Who hasn’t dreamed of owning a chateau in picturesque Provence? Silk merchant Alexandre Eugène Collain always did, and in 1848, having amassed a small fortune, he bought 12 acres of farmland and turned his fantasy into reality. Surrounded by the fertile vineyards and pretty hilltop villages of the unspoilt Cèze Valley, Chateau de Montcaud is both an opulent country hideaway and charming family home. Like many large estates, it fell into disrepair at one point, but new ownership and an extensive renovation have seen Collain’s legacy restored to its former glory.
With its sweeping central staircase, beautiful tiled floors and high frescoed ceilings adorned with antique chandeliers, the chateau is undeniably grand. Tall windows look out over 12 acres of manicured gardens, complete with grotto, lake and ancient trees. Yet the 29 rooms and suites (including a 2-storey gatehouse) are elegant in their simplicity. Meanwhile, the former stables have been converted into a relaxed bistro and epicurean restaurant - fast gaining a reputation for its refined terre et mer cuisine. With sunshine in abundance and the delights of Provence on your doorstep, this chateau will appeal to incurable romantics and discerning gastronomes looking for a cultured break.
Highs
- A historic 5-star chateau-hotel set in 12 acres of pretty landscaped gardens: southern France at its best
- You can choose between a fine-dining restaurant or a classic French bistro; both sound like foodie heaven
- Spacious, light-filled rooms - including family sized suites - with original features and gorgeous ensuite bathrooms
- Lots to do on site: stroll through the grounds, swim in the heated pool, play tennis or boules, or taste wines on the wisteria-covered terrace
- And it's ideally placed for exploring western Provence, including Nîmes, Avignon, Uzès and the Ardèche
Lows
- You’ll need a car to make the most of this spectacular region
- Note the gourmet restaurant is closed on Sunday-Tuesday evenings (but the bistro is open daily, May-Oct)
- The pool is shaded by trees in the morning, though wonderful in the afternoon sun
Best time to go
The chateau is open year-round. Spring (March-May) is pleasantly warm with carpets of wildflowers in bloom. We also love autumn (September-November) when the vendange (grape-harvesting season) is in full swing. Summer (June-August) is busy, with hot sunny days and blissfully warm evenings; it’s the time of year for festivals and you’ll see endless fields of lavender and sunflowers. Winter (December-February) can bring cold mistral winds and snow in the mountains; it's ideal for cosying up next to a roaring fire.
Our top tips
Artists have long been inspired by Provence’s vibrant landscapes and vivid sunlight, and the region is filled with world-class galleries. For something a bit different, take a drive to the sleepy town of Saint-Rémy (1 hour by car) to visit Saint-Paul de Mausole, the psychiatric institution where Van Gogh created some of his most famous works including The Starry Night, Cypresses and Irises. It’s a hauntingly beautiful place.
- Boutique Hotel
- 29 rooms
- Restaurants and bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Tennis Court
Rooms
The immaculate interiors were a collaboration between Swiss designer Iria Degen and local architect Sophie Petit. Together, they reimagined the classical elegance of the original building to provide understated modern luxury. Box-sprung beds with extra-long mattress are dressed with top-quality linen; enormous windows overlook the gardens. Spacious ensuite bathrooms offer rain showers or rolltop tubs and chic Codage products.
The rooms in the main house range from simple Classics to the magnificent-sounding Collain Suite with its 5m ceilings, in-room bathtub and heritage silk theme. On the top floor, the 2-bedroom Duplex Suites are ideal for families, with spacious living areas including a mezzanine with chaise longue and a south-facing balcony. Couples seeking privacy might opt for the self-contained L’Appartment above the restaurant, or the charming 2-storey La Maison, the estate’s gatehouse, with private terrace and BBQ. Both are fully equipped for self-catering but have full access to the hotel’s amenities.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
By all accounts, the food at Restaurant de Montcaud is exceptional and will be a highlight of your stay. Talented head chef Matthieu Hervé offers a 4-course tasting menu and creative à la carte dishes, with a focus on regional terre et mer cuisine. Fish and shellfish are from the south coast; high-quality meat is sourced locally. Specialities include tilapia with seaweed butter, carpaccio of scallops with apple and celery, and filet mignon of veal with butternut squash, celery and black truffle. Naturally, meals are paired with wine from the French-only wine list, and finish with a selection of tempting cheeses and moreish desserts. Note the restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Less formal, but equally ambitious, is the adjacent Bistro de Montcaud; open daily for lunch and dinner. Expect multi-course fixed price lunches of regional fare: perhaps truffle risotto or bouillabaisse with carafes of wine.
A buffet breakfast is available each morning with a delicious selection of freshly made pastries, fruit, yoghurt and eggs cooked to order.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Room service
Activities
- Walk or jog through the chateau’s leafy grounds to find the hidden grotto; swim in the heated pool, and borrow rackets for a knockabout on the grass tennis court
- The world-renowned wine regions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône are on your doorstep; take a private tour to learn about (and taste!) products from local vintners
- Hire a bike (or e-bike) and cycle along the Cèze River to the Sautadet waterfalls. Stop for lunch in the lovely village of La Roque-sur-Cèze (8km)
- The hotel can arrange a whole host of activities from kayaking in the Ardeche Gorge to horse riding trips or tandem skydiving
- Visit some of Provence's most famous sights including Avignon's Palais des Papes (40km), the impressive 3-tiered Pont du Gard aqueduct (33km) and the Roman city of Nîmes (52km)
- Day trip to the coast; within 1.5 hours are the wetlands of the Camargue National Park and Montpellier’s sandy beaches
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
- Museums / galleries
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Wine tasting
Kids
Families are welcome and there’s masses of space for kids to run about. The heated swimming pool is fenced off and has a shallow splash area, ideal for little ones. Kids' meals are available in both bistro and restaurant, and if there’s nothing on the menu they fancy, the kitchen will rustle something up.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
The best option for families of 4-5 are the top-floor Duplex Suites, which have 2 large ensuite bedrooms (1 kingsize, 1 twin) and ample living space. All rooms apart from Classics can fit an extra bed, and some interconnect. Classic rooms have space for a baby cot only. If you’re looking to self-cater, L’Appartment and La Maison offer fully equipped kitchens (these each sleep up to 3).
Kids Activities on site:
Distances:
- Airport: 65km (Avignon-Provence)
- Shop: 5km
- Hospital: 5km
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Chateau de Montcaud is set within its own 12-acre park near the town of Sabran in the Cèze Valley of southeast France.
By Air:
The nearest airports are Avignon-Provence (65km, 50 minutes), Nimes (76km, 1 hour) and Marseilles (130km, 90 minutes).
You'll probably want a car to explore the region (see our car rental recommendations), but the hotel offers a transfer service and can arrange local taxis during your stay if you'd prefer not to drive.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.com.
Airports:
- Avignon-Provence 65.0 km AVN
- Nîmes 76.0 km FNI
Other:
- Beach 110.0 km
- Shops 5.0 km
- Restaurant 5.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape