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| Château
de Crazannes
- or - Languages: English Credit cards: Europ/MasterCard, VISA, AMEX Département:
Charente-Maritime (17) More info and photos in au Château News This entire château can be rented... |
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| Fairy tales do come true. As a guest of Château de Crazannes you will find yourself in the world of "Puss in Boots", the famous children's story created by Charles Perrault, who modeled the count in his story after Jules Gouffier, Marquis de Carabas, then owner of the château. In the southwest of France bordering the Atlantic coast, the département of the Charente-Maritime is home to this impressive château situated on the left bank of the River Charente and surrounded by its own park with century-old trees and manicured lawns. A moat and keep from the 11th century are reminders of Crazannes long history, while the 14th century château, one of the oldest homes in the Saintonge region, is a classified Historical Monument of France. Famous guests of the past include the Black Prince who stayed for a short while in 1362, and King François I who paid a visit to the château in 1519 during his travels to the region. An early owner was Jean Acarie, famed military leader of France, whose contribution was the addition of a large square wing to the château in 1565. In 1760, Jacques Chaudruc, a ship-owner and slave trader bought the castle and proceeded with much-needed repairs. Later, in the mid-18th century, Pierre-Louis de la Rochefoucauld, the bishop of Saintes, took up residency here, only to be beheaded in Paris in 1792. The coats of arms of some of these former owners were installed on several chimneys in the château, while at the end of the 1900s, the Baron of Crazannes recast the south façade of Crazannes. Be sure to view the north façade to see the intricate fairytale-like sculptures of mythical creatures and dragons, taking special note of the pinnacled front door depicting the welcome to pilgrims on their way to Saint James de Compostelle in Spain. In fact, the small building between the chapel and the Keep where people can gather and guests enjoy their buffet breakfasts is known as the Pilgrim's Hall. And, Crazannes has an American connection: its pale golden 'crazannes' stone, most noticeable in the Keep, was quarried locally and is famous for its beauty and endurance -- and renowned because it can be found in the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor and in the foundations of the columns at the White House in Washington, D.C. Today's owner, Hervé de Rochefort, is eager to welcome guests to his fascinating home - the "Castle of Puss in Boots" - to share its history and to ensure that his guests avail themselves of all the region has to offer. Crazannes is only seven miles from the 2000-year old city of Saintes founded by the Romans, 25 miles from the Atlantic beach resort of Royan and its zoo (one of the largest in Europe), 38 miles from the beautiful port city of La Rochelle, and only 20 miles from Cognac where tours of cellars and distilleries such as Hennessey and Courvoisier are offered on weekdays. Vineyards, Romanesque churches, historical and fortified towns, and the beautiful peaceful countryside of the Saintonge offer visitors a rich variety of activities and experiences. Back at the château after a day of sight-seeing, guests can enjoy a swim in the heated pool or strolls in the sixteen-acre forested park. Château de Crazannes is a very special place in a very special part of France, and a stay there would provide wonderful remembrances of a visit to the countryside of western France. |
| Rooms
in château: 2 suites (1 double with a sitting
room and reading corner, the other with 1 double room and 1 twin room to
sleep 4 persons), 2 doubles, and 1 twin. All rooms have private bathrooms
with either tub or shower, WC and include use of two large sitting rooms,
a reading room, a dining room, terraces, galleries. € 85-€
160 per night per room ; € 100-€ 200 ; and € 120-€
230 . Breakfast included in room rates. Château alone is
not
rented by the week.
Keep: 2, 4 or 6 persons - weekly rental - 3 doubles available with en suite bathrooms includes use of sitting room, dining room in beautiful old cellar, kitchen, laundry room, plus large terraces on the top. Low: € 1500; Mid € 2000; High € 2500. Cottage: sleeps 8 - weekly rental - 2 doubles, 2 twins with bathrooms and showers including use of private garden, large sitting room, kitchen, laundry. Low € 800; Mid € 1200; High € 1500. Pavillon: sleeps 6 - weekly rental - Low € 650; Mid € 900; High € 1200. Entire Site (includes château), 20-30 persons: Low € 5500; Mid € 7000; High € 8500. Seasons: Low November 1 to March 31; Mid April 1 to June 15 and September 15 to October 30; High June 15 to September 15. Includes full kitchen and laundry use. Linens and daily maintenance included in all of above All guests have use of the private 20' x 50' heated swimming pool Dinner is available with 48 hours advance notice for € 35 per person excluding wine. Also fine restaurants are nearby at Taillebourg and Saintes. Open
All Year.
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Directions:
From Paris - by auto via the A10 direction Bordeaux. Exit No. 35 (Saintes) and follow the N137 direction Rochefort; turn right towards Plassay onto the N119, and follow the sign boards "Château de Crazannes" From Bordeaux - - take the A10 north direction Saintes and follow above directions. By air to Bordeaux Airport By train to or from Paris 4 hours to Saintes (7 miles from the château) or Surgères (20 miles from the château) Car
Rental Saintes Railway
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Marie de Rochandry |
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Keep |
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Sitting Room |
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Château Guest Room |
