Chateau De Blau

About this property

The setting of Château De Blau is wonderful, in the Haute-Loire region of Auvergne close to remarkable falaises, forests as well as the Allier river and its gorges. Drive down the tree-lined avenue and appreciate the beauty of this 15th-century château sleeping up to 11 guests with its rich heritage, heated swimming pool and over two hectares of parkland.

Originally built in the early 1400s by the Blau family with many additions over the centuries, the château has undergone an impressive recent refurbishment allowing it to become an elegant holiday home which still retains so much of its historic charm. Classified as a Historical Monument, Château De Blau blends tradition and culture with exquisite renovations and modern amenities.  

On the ground floor the characterful dining room juxtaposes perfectly with the modernised kitchen, close to the single bedroom, whilst upstairs a graceful grand salon with historic furnishings sits next to the library with its books, games and billiard table. Climb up the old stone spiral steps to the top two floors for four beautiful bedrooms, each one en suite, all inspired by the château’s past from the 17th century king-size double with views towards the volcanic cliffs to the romantic-style pink room with its tapestries, armchairs and south-facing vistas.

Outside, there’s a gorgeous spot with armchairs for watching the sunset accompanied by an aperitif or two whilst you can dine al-fresco in the castle’s courtyard. The heated swimming pool is another fantastic addition to this historic French château, positioned within the vast grounds which also feature little pathways, ancient trees and glimpses of the Allier, one of France’s longest rivers which meanders nearby.

You will feel well looked after during your stay with cleaning nearly every day and options to arrange breakfast and home-cooked meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, there’s also an excellent French wine list to choose from. Outdoor adventures and excursions can be organised such as electric bike hire, mountain biking trips, visits to châteaux and fortresses, hiking itineraries as well as canoeing, rafting and fishing trips along the Allier.

Set in a little hamlet, there’s a farm shop you can walk to and a charming small village within 4km, passing striking geological features as you drive. Nearby Lavoûte-Chilhac is an ideal spot for river-based watersports and hiking trails whilst Langeac, just over 6km away, is the gateway to the Allier gorges best discovered by canoe, raft or via the tourist train.

Explore further afield within the Massif Central with gorgeous villages and picture-perfect towns including Brioude and Le Puy-en-Velay, the starting point of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route. Not to mention the landscapes of the Parc Des Volcans and the famous Puy de Dôme, reached by foot or train - the summit can even be admired from a hot-air balloon, an incredible way to discover the stunning scenery of this part of France.

Château De Blau is located in the Haute-Loire department of the Auvergne region just a 20-minute drive from the delightful town of Brioude and 42km from historic Le Puy-en-Velay.

The château is set in a small hamlet with other houses close by and there is a farm shop within walking distance. The nearest village is 4km away, home to a small French bistro and a food market on a Wednesday in the summer months. Close to the Allier River, there are marked hiking trails near the village (close to some remarkable geological sites) whilst canoeing, kayaking, rafting and fishing opportunities can be found in Lavoûte-Chilhac (8km), another small and charming village with a gorgeous 15th century bridge and an interesting Paleontology Museum as well as food shops, cafes and restaurants.

Yet more river-based watersports and fishing can be enjoyed in and around Langeac (6.5km) and there are a couple of supermarkets on the edge of the village as well as other useful amenities. From Langeac you can follow the Allier, one of France’s longest rivers, towards its famous gorges, best discovered by canoe, raft or via the tourist train that runs between Langeac and Langogne on certain days in the summer.

Indeed, this region is ideal for a number of outdoor activities which the château can help organise for you from fishing trips, electric bike hire and mountain biking excursions to hikes through stunning natural sites as well as hot-air balloon rides and even micro-flights. Cultural trips are aplenty as well with the impressive Château de Chavaniac and its gardens only 12km away and Château de Polignac reached within an hour, a striking fortress close to Le Puy-en-Velay.

The Loire runs close to Le Puy-en-Velay, such a beautiful historic town and the starting point for the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route. Both the town’s Romanesque cathedral and Rocher Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe are amazing and there are a number of medieval lanes to potter around, many filled with pretty lace shops.

Slightly closer is Brioude (24km), another very picturesque town with a rich heritage, home to the admirable Basilique Saint-Julien de Brioude. Spend time exploring Brioude’s old narrow lanes, visit little craft studios and art galleries and soak up the ambience at the bustling Saturday morning market. Also look out for a programme of music concerts taking place in the summer.

Other noteworthy villages across the Massif Central include Lavaudieu (19km) on the banks of the Senouire, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and home to an 11th century Benedictine abbey, and Blesle (46km) with its pretty riverbanks and bridges.

Continuing towards Clermont-Ferrand (95km), you will find the incredible landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne with its four volcanic massifs, an absolute paradise for keen hikers, especially Puy de Dôme (a train also heads to the summit from the visitors centre).

Accommodation

Château Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Entrance
-    Period dining room with decorative fireplace, table for up to 12 guests and smaller sitting-dining area
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped including dishwasher, electric hob, oven, microwave, American fridge-freezer, Jura coffee machine, Nespresso machine, kettle, toaster and small table. Door leads to al-fresco dining courtyard
-    Bedroom (12m2) with single bed (90x200cm). Bedroom accessed via kitchen
-    Laundry room
-    WC with sink (opposite side of kitchen)

First Floor

-    Living room with two sofas including a sofa-bed (160x200cm) and decorative fireplace
-    Office (in tower adjoining lounge) with sink, fridge and separate WC with sink
-    Library with a decorative fireplace, a variety of books and board games, desk and sitting area

Second Floor

-    Bedroom suite (50m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm), sitting area, desk, dressing area and adjoining tower bathroom with shower, two sinks and independent WC
-    Bedroom suite (50m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm), small desk, day bed, dressing area and bathroom with shower, two sinks and independent WC

Third Floor

-    Bedroom suite (50m2) with twin beds (90x200cm, can be joined to make double bed), one single bed/sofa (80x90cm), desk and dressing area. Bathroom in adjoining tower with Italian shower, bath, two sinks and WC
-    Bedroom suite (50m2) with twin beds (90x200cm, can be joined to make double bed), one single bed/sofa (80x190cm) and small desk. Small dressing area and large bathroom with bath, two sinks and WC

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (4x12m, depth: 1.2-1.5m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately May to end-September
-    Pool house with changing room and WC
-    Sun-loungers (x4)
-    Barbecue
-    Al-fresco dining courtyard
-    Terrace with benches and low tables
-    Table tennis
-    Boules/pétanque
-    Natural well
-    Pond

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi (may not work in all rooms)
-    Ethernet internet access (all rooms)
-    Heating
-    Video projector and screen
-    DVD player and DVDs
-    Library (books and comics)
-    Children’s books and DVDs
-    Mini music system
-    American billiards
-    Chess and board games
-    Printer access
-    Washing machine and dryer