Chateau De Mazelle
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Overview
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This imposing château is embraced by the foothills of the Cévennes and the power of the natural world. Its terraces give sweeping views onto the rustic stones, surrounding forests and rocky outcrops which are characteristic of this part of the Languedoc.
Sleeping from 2 to 20 guests, the château’s ample common areas make it perfect for convivial family reunions or gatherings of friends whilst a flexible pricing option outside high season allows a couple or smaller group to enjoy this very special home.
The 21-metre long private pool is the centrepiece of outdoor life. No less stunning is the immense covered terrace above the pool, with a dining table that can seat 20 guests in view of the setting sun. The 11 bedrooms are comfortably furnished, while the enormous kitchen, beautifully updated in sympathy with the rustic stones from which the house was built, is a special treat where you can cook and dine with friends.
Tucked on the edge of the Cévennes National Park, part of a small hamlet, there are unlimited outdoor adventures within the grounds of the château and within a short drive by exploring the rivers, grottos and charming villages nearby. The nearest village is Banne, followed by the market towns of St Ambroix and Les Vans.
Furthermore, don't miss a visit to the newly opened Anselm Kiefer Eschaton Foundation in Barjac, an extraordinary place to admire the great artist's contemporary work in his impressive former studio, once a silk factory.
This holiday retreat is also heaven for hiking, river rafting, lounging by the pool or just being quiet and listening to the sounds of nature.
What you should know…
- There are five bedrooms in the main part of the château and six bedrooms in two apartments with their own entrance - please see the "Features" tab for details of the layout.
- There are staff on site that can arrange meals (outside caterers are allowed with prior agreement only).
- To protect the privacy of neighbours, drones are not allowed at this property.
- Please note that the lower, 10-person price is not available during high season - when the 10-person option is booked, some rooms may not be accessible and this remains at the owner's discretion. Please enquire should you require details.
Property Features
Main Château Interiors
Main Level
- Central lounge with large fireplace and long dining table. Door leads to fountain terrace and garden below
- Kitchen and pantry, fully-equipped
- 2 x bedrooms with double beds
- Bathroom
Upstairs
- Master bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom
- 2 x bedrooms with double bed
- Yoga and ballroom with ping-pong table
- Office (not accessible to guests)
- Bathroom
Poolside Apartment (two levels)
- Sitting room
- Kitchenette
- Bedroom with terrace overlooking pool
- Bedroom with double bed
- Bedroom with twin beds
- Bathroom
Upstairs Apartment
- Sitting room (with sink and fridge)
- 2 x bedrooms with double beds
- Bedroom with twin beds
- Bathroom
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (21m long) which is secured via locking terrace doors
- Poolside terrace with sun loungers
- WC and outside shower
- Upper covered terrace with dining table for up to 20 guests
- Pergola with small table (four guests)
- Fountain terrace
- North terrace with al-fresco dining table (for 8 guests), sofas and valley views
- Vast grounds (including steps/different levels)
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Fans
- Heaters (on request for cooler months)
- Ping-pong
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau De MazelleThe nearest airports are Nîmes (1hour 20mins) or Montpellier (1hour 45mins) and the nearest market town is Les Vans. The local village of Banne hosts an art festival during the summer and is a meeting point for various guided hikes. The nearest train station is Nîmes, but for TGVs or the Eurostar from St Pancras via Paris, Valance TGV (2hours) or Avignon (1hour 40mins) are preferable.
Hiking trails abound, both by setting off directly from the house or by driving a short distance to explore the Cévennes National Park. Head to the medieval village of Banne, explore the deep caves and grotto of la Cocalière or the rocky outcrops of the Bois de Païolive. Swim in the 21-metre pool or take a short drive to an idyllic swimming hole, complete with enormous rocks and a waterfall.
There are tennis courts in St. Paul le Jeune and les Vans. The vast surrounding hills and valleys with their quiet roads present miles of cycling in unspoiled scenery amid wildflowers, wildlife, and few human encounters. The Ardèche river with its famous Pont d'Arc is a short drive away, where it is easy to rent canoes to spend the day floating down the river or sunbathing on its shores.
Art-lovers won’t want to miss the newly opened (in 2022) Anselm Kiefer Eschaton Foundation in Barjac (30km), housed in the great artist’s former studio, once a silk factory, which has never previously been opened to the public. Now visitors can tour the building’s towers, tunnels and studios as well as admiring the contemporary artwork.
Further afield, the elegant town of Uzès with its famous Saturday market is not to be missed. Just south of Uzès is the breathtaking Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct which once transported water to Nîmes and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the beautiful walled city of Avignon to learn about the history of the Papacy in France and to enjoy its chic shops or explore the historic Roman amphitheatre of Nîmes. For wine lovers, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, home to the finest wines of the Rhône valley, is a wonderful outing for a long lunch or wine tasting in the vineyards.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Nîmes Airport
(98km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport
(123km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Nîmes/Avignon TGV
(85km/99km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Banne
(Short drive) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Banne
(2km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
Banne
(2km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
Saint-Paul-le-Jeune
(7km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Carrefour (Le Vans)
(9km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Le Vans
(9km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Nimes/Avignon
(85km/97km) |
||
Region
Languedoc-Roussillon is one of those areas of France where you can feel like you’re totally cut off from the rest of the country. Commercial tourism has been very slow to capitalise on the region, meaning you can still enjoy a slice of authentic French rural life at its finest. A mixture of landscapes also makes it a great place to visit, with a good stretch of coastline offering a totally different experience to more bucolic interiors. Whatever you’re looking for, our range of villas and chateaux in Languedoc means you can get exactly the kind of holiday you want with accommodation that’s perfectly tailored to you, your friends and your family.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesBaby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Onsite Facilities
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Table Tennis
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- On-Site Concierge
- Welcome Pack
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting/childcare services
Extras available at this property:
The château's on-site concierge Abby Loyal you can organise anything you need during your stay. Abby speaks perfect English so feel free to ask him any questions or contact him during your stay.
Before you arrival, he would be delighted to organise a chef to cook lunch or dinner for you. Please contact us for sample menus and charges. (Please note, outside caterers are only allowed with prior agreement).
A mid-stay linen change and clean can also be arranged subject to an extra cost - this is especially recommended for stays of more than one week. Please contact us for further details on pricing.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | €100 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €100 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes, water and electricity are included. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | No. €600 extra, paid locally in cash to the on-site guardian. This is for a standard changeover clean and linen change. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, including pool towels. |
| Pool heating charge? | Included. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. |
| Heating costs included? | Central heating is not available, however heaters can be provided on request. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and other celebrations are not permitted. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that outside caterers are not permitted without prior agreement. The staff on site can arrange meals. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Drones are not allowed at this property. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that the lower, 10-person price is not available during high season. When the 10-person option is booked, some rooms may not be accessible and this remains at the owner's discretion. Please enquire should you require details. |
| Pool opening dates? | Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Internet access? | The house does have Wi-Fi but due to the rural location the signal can often be poor. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that the maximum number of guests of any age may not exceed 20. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 10 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Dec 18th 2024 - May 3rd 2025 | £5,750 |
| May 3rd 2025 - Jun 14th 2025 | £6,125 |
| Jun 14th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £9,750 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Jun 21st 2026 | £6,125 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 20 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Dec 18th 2024 - May 3rd 2025 | £7,500 |
| May 3rd 2025 - Jun 14th 2025 | £8,125 |
| Jun 14th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £9,750 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Jun 21st 2026 | £8,125 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Property Owner
Claire.
How long have you owned the property?
Over 25 years.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The way it is...
Read moreOwner Profile
Property Owner
Claire.
How long have you owned the property?
Over 25 years.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The way it is surrounded by nature and removed from the cares of the modern world.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The house was owned by Mai Zetterling, the famous Swedish actress and film director.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Aah, that would be giving away secrets!
What’s the strangest or most difficult guest request you’ve ever received?
Our caretaker lives locally and is normally able to answer all requests.
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they really...
Must do?
Hike in the stunning nature of the Ardèche and go to visit Anselm Kiefer’s extraordinary Eschaton Foundation in nearly Barjac
Must eat?
Fresh, seasonal food from the local markets.
Must see?
The billions and billions of stars in the sky above the house.
Lastly, what insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Although our swimming pool is heavenly, a trip to the Ardèche wouldn't be complete without a cooling dip into a local river.
Reviews
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Nice property
Lovely location for walking etc. Nimes and Pont du Gard not to far to visit in a day. House very interesting and spacious.
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Fantastic holiday with the best pool
Well we are back from a fantastic holiday in your chateau. What a treasure, we all thought it was the most beautiful house and a delight to be in. Abby was very kind and helpful as my husband was exhausted when we arrived and he collapsed onto a sofa for the afternoon while we went shopping. We found the house very well equipped – great to have a food processor when you have a bunch of keen cooks in the house. All the plumbing worked fine and we never ran out of hot water. The setting is stunning and we loved the different terraces at different times of day. The pool is the best I have ever had in a house, great to have a really long one. Nobody wanted to leave and I hope we will be able to come back as the area suited us perfectly, particularly the quiet which is so lovely after London.
-
Summer 2012
As a group of 4 families we wanted space but also socialising areas where we could meet for meals and drinks. Chateau de Mazelle offered all of those things. The pool was a gorgeous centre point every day for the children - and the adults - to splash around and have fun. The dining terrace became the meeting point each day for fun and laughter - the dumb waiter lift from the kitchen was priceless for serving up the meals each day. The thunder storm we experienced from the terrace was one never to be forgotten - stunning! A day trip to the local caves was great for the kids but to be honest, everything we needed was at the chateau. A fantastic location for a group holiday. We will absolutely and definitely be back. The views alone are enough to get us back again. Heaven on earth!
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Reality was altogether different
Our party of 20 had high expectations having gained a sense of what was in store from your website.But the reality was altogether different. On arrival we were all strangely silent, genuinely shocked by the extraordinary beauty of your home and its setting. On our first day we didn't leave the house and it was hard to drag ourselves away after that but the stunning landscape beckoned and on subsequent days, guided by your thoughtful guide, we explored the region on bikes, foot and on one day picnicked at the watering hole by the bridge where most of the children and adults including our four year old jumped off the cliff into the water.
We ate like kings, cooking for ourselves every day in your extremely well equipped kitchen - delights such as freshly made bread, ice cream, barbecued squid and prawns. On our last night Ino cooked for us.We worried for him because there was such culinary talent among our party we thought he would be unable to reach the high standards to which we had become accustomed. But we were proved wrong. He cooked a splendid feast and it was a real pleasure to relax so completely on our last night.
The stunning pool was in constant use when we were home...but the pool was not only a joy for the kids but also for the adults - it is so rare for a house pool to be so long that it allows for a proper swim.
Thank you both for allowing us to spend the week in your incredible home.There was total consensus that this was the best holiday any of our families had had.
It will not surprise you to learn that we would love to return. So please, please if you have any spaces left for next summer do allow us to book again.
With much gratitude and thanks.
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