Chateau Arize

The villa

At the foot of the Pyrénées, surrounded by lakes, forests and stunning scenery, you will find the idyllic Château Arize. A beautiful home which is perfect for all generations, it’s the ideal place to relax and unwind with an impressive array of amenities as well as beautiful grounds.

Dating back to the 18th century, when it was re - built after the French Revolution, the château is full of character with beautiful antiques, traditional furnishings and Persian rugs. The restoration has been a labour of love for its owners who have updated the home to a fine standard, creating a historical and magical ambience.

The 14 bedrooms, eleven of which are en - suite, include two master doubles at the front with glorious views of the parkland and three interconnecting rooms ideal for families with young children. Explore the house and you’ll also find a cinema room, library, a fun games room in addition to an antique billiards table The château also boasts a huge gym in a separate building with a yoga space, two saunas, two jacuzzis and a new pool house with an outside kitchen featuring a huge BBQ grill, fridge, dishwasher, and pizza oven for make your own pizza nights!

The château offers an on - site chef for either catering or sit down meals, served either in the beautiful conservatory, or al - fresco on the wooden terrace where up to thirty guests can come together overlooking the château’s spectacular gardens. As well as a characterful château kitchen, there is an incredibly impressive professional kitchen with all the equipment a keen cook could wish for, renovated to the highest of standards. 

You could spend all day in the twenty - four acre parkland, sun - bathing by the heated swimming pool with the view of the Pyrénées, exploring the streams by the ancient trees or listening to the flow of the river that runs through the grounds. Have a game of pétanque , cycle around on one of the château’s eight bikes or play tennis on the fabulous tennis court. There is a delightful walking path encircling the house whilst yoga sessions in the new gym have been a real hit with guests. End the day with a personal masseuse who will come on site to provide a professional massage service.

Set in the heart of the Natural Regional Park of the Ariège Pyrénées, outdoor activities such as golf, cycling, kayaking, fishing and horse - riding are in abundance amongst its lakes, mountains and forests. There are also many beautiful villages and towns to discover such as Foix with its medieval castle perched on a hill or St. Lizier, one of France’s 'Plus Beaux Villages' with UNESCO World Heritage status or St. Girons where there is a lovely market on Saturday mornings. The nearest village to the château, about 5 minutes by car, dates back to medieval times and has a couple of small supermarkets, a bank and ATM, a bakery, a butchers and a tourist office.

Whether a family re - union or a special holiday with friends, Château Arize is a unique and peaceful retreat in a very special setting in this glorious part of southern France.

In a wonderful location at the foot of the Pyrenees, you are in the heart of the Natural Regional Park of the Ariège Pyrénées, surrounded by lakes, forests and hills - a fantastic location for a great array of outdoor activities and stunning natural scenery. You are only a 5 - minute drive from a local medieval village where you can find two small supermarkets, a butchery, bakery, chemist and medical centre as well as a tourist office for the area.

Just beyond, the historic towns of Foix (20km) and Saint Girons (24km) offer a wider choice of shops, restaurants and markets. Foix is best known for its striking medieval castle perched above the Ariège River, while the atmospheric old town is filled with narrow lanes, lively squares and a popular Friday market. Saint Girons, set beside the Salat River, is another charming destination to explore, especially when combined with nearby Saint - Lizier (25km), one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages , celebrated for its cathedral, ancient fortifications and rich artistic heritage. The beautiful bastide town of Mirepoix (52km) is also within reach, famous for its arcaded square, vibrant Monday market and year - round festivals.

Surrounded by the landscapes of the Ariège Pyrénées Natural Regional Park, the area is ideal for outdoor pursuits including cycling, hiking, kayaking, fishing and horse - riding. A cycling trail of over 40km can be accessed just 500m away, while In warmer months, Lac de Mondély (13km) is perfect for swimming, fishing and lakeside walks.

Families will find plenty to enjoy nearby, from donkey walks around Biert and Aleu to adventure parks, prehistoric attractions and the fascinating underground river and caves of Labouïche (17km). History lovers can discover the Cathar legacy at the dramatic ruins of Château de Montségur (52km) or visit the prehistoric cave paintings at Niaux (45km), dating back over 14,000 years.

For a memorable day trip, the magnificent fortified city of Carcassonne (98km) is renowned for its impressive medieval architecture and vibrant summer arts festival.