Previous only available in French, La Vie de Château en Ardennes (http://en.calameo.com/read/00002300741da7b8848f3) is now also in English – and highlights just how easy it is to stay as a guest in a wide range of historic properties, from as little as £80 per couple per night.
In addition featuring castles and chateaux which have been transformed into hotels and ‘guest houses’, the e-brochure also contains details of properties in this part of France where larger groups can book a weekend or longer in the company of friends and family.
The e-brochure includes two of the finest properties in the region, which have been converted to offer hotel accommodation, at value-for-money prices.
Hôtel Le Château Fort in Sedan (www.chateaufort-sedan.fr) for example, is located within the largest fortress in Northern Europe. This 4-star hotel has 54 rooms and suites, with prices starting from around £115 per couple per night, sharing a double room, with breakfast and dinner.
Nearby Domaine Château du Faucon (www.domaine-chateaufaucon.com), meanwhile, is a majestic 17th century property sitting within 28 hectares of its own land, and with some of the rooms overlooking an indoor equestrian centre. Prices here start from around £250 per couple per night, sharing a double room, with breakfast and dinner.
Another category of accommodation in the e-brochure highlights chateaux with guest rooms, and include Le Domaine du Château de Montaubois (www.chateaudemontaubois.com), an 18th century property in a 4 hectares park, with a medieval garden, baroque chapel, and a large spa and fitness area. Prices start from around £150 per couple sharing a double room and includes breakfast and dinner for two people.
Another chateau offering five guest rooms, Manoir de la Gravière (www.la-graviere.fr) is set against the backdrop of gentle rolling hills crossed by calming rivers. Prices here start from around £130 per couple sharing a double room with breakfast and dinner included.
Similar properties include the 19th century Le Château des Loches (www.chateaulesloches.fr), with a parkland, gardens, two streams and indoor pool – where prices start from around £80 per couple sharing a double room.
Options for anyone who wants to experience what it feels like to be a châtelain for a weekend, and a few nights in the company of friends and family, include the 17th century manor house Château Lametz (www.chateaudelametz.fr) where up to 15 people can stay for two nights for around £650; or Domaine Château Le Risdoux (www.chateaulerisdoux.fr) in the spectacular Meuse Valley where up to 20 people can stay for the weekend for around £1,300.
All of the castles, châteaux and other historic properties can now be found at http://en.calameo.com/read/00002300741da7b8848f3.
Fortresses and castles have long played a major role in The French Ardennes which, itself, has been at the crossroads of history for centuries.
The event has grown year-on-year, and is now one of the biggest Medieval Festivals in Europe, held against the backdrop of the largest fortress in Northern Europe. Featuring camps, shows and exhibitions, as well as more than 400 re-enactors, the fortress will be brought back to life with everything from music and markets, to demonstrations of fighting and fire-eating.
This year’s event will also include a children’s party, with activities, workshops and special playground areas.
Admission prices for adults is €10 per day, or €15 for two days (12-18 year-olds – €5/€7.5; under 12s – free). For further details, visit http://www.chateau-fort-sedan.fr/en/events-entertainment/medieval-fest-22th-edition.
Further details about The French Ardennes, meanwhile, are featured in the new, 2017 edition of the Discovery Guide to The French Ardennes which can be ordered by emailing info@ardennes.com, or by telephoning +33 324 56 06 08.