A stay at this neoclassical château in the heart of a wine-making village in Languedoc is a privileged experience. Step back in time to a bygone era as you embrace the beauty of this 18th century residence whilst making the most of its heated swimming pool, summer kitchen and ornamental garden within its private grounds. Château Antares dates back to the late 1700s when it was built for a local affluent family. Over the years it has been remarkably preserved, retaining a great sense of elegance and splendour, whilst the owners have added modern luxuries for the 21st century such as air-conditioning in most bedrooms, a superb contemporary kitchen, modern bathrooms with rain showers and a fantastic cinema lounge for movie nights in characterful surroundings.
Walk through the intricately designed entrance and appreciate the original floor tiles, marble walls and exquisite ceiling of the grand hall. This leads through to the opulent lounge with its crystal chandelier, a relaxing music room with a grand piano and the gorgeous dining hall with a honesty bar, carved wood ceiling and historic fireplace. Hire a local cook to create a feast for you served on the banqueting table looking out to the manicured front garden and fountain.
Admire the historic stained glass window as you climb the original wooden staircase to the first floor where there are four beautiful bedrooms. There’s the master suite with its private salon and balcony, a gorgeous en suite double overlooking the gardens, another ornate bedroom with tomette tiled flooring and peacock designs on its feature wallpaper, and a twin room in the tower. The red marble staircase takes you up to the top floor, via the unique iron gate, where you will find four further bedrooms, all with sensitively preserved historic features and impressive furnishings.
Back on the ground floor, pass the brand new fully-fitted kitchen and wander through the sliding doors straight out to the summer kitchen with its state-of-the-art barbecue, pizza oven and glass table for outdoor dining alongside a shaded al-fresco lounge. Elegant sun loungers surround the heated salt-water swimming pool which is atmospherically lit up in the evening. By the side of the château there is a garden with covered table tennis, a pool table and table football.
At Château Antares you are truly able to immerse yourself into the art de vivre of southern France – just stroll across the road and sit amongst locals enjoying an apéritif or meal at the restaurant-bar on the village square. There’s a boulangerie and butchers a few steps away as well, alongside a small grocery store. A range of other restaurants can be found within a short drive from traditional bistros to Michelin star establishments.
Elsewhere, experience the atmospheric Wednesday morning market in Lézignan-Corbières and take time to explore the historic town of Narbonne with its rich heritage, charming shops and museums. The sandy shores of the Mediterranean are also within easy reach, as is one of France's most popular destinations, medieval Carcassonne, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. So, whether you wish to discover pretty wine villages and vineyards, cycle along the Canal du Midi, relax by the beach or spend time in Carcassonne, this is a fine setting for your visit to this alluring part of southern France.
This grand historic château is located in the heart of a winemaking village in the Aude department of Languedoc, just 10km from Narbonne. Arrive by aeroplane into Carcassonne, Béziers or Perpignan Airports or via train into Narbonne with TGV services from Paris and Barcelona.
Just cross the side street and you will reach the village square with its restaurant-bar, boulangerie, butchers and grocery store. Potter around the traditional village admiring the stone houses and enjoy an apéritif amongst locals outside on the village square as you soak up the authentic ambience. There are various other restaurants within a short drive as well as a couple of large supermarkets around 6km by car.
Passing landscapes of vineyards and orchards, discover other characterful wine villages within a short drive or cycle ride such as Canet (6km) and Boutenac (15km) where you will come across wineries, beautiful walking trails alongside mountain biking opportunities. Lézignan-Corbières (12km) is loved by wine aficionados and the town hosts a lovely market on a Wednesday morning, a great way to pick up local produce.
Keen cyclists should follow the Canal du Midi’s towpath, coming across other Minervois villages including Paraza, Homps and Argens-Minervois where you can hire boats or simply wander around the village admiring it’s pretty shops, restaurants and wineries.
Narbonne (10km) is a joy to explore thanks to its Roman heritage, delightful restaurants and wonderful indoor market, Les Halles, which is definitely worthy of a visit on a Sunday morning. There are further markets on Thursdays and Sundays by the banks of the canal. As well as admiring the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur, you will have the chance to visit several museums and discover Narbonne’s historic quarter with its narrow lanes, charming shops and inviting little restaurants.
Of course, you are also a short drive from the Mediterranean coast with Gruissan Plage (33km) just half an hour away with its sandy shores and gently-shelving sea. Even closer, by the edge of the salt-water lagoon, are Bages (17km) and Peyriac-de-Mer (21km) where you will find yet more vineyards, fascinating wildlife (including pink flamingos) and incredible walking paths. The medieval village of Peyriac-de-Mer is especially pretty and it is worth stopping off en route to the Réserve Africaine de Sigean wildlife and safari park (24km). Meanwhile, Leucate (45km) is famous for its oysters and it is also popular with kitesurfing, windsurfing and paddleboard enthusiasts, depending on the weather conditions!
Other highlights of the region include the many Cathar castles from Château de Villerouge-Termenès (45km) to Château de Quéribus (70km) and of course the medieval citadel of Carcassonne (48km), classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a magnificent day out in just under an hour by car.
Château Interiors
Ground Floor
- Grand entrance
- Grand salon
- Dining hall with banqueting table and historic fireplace
- Contemporary kitchen, fully-equipped including American fridge, freezer, induction hob, microwave/grill oven, steam oven, dishwasher, coffee machine and wine cooler. Doors slide open to the terrace and swimming pool
- Games room
- Music room with piano
- WC and sink
First Floor
- Master bedroom suite with air-conditioning, king-size double bed (1.8x2m), balcony and en suite bathroom with bath, walk-in rain shower, two sinks and WC. Salon with coffee machine and balcony overlooking garden and fountain
- Bedroom with air-conditioning, king-size double bed (1.8x2m) and en suite bathroom with rain shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with air-conditioning, queen-size double bed (1.6x2m) and en suite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, two sinks and WC
- Tower bedroom with twin beds (90x1.9m each, can be joined). Shares Tower bathroom on second floor
- WC
Second Floor
- Bedroom with air-conditioning, king-size double bed (1.8x2m) and en suite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with air-conditioning, double bed (1.4x1.9m) and en suite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with air-conditioning, queen-size double bed (1.6x2m) and en suite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, sink and WC
- Salon with coffee machine and balcony overlooking garden and fountain (shared between two bedrooms)
- Tower suite with air-conditioning and king-size double bed (1.8x2m)
- Tower bathroom with walk-in rain shower, sink and WC (shared between two tower bedrooms)
- TV/Cinema lounge with air-conditioning, satellite TV and Netflix. Large balcony with swimming pool and mountain views
- Laundry room/kitchenette
Outside Grounds
- Heated salt-water swimming pool (10x5m, depth: max 1.4m) with safety gate and electric cover
- Poolside sun loungers, parasols and lounge areas
- Poolside dining area
- Outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, barbecue and fridge
- Shower and WC
- Covered area with table tennis, pool table and table football
- Manicured front garden with fountain and sitting areas
- Gated driveway and parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (most bedrooms and cinema room only)
- Smart/Satellite TV
- Board games
- Table football
- Table tennis
- Pool table
- Honesty bar
- Hairdryers
- Ironing facilities
