Nearby to Auvergne and Saone et Loire (southern Burgundy), the village of La Pacaudière lies in the Loire region of the northern Rhone-Alpes. The chateau is perfectly situated just outside this village of La Pacaudière, in beautiful, classic French countryside with many other smaller, medieval villages to be found along the winding country lanes.
La Pacaudière has a beautiful little church, and also includes a bank (with ATM). There is a well equipped supermarket, two boulangeries, a kiosk, two cafes, a butcher and a pharmacy.
The chateau is a country dwelling in an area renowned for clean air, while city life is within a stone’s throw - Lyon, Roanne, Vichy, St. Etienne, Clermont Ferrand – ideal for walking, cycling and golf too, and perfect for those with a culinary passion. Excellent facilities for snowboarding and Nordic/Alpine skiing make the chateau equally appealing in the winter time.
The nearest major town is Roanne with good shops, train station, hospital, theatres and museums. Although most famous from a culinary perspective for the celebrated restaurant Troisgras (holding 3 Michelin stars for 40+ years), there are also a variety of other attractive restaurants in the vicinity.
Considered one of France’s best kept secrets (despite being the second largest city!) Lyon is only 1.5 hours away by car. Offering much of historical interest, from art and culture, architecture, culinary, antiques and shops, this splendid city also has a TGV railway station and international airport.
Wine lovers will not be disappointed by what the chateau has to offer. The little known but fantastic vineyards of Rhone-Côte Roannais are just a few miles away. The red and rose wines have their own Appallation Controlée, made from the Gamay grapes, called Saint Romain. The better known Beaujolais is only 1 hours drive away. Producing all kinds of wines (from beautiful Cru’s to the Beaujolais Primeur) these are traditionally presented in the third week of November. If that’s not enough, the burgundy wine region – famous and loved the world over - is situated nearby. Pleasant memories will be made by a “route de vins” through the Bourgogne vineyards. A visit to Beaune is also extremely worthwhile.
Just 10 miles from the chateau is the marvellous 18-hole course of Céron, and 20 miles away is the 9 holes of Villerest. La Loge des Gardes – only 20 miles from the chateau – is the ideal location for alpine skiing and snowboarding. Situated on the top of the Montagne Bourbonnaise, it has a blue, a green and 2 red pistes. A little further a field is Chalmazel. You will also find a tennis court 5 minutes walk from the chateau on the campsite of La Pacaudière.
