Overview
Château de Gurat feels like stepping into a storybook, but with all the comforts of home and none of the stress – and you’ll be pleased to know it’s surprisingly affordable too. Spread across 14 acres of pinch-me-perfect French countryside, this 15th-century estate somehow manages to feel both intimate and brimming with things to do. Kids can explore safely, parents can finally relax, and everyone leaves with new friends
Daily life here is pure hands-on childhood magic, far from the sterile “forced fun” of some traditional kids’ club. Mornings might begin collecting fresh eggs from the chickens or feeding the goats, before heading to the giant sandpit, a huge, shaded beach zone toddlers adore. When the sun gets too hot, the adventure moves indoors to the Adventure Barn; a dedicated play hub packed with ride-on tractors, dressing-up chests, and endless games
Parents, meanwhile, are very much looked after too. Fancy a night off cooking? No problem, thanks to delicious oven-ready meals, alongside welcome hampers and optional fresh vegetable baskets from the local farm. Flexible dining means you can whip up a storm in your fully equipped kitchen, fire up the barbecue, or head out to explore the area’s dining scene. Monday’s communal supper and Wednesday’s Wine Tasting on the Bergerie terrace make grown-up evenings wonderfully easy, letting you sip local tipples and chat with other parents while keeping a watchful ear on sleeping children just a stone’s throw away. If you fancy a little extra indulgence, a professional in-gîte massage can be arranged. And for the occasional night out at a local bistro, trusted English-speaking babysitters are on hand to provide that rare (and much-deserved!) adults-only evening
Safety and serenity are built in at every corner. All cottages come with stair gates and window latches, pools are fully fenced, and the estate is strictly families-only. Inside the rooms, honey-coloured stone walls, original wooden beams, tiled floors, and luxurious cotton bedding create a charming, cosy vibe. And thanks to the “Travel Light” promise, packing bulky baby gear is a thing of the past, with cots, highchairs, monitors, and sterilisers all ready and waiting for you
Long-time guests have half-jokingly begged us not to tell anyone about Château de Gurat. But gatekeepers we are not. Just take a glance at the glowing reviews and you’ll quickly see the pattern – families come once, fall in love, and return year after year. A hidden gem that feels like a true home-from-home, it’s the kind of place that quietly works its way into family tradition
Mama
Get in touch
Flight
Approximately 2 hr flight from London
Transfer
Approx 1.5 hours from Bergerac or Limoges, while Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Poitiers and Brive-Souillac are reachable in under 2 hours
Best time to visit
The hotel is open from May – end of September and you’ll find our monthly weather guide below:
May: highs of 22 °C
June: highs of 26 °C
July: highs of 29 °C
August: highs of 29 °C
September: highs of 26 °C
Favourite room
Petit Château: Sleeps 6 | 3 bedrooms + cots | 3 en-suite bathrooms | From approximately £1,625–£2,630 (depending on exchange rates) per week
Set in the west wing of the château itself, Petit Château combines grand old stone walls with practical family living. A ground-floor bedroom makes it particularly handy for multi-generational groups or anyone who prefers to avoid stairs, while the tucked-away position offers a little extra privacy for families who enjoy their own space
L’Etable: Sleeps 6 | 3 bedrooms + cots | En-suite + family bathroom | From approximately £1,400–£2,120 (depending on exchange rates) per week
A relaxed, rustic family base with easy access to the surrounding meadows and play areas. The terrace looks directly onto the sandpit
Le Mas Provençal: Sleeps 4 | 2 bedrooms + cot | 1 family bathroom | From approximately £1,150–£1,700 per week (depending on exchange rates) per week
Centrally located and perfectly set up for families with younger children, this cosy gîte has clear views of the sandpit from the patio
Jardin de Roses: Sleeps 4 | 2 bedrooms + cot | 1 family bathroom | From approximately £1,150–£1,700 (depending on exchange rates) per week
A lovely option for families travelling with a baby. The fully enclosed private terrace offers peace of mind, while the heated pool is just a few steps away
Le Coin Fleuri: Sleeps 6 | 3 bedrooms + cots | Bathroom + shower room | From approximately £1,400–£2,120 (depending on exchange rates) per week
Tucked away at the quieter ‘church end’ of the estate, this gîte is perfect for families who enjoy a little extra seclusion. It’s particularly well suited to those with slightly older children who are ready to stretch their legs and enjoy the freedom of the grounds
La Forge: Sleeps 9 | 4 bedrooms + cots | 2 en-suite + family bathroom | From approximately £1,650–£2,750 (depending on exchange rates) per week
The largest gîte on the estate and a favourite for big family gatherings. Positioned at the heart of the grounds with direct views of the sandpit, it offers a generous living space and easy access to all the action
Price & Special Offers
from £170 p/night in low season and £250 p/night in high season for a family of three
from £170 p/night in low season and £250 p/night in high season for a family of four
from £200 p/night in low season and £310 p/night in high season for a family of five
Worth waking the baby for
01
Aubeterre
Just a short drive from Château de Gurat, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is officially one of France’s prettiest villages and an easy win for a family outing. At the foot of the village lies a small sandy river beach where children can paddle in the shallow Dronne, build sandcastles, and dip in and out of the playground. Wander up into the honey-coloured streets of Aubeterre itself for ice creams, shady squares and a leisurely lunch
02
Lac Jemaye
A little further afield, Lac de Jemaye makes for a classic French summer day out. This beautiful freshwater lake is fringed with sandy beaches and calm, shallow water. There’s plenty of space for children to play, gentle woodland walks for when little legs need a break, and a lovely lakeside restaurant that makes lingering over lunch effortless
03
Brantome
Often called the “Venice of the Dordogne,” Brantôme is a lovely spot for a relaxed family wander, and the weekly market on a Friday shouldn’t be missed. For families keen to mix a little history into their holiday, the Château de Bourdeilles makes a fascinating outing (just 10 minutes from Brantome). Overlooking the river and village below, the château combines a dramatic medieval fortress with an elegant Renaissance palace
Reviews from other parents
Authentic, rustic French charm at its best — and beautifully kept. With four double bedrooms (two en suite), it’s brilliantly set up for families, with everything from a pool and kids’ pool to a play barn, sandpit and endless space to run around. Little touches like cots, highchairs and stairgates make life easy, while babysitting and reliable baby monitors add real peace of mind. There’s no on-site restaurant, but the weekly pizza and crêpe night is a total highlight for the kids. Our favourite moments? Pool splashing, long lazy afternoons and watching the children have the best time in a space that feels completely safe. It’s become our go-to, the perfect balance of relaxation for parents and fun for little ones
Tim
