The Castle in St. Gregoire (Albi) was built in the 15th century. Surviving documentary evidence requesting permission from the French Dauphine, Louis XI to construct two towers on the site suggests the first stone was laid in 1432. The chateau has been completely renovated in recent years and its restoration has revealed the full extent of its fortified origins – a partial moat, and an abundance of arrow holes designed to defend the chateau from marauding English invaders. A vaulted cellar room and well-trodden spiral stone staircase are further reminders of the chateau’s medieval origins. The Castle dominates the peaceful and scenic Tarnais countryside providing an impressive view - to the medieval town of Albi with its cathedral just 10km away and, on a clear Autumn day, to the Pyrennean mountain range some 200km to the South. The surrounding countryside, the rivers and forests, the vineyards of Gaillac and the nearby tourist towns of Albi, Cordes and Ambialet provide the backdrop to a perfect stay in the region. The castle is now home to a bi-lingual French / English family where guests are welcomed all year round in accommodation that reflects the charm and character of a 15th century chateau, with all the comforts of the 21st century. In addition, our accommodation and amenities are child-friendly. We look forward to welcoming you soon. The Four Poster Suite – a suite of two interconnecting bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, perfect for a family or friends sharing. A queen-sized oak four-poster bed surrounded by silk drapes occupies pride of place in the master bedroom while wooden twin beds padded with toile de jouy, make for a comfortable night’s rest through the carved stone doorway. Cavernous beamed ceilings, parquet floors, real fireplace, walnut and oak furniture … all combine to make this room special. The main bathroom is located in the chateau’s tower and both master bedroom and bathroom look out through south face windows to the countryside beyond. The Alcove Room – up the spiral stone staircase an oak door opens into the spacious and and opulent ‘Alcove Room’. So called because its Henri II carved wooden bed is set back from the rest of the room in its own private alcove, around which curtains can be drawn. The dominant colours are red and cream - provided by luxurious drapes and plush settee. Carved wooden furniture and a parquet floor complete the opulence. The bedroom leads onto a private corridor with WC, dressing room and a vast bathroom with twin hand basins and separate bath and shower. The Blue Room – a double bed set in a blue and white room where East-facing windows let in the morning sun and frame a view to the Chateau’s grounds and surrounding countryside. The large ensuite bathroom continues the blue colour scheme, also with parquet floor, has twin hand basins and separate shower and bath. Separate WC. Our Amenities. The chateau grounds extend to over 3 acres, planted with fruit trees and flowering shrubs. Visitors can relax on a bench in the shade of a walnut tree beside a bubbling spring. The open-air swimming pool is 14 metres long with a paddling pool set into the half-circle steps. Loungers and table and chairs are available for guest’s use. Bikes are also available on request but beware, the countryside is hilly! Breakfast is served in the ‘Grande Salle’ on the first floor where sunshine filters through the stained glass windows. We serve a selection of cereals, fruit juice, warm bread and vienoisseries, and home made jam. The ‘Grande Salle’ is also a room to relax in. Comfy chairs, a well-stocked bookcase and board games are available for our guests’ use. On the ground floor, the ‘Voute’ is a vaulted room with exposed stones where guests can sample the local Gaillac wine. We serve our guests an ‘aperitif’ on the house on their first evening with us. With two of our own, we particularly welcome young children and can provide cots, high chairs and other baby equipment. Swings, bikes, motorised ride-ons and sandpit ensure that our young visitors will have fun outdoors while a well-stocked toy box means that rainy days are covered too. As we seek to maintain a safe environment for our young visitors we regret that we cannot accept pets. A kitchen area is available for guests’ use, equipped with sink, microwave oven, electric cooking rings, fridge, crockery and pots and pans. Parents of young children can warm bottles, feed toddlers or just make themselves a cup of tea or grab a cold beer when the need arises!