SLEEPS: 28 ● BEDROOMS: 13 ● BATHROOMS: 10

Château du Val Lama

An Exclusive French Country Estate for Unforgettable Gatherings

Escape to Château du Val Lama, a majestic 16th-century gentilhommière nestled in a tranquil 25-hectare private park. This exquisite estate offers an authentic slice of French country life and is the perfect, private venue for extraordinary family celebrations, group vacations, or a rustic French wedding. Conveniently located just 2 hours from Lyon and 2.5 hours from Paris and Geneva (by train), it provides accessible luxury in Central France.

The Château’s unique architecture, characterised by its stunning polychrome brick facades (drawing red and black diamonds in the Sologne tradition), semi-circular courtyard, and octagonal pavilions capped with imperial domes, provides a warm and unforgettable welcome.

Inside, Château du Val Lama has been lovingly maintained to feel like a grand family home. It comfortably accommodates up to 28 guests across 13 charming bedrooms. The principal reception rooms, arranged for convivial flow, include a spectacular round lounge with a panoramic park view and a piano, a cosy library with a fireplace, and a games room featuring a pool table. The heart of the home is the vast and convivial kitchen, complete with a wood-burning fireplace and a fully equipped scullery, perfect for preparing grand family meals.

The expansive private grounds offer endless entertainment. Guests can take a refreshing dip in the 16m x 6m swimming pool, relax in the beautifully renovated pool house (equipped with a full summer kitchen and dining area), or explore the park where you can enjoy walking and even visit the charming resident llamas.

Rent the entire Château du Val Lama and create new memories in a place steeped in history, dating back to 1663. Experience the true Château Lifestyle.

Property Features

GROUND FLOOR – 4 Bedrooms for up to 10 guests
-Bedrooms nr. 1 (Suite Patricia & Renaud) en-suite shower room, double bed 160x200cm
-Bedrooms nr. 4 (Athénaïs & Héloïse) en-suite bathroom, double bed 160x200cm + 2 single beds 90x200cm
-Bedrooms nr. 2 (Louise, double bed 160x200cm) and nr. 3 (Teenager, 2 single beds 90x200cm) share one full bathroom + WC
-Kitchen, Salon, etc.: Convivial Kitchen with wood-burning fireplace and pizza oven (fully equipped with 2 dishwashers, Thermomix, etc.), Grand Round Lounge with piano, Library Lounge, Billiard Room, Multimedia Room, Winter Dining Room.

FIRST FLOOR – 9 Bedrooms for up to 18 guests
-Bedrooms nr. 10 (Victoire) en-suite bathroom, double bed 160x200cm
-Bedrooms nr. 7 (Amarante) en-suite shower room, double bed 140x200cm
-Bedrooms nr. 11 (Alexy), 12 (Lucien), and 13 (Gabriel) en-suite bathrooms, 2 single beds 90x200cm each
-Bathroom shared between rooms 5 (Aynard) and 6 (Axel) in the hallway (no private entrance). Room 5 has 2 single beds 90x200cm, Room 6 has a double bed 140x200cm.
-Shower room shared between rooms 8 (Aimery) and 9 (Arthur) at the bottom of the stairs (no private entrance). Both rooms have 2 single beds, 90x200cm each.

EXTERIOR
– Outdoor dining area with 26+ chairs and two long wooden tables for outside dining.
– Dining room with tables and chairs for 30+ people. The dining room is on the ground floor with flexible capacity for receptions.
– Ancient Woodfire Oven (in the kitchen) make your own woodfire pizza!
– BBQ area, covered with a big coal BBQ and a plancha on gas.
– Outdoor Cinema with many DVDs. You can also connect your laptop; wifi is available.
– Pool (16m x 6m) with lounge beds and lounge chairs (open May to October).
– Extra Bathroom for communal use, with a toilet and shower in the Pool House. Washing machine for use with drying racks.
– Terrace, big Garden (25-hectare park with llamas), Courtyard, out-of-sight Parking area.

FACILITIES
– Glassfiber internet and Wi-Fi repeaters are throughout the building. Most bedrooms have wifi.
– Children’s toys for outdoors.
– TV with DVD player, many channels, and satellite access.
– Sauna/Wellness area, Billiard table, and Ping-Pong table.

Location

Local Ameneties
Nearest Airport	1h20 from Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport
Nearest Train Station	17-minute drive to Moulins sur Allier
Nearest Village	Chézy, 5km
Nearest Supermarket	10-minute drive
Nearest Restaurant	12-minute drive
Nearest Bar/Pub	12-minute drive

The region surrounding Chézy, known as the Bourbonnais, offers a rich array of historic sites, nature escapes, and family fun.

NATURE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The surrounding landscape is perfect for exploration. Head to the Forêt de Tronçais, Europe’s largest oak forest, for extensive hiking and cycling along well-maintained trails and around serene lakes. The preserved nature of the Sologne Bourbonnaise is also excellent for horseback riding. For water lovers, the nearby Allier River offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

HISTORY AND CULTURE
Just a short drive away is Moulins, the departmental capital, known as a City of Art and History. Visit the Centre National du Costume de Scène (CNCS), a world-class museum dedicated to theatrical costumes. Explore the charming old town with its half-timbered houses and the cathedral, which still bears the stamp of the powerful Dukes of Bourbon.

For a beautiful day trip, visit Apremont-sur-Allier, officially listed as one of “France’s Most Beautiful Villages,” with its picturesque streets and magnificent Floral Park.

FAMILY FUN AND UNIQUE SITES
The region boasts several unique attractions for all ages. Take the family to Le PAL, a combined amusement park and zoo that offers both thrilling rides and an extensive animal park. For a unique cultural outing, visit Street Art City in Lurcy-Lévis, an old industrial site transformed into a spectacular open-air gallery of international urban art. Motorsports fans can also see the legendary Magny-Cours Racetrack, about 40 minutes away.

FOOD AND WINE OF THE BOURBONNAIS REGION
The local gastronomy is hearty, traditional, and centred around an ancient wine appellation, making it a true French culinary region.

The local wine appellation is Saint-Pourçain AOC, known as one of France’s most historic vineyards. The white wines are distinctive, made from a unique blend of Chardonnay and the rare local Tressallier grape, resulting in fresh, fruity flavours. The red wines are light and drinkable, primarily blended from Gamay and Pinot Noir. Be sure to look for “La Ficelle,” a traditional wine from this region.

Bourbonnais cuisine is comforting and rich, perfect for sharing. The most famous local dish is Pâté aux Pommes de Terre (Potato Pâté), a savoury pie filled with sliced potatoes and cream—a must-try on a Sunday afternoon. Meats from the region are prized, especially Charolais beef and local Bourbonnais lamb. Local condiments include the old-style Charroux mustard. For dessert, try the famous Vichy Pastilles, small, minty candies from the nearby spa town, known for aiding digestion.

Kids

For families visiting Château du Val Lama, the estate is a paradise built for fun and adventure. The main attraction is the huge llama/alpaca enclosure, offering a unique opportunity for charming animal encounters right on the grounds. Children adore playing in the vast, secure 25-hectare park, which includes a dedicated outdoor play area and a pond with a rowing boat. On warm days, the enclosed swimming pool is the perfect spot for hours of fun.

Indoors, the château is equally entertaining, featuring a dedicated games room with billiards, a huge supply of board games, and a media room with DVDs for evening viewing. With all this to explore, every day offers a new adventure.

ONSITE FACILITIES
Secure swimming pool
See the llamas
Outdoor play area
Rowing boat pond
Billiard table
Games
Media room, DVDs

what we love

– Unique Grounds: The 25-hectare private park features a delightful llama/alpaca enclosure for charming animal encounters
– The Lake: Using the rowing boat and fishing in the pond

keep in mind

– The pool is open from May to October
– Several rooms on the ground and first floors have shared bathroom access