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| Château
de Grézan
Languages: English, Spanish Credit cards not accepted at this time. Euros, please. Département: Hérault (34) Programs
Offered: Special
Features:
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| Amid the vineyards of Languedoc and in its own three-hectare park, one finds the incredible Château de Grézan, what the owner calls "a late-nineteenth century folly, like something straight out of a child’s imagination." But, it has a most fascinating history with its roots going back to the time of the Romans. It is a reconstruction of a stronghold of the medieval Knights Templar. The architecture defies normal classification, and perhaps that is what appeals to so many who are seeking a high quality stay and a friendly welcome in an unconventional atmosphere. Grézan has been at the geographical and cultural crossroads ever since Roman times and is on the route of the early Christian pilgrims making their way to the shrine of St Jacques de Compostelle. The Templar Knights used it as one of their more important regional bases for collecting taxes to pay for the Crusades until 1307 when their order was forbidden by Phillippe Le Bel. When the Knights Templar departed, the Knights of St John of Malta, renowned for their hospitality and military prowess, took over the château. It was only following the French Revolution that Château de Grézan passed into private ownership. In 1824, at the peak of the famous 19th Century Eldorado de Vin ('The Golden Age of Wine Making'), the Mirepoix family began to rebuild the house into what we see today ~ a romantic “folly” of a medieval castle influenced by Viollet-le-Duc, the famous 19th century architect who restored the city of Carcassonne. The floor inside the main entrance dates to the 14th century and was the floor of the original château's 'inner bassin'. The 19th century house faces a 'cour d'honneur' and its park and is listed as a 'monument historique' by ISMH. The location of the château is most appealing, as the Mediterrean is only a half hour drive away, and the Cévennes mountains a mere 20-minute drive in the opposite direction. As with other of our member properties, there were so many excellent photographs of the château interior from which to choose, we had a difficult decision to make. We have tried to include as many as possible to provide potential guests with an idea of the elegance and history behind this fine home. The château itself offers three lovely guest rooms, while there are four self-catering apartments in the adjoining buildings ~ three on the same courtyard and one in a tower nearer the pool which itself is just outside the castle walls. Today, Grézan is owned by Marie-France Lanson, daughter of Victor Lanson from the Reims-based house of Champagne. Born and bred in Champagne, a great taster of bubbling wines, she has now lived for over 25 years in this region of mostly still red wines and Mediterranean dishes to which she has applied her own taste and tradition. Tastings with Madame Lanson are occasionally offered to guests, as the château produces its own wines under separate management. There is a lovely swimming pool surrounded by a tropical landscape offering a view of the incredible walls of the estate. Guests will enjoy the on site restaurant, Hostellerie de Grézan, independently run by Monsieur Crespin with its summer terrace and bamboo garden. A stay at Château de Grézan and time spent with its friendly and fascinating hostess will ensure your time in Languedoc is turly rich and rewarding. |
| Rooms:
3 doubles with en suite bathrooms in the Château: Paradis
de Saint-Jean in the tower, bath with shower (on second floor up spiral
staircase - not suitable for elderly or very large pieces of luggage)€
95 per night;
La Chambre Rouge sleeps 2 to 3 persons on double
bed and single bed, has a bath with tub and overlooks the park to the west
€ 110 (2 people) € 130 3 people; Oncle Eugène
and Deux Soeurs sleep 2 to 4 persons in separate connecting rooms
with baths. (Oncle Eugène and Paradis can be arranged with twin
beds.) € 120 double, € 150 3 people, and € 180 for 4 people.
Apartments: 4 in the dependancies of the Château ~ one in the tower, three overlooking the courtyard. Rented on a weekly basis, self-catering, priced according to the apartment and the season from € 410 to € 1160 and accommodating from four to six persons in an apartment. Daily or weekend rates provided when possible. Rental agreement provided and 35% deposit within 8 days of making reservation. Balance due 8 weeks prior to arrival. Dinner on Sunday and Wednesday evenings by prior request four days before arrival, from Easter to October 1st. € 45 per person including wine. Hostellerie de Grézan is the restaurant on site run by Monsieur et Madame Agusti; there are other fine restaurants in Montpellier, Béziers and Saint Guirraud. Animals with owner's prior agreement. No snakes! Open
all year.
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Directions:
Arriving
by Car: By Autoroute A9, exit 35. Pay toll and take the
direction Béziers Centre (but don't go there). As soon as possible
take the direction Bédarieux.
By Autoroute
A 75 - exit Bédarieux N°57, direction
Airport: Montpellier (70 minutes away). Take the autoroute A9, direction Barcelone to exit 35 and follow the same route as described above. Railway - Béziers (20 minutes) or Montpellier (70 minutes) Car Rental Béziers (click here) |
CLICK ON PHOTOS BELOW TO ENLARGE & READ MORE!
Chambre Oncle Eugène |
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Breakfast Room |
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La Petite Carcassonne |
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Pool with a View |
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La Chambre Rouge |
