during the summer months. A stunning medieval fort tops the cliff above Beynac and the river (20 minutes by car). The village nestles at the foot of the cliff and rises in stages up to the castle. In medieval times the only way to access the village would have been by river. On the other sides, a 200 drop and the fort’s double wall would have protected against any invaders.

The famous wine-growing centre of Bergerac is an hour by car from the chateau. The neighbouring areas of Pecharmant, to the north and Monbazillac to the south, make fine red and sweet white wines respectively. The white is particularly recommended, and makes a fine accompaniment to foie gras or pastries, or simply by itself.

Top Ten Things To Do In The Dordogne: 1. Hire a canoe on the river. 2. Visit the caves at La Cave, Domme or Lascaux. The latter, situated near Montignac, contains 17,000 year-old Cro-Magnon animal paintings. 3. Stroll through the grounds and meet the donkeys and deer. Try your hand at horse riding, cycling, walking, climbing, caving or golf. Bounce on our trampoline! 4. Take a day-trip to Limoges, Brive, Cahors, Toulouse or even Paris. 5. Take a day-trip to Sarlat, La Roque Gageac – perhaps one of France’s prettiest villages, Rocamadour or Martel. 6. Visit Cordes, the jewel of the bastides. 7. Visit a vineyard in Bordeaux. 8. Relax beside the swimming pools and make a barbecue. 9. Visit the gardens of le Manoir D’Eyrignac. 10. Eat beside the river at Brantome.

We have a local chef who will come in to cook for 25 Euros per hour. Maid service is available at additional cost.

- Security deposit: €1000. 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.
- Arrival time: 4pm onwards.
- Departure time: 10am.
- Pets: pets are allowed but they must sleep in the accommodation that we provide for them (not in the bedrooms).
- Smoking: No smoking in the property.
- Additional beds: 3 additional beds are available for a small extra cost.
- 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.