Château les Merles - Villas ★★★★

The renowned South of France has always been a firm favourite when it comes to family holidays. But this time we’re steering you away from the star-studded sandy beaches and heading a bit further north to discover the real France, with its delightfully slower pace of life and unique art de vivre. Few regions sum up the beauty of this country better than the Dordogne. Lush meadows and vineyards roll out along the meandering banks of one of France’s most iconic and idyllic rivers, and everywhere you look is like a postcard. With its rich food, heady history, château-studded countryside and picturesque villages, it’s the ideal getaway and the perfect excuse for a slice of French tranquillity.

Château Les Merles is a charming 17th-century castle estate in the heart of the Dordogne, set seemingly in the middle of nowhere amidst a 70-hectare park, miles of vineyards and untouched forest. And yet it’s just a stone’s throw from Bergerac and Bordeaux, meaning you’ll have a multitude of activities and cultural gems at your fingertips. The château has a number of bedrooms, but for a special treat VeryChic are treating you to a bit more privacy and space to relax with your loved ones in your very own private villa. Your luxury home comes with three or four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living room and best of all, a private south-facing terrace with designer furniture – perfect for basking in the sun. You’ll also find a swimming pool, a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, a wellness and beauty centre and a wealth of other delights.

Picture the scene… you wake up as the sun starts to beam light into your bedroom, and head outside to the terrace to enjoy a coffee and the morning newspaper before everyone else has risen, disturbed only by birdsong. An hour or so later breakfast is served in the converted barn, where you fill up on delicious French treats and local produce. The rest of the morning is spent exploring the establishment; perhaps taking a dip in the pool, lazing on the terrace with a book, mucking about on the golf course or treating yourself to a session in the wellness centre. For lunch you can venture to a local market to stock up on fresh baguettes and cheese to enjoy in the garden, accompanied by a glass of local wine of course.

The kitchen is completely equipped so you can cook even the most complex dishes, but if you want to completely relax then you’ll certainly appreciate the Château’s gastronomic restaurant, serving creative and contemporary cuisine in a rustic setting. The gourmet dishes are simple but full of innovative combinations and pure flavours, with a real emphasis on local goodness and friendly hospitality.

Whether you’re in the mood for exploring a local village, discovering the secrets of Bordeaux and Bergerac, trying out a sport, going for a walk or even having a cooking lesson, this diverse area has a huge amount to offer. The Van Grinsven family will be more than happy to advise you on all the best places, and after a few days you’ll start to envy their idyllic life. After all, the thought of dropping everything and retreating to the French countryside to live in a fairytale château is quite appealing, don’t you think?