Château of the Month

                   We are offering this page on our web site to highlight one member's
                property each month -- it will give you, our visitors, a closer look at the
                features and amenities offered to guests. Please take a moment after
             reading about this month's selection to visit the property on our web site.
                            An easy link to their pages will be found within the text.


*~ Château Rhodes* ~ [Please note that this newsletter was published in 2003 when the information was applicable. In late 2005 the château was bought by its present owners who rent it in its entirety and no longer offer bed & breakfast accommodations. Please visit the château pages on our site for current details. Editor January 2006] Don't** miss the opportunity to spend some time at a wonderful château in the incredible Ariège of southwestern France. This rugged and beautiful region of France has so much to offer -- and one of those special offerings is Château Rhodes ! Whether you are interested in bed and breakfast accommodations or renting a château for friends and family by the week, this is the perfect lodging in a perfect part of France. Château Rhodes is a lovingly-restored, aristocratic manor which has been decorated to the highest standard by the owners, an American man and his Japanese wife. With English, Japanese and French spoken, there is truly an international atmosphere at this member château. Elegant Persian rugs and a tasteful selection of 18th and 19th century antiques add to the warmth and charm of this inviting residence. Guests can enjoy gourmet French cuisine with an Asian flair at Château Rhodes' restaurant which opened its doors in May of 2003. It will indeed be difficult to decide from the myriad offerings on the extensive menu. Such selections may very well be Simmered Yellowtail with Shimeji Mushrooms and Brown Caper Sauce, or Farm Chicken with Confit of Shallots, Barberries and Cloves in Hard Pear Cider, or Lightly Cooked Salmon and a Fondue of Leeks and Onions in Kermit Eggplant, or Tempura Gulf Shrimp with Eggplant Caviar, Tomato Shellfish Broth and Balsamic Reduction. A fully equipped kitchen is available for the use of guests who rent the château by the week; but there is also a professional kitchen for the restaurant as you can see in the photo below -- and it is just amazing! The Breakfast Room The Professional Kitchen The château specializes in weddings. They provide planning assistance for every phase of the event from pre-wedding parties and outings, to providing an officiant, flowers, catering services and the reception. The family and friends of the bride and groom will find themselves in awe of the surroundings, including a view of the Pyrénées, the beautiful 17th century chapel and landscaped park. Visit the château on our web site for contact numbers to inquire about a wedding or other large gathering at the château. The Ariège is a dramatic and exciting tourist destination. If you are fascinated by prehistoric man's life, habitat and artistry, the caves of the Ariège are there for your exploration -- in fact there are more prehistoric caves in the Ariège than in any other département of France. Cathar fortresses, the Toulouse-Lautrec museum in Albi, the city of Toulouse and its rose-colored old town, the walled fortress of old Carcassonne, the spa at Aulus-les-Bains as well as myriad outdoor activities such as wine tastings at local vineyards, skiing, hiking, climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and white water rafting, are all convenient to guests at Château Rhodes. Ceremony about to begin in the Chapel Do consider a visit to this part of France -- near the Spanish border and Andorra -- and within an easy drive of the Languedoc-Roussillon coast of the Mediterranean. You will find tranquil villages and friendly people creating long-lasting happy memories of your visit to France. And please remember that we are always happy to assist you in ascertaining room availability, availability of the château if you are interested in renting the entire property for your group, or in making initial reservations on your behalf. Just contact us by email at info@au-chateau.com. [Photo Credits - Château Rhodes]
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