Deals of the day
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Welcome to the Château de Marçay, an island of calm and serenity located in an area rich in historical treasures and within a UNESCO world heritage site.
Built on the ruins of an XI century fortress, this XV century castle, converted into hotel and restaurant since 1973, welcomes you in a timeless atmosphere where the anticipation of your desires, tailoring your every moment, and the family spirit will make this place yours during your stay.
The 22 rooms of the Castle and its west wing are decorated and furnished “Haute Époque”. All different, some have views on the park, others on the Central Forecourt and 6 of the rooms offer a small private terrace with direct access to the pool. Something to suit everyone’s preferences!
THE HISTORY
The commune of Marçay, situated in the canton of Richelieu and arrondissement of Chinon, was formerly part of the Loudunais. The parish, dedicated to St Peter, formed part of the diocese of Poitiers and the Jurisdiction of the archpriest of Loudun.
The bishop of Poitiers presented to the living and the parish had 300 communicants. The church offers nothing remarkable to see.
The bell tower, which dates from the 12th century, nevertheless is fairly picturesque, and consists of a tower with two storeys, pierced by semicircular-arched windows with roman capitals on the lower storey, pointed arches on the upper, terminated by a stone arrow.
It has recently been consolidated, since recent storms caused some stone detachment. The nave appears to have been rebuilt on several occasions; it was lengthened towards the 16th century. The door on the West facade is of renaissance date; the side door, a Tudor arch, is slightly older.
On the north wall one can see a small window with an elongated trefoil, which proclaims the style of the 15th century. The other windows are more modern and have been reconstructed. The chapel in flamboyant style, founded by the family of Mondion d’Artigny, is dedicated to St John.
It was bought towards the end of the last century by Mr Luc Gilbert, lord of Fontenay. Although Marçay belongs to the diocese of Poitiers, the archbishops of Tours had important rights in the Parish.
They were the patrons of the church, and received the tithes of corn, wine, pigs and lambs from the parish, where they were represented by a notary and a provost, who in this capacity could levy fines.
In 1190 an agreement was made between Richard I, kind of England, and Barthélemy, archbishop of Tours, on the rights to be collected from Chinon and Marçay.
This ecclesiastical domain was completely distinct from the Château, lands and lordship of Marçay, a purely lay fief which never formed part of the temporalities of the archbishops of Tours, and to which we shall now turn.
On 7th April 1723, the lands and lordship of Marçay with all its dependencies were awarded to Dame Françoise Dreux, Widow of Messire Charles Odard, chevalier (knight) and Marie Dreux, her sister, the daughters of the late Guillaume Dreux, esquire, lord of Bellefontaine. This award was pronounced at the court of the bailiff of Loudun.
The land of Marçay remained in the ownership of the Dreux family throughout the XVIIIth century. In 1789 it belonged to Dame Marie Anne Dreux, widow of Charles-Antoine-Henri d’Arcemale, baron de Langon, who held it by inheritance from Charles Dreux, her brother, who had died without issue.
On Marie-Anne’s death the château and lands were sold to Luc Gilbert de Fontenay, who left it to his heirs, the family of d’Espinay. The Château of Marçay was a noble fief, directly under the royal domain and the Château of Loudun. Its buildings display the style of several periods.
One of the round towers situated to the east is surmounted by battlements with elongated trefoils, which go back to the XVth century; the other round tower also has machicolation, but they have the flamboyant ornamentation of the early XVIth century.
Another tower, octagonal in shape, and which once contained a staircase, was pierced by windows with leaf-like fringes, which also indicate the immediately pre-renaissance period. You reach the top of this tower by an elegant corbelled turret of the same period, gracefully suspended at the side of the main tower.
From the top of this tower you can see the whole plain of the Loudunais, from the plateau of La Tour Saint Gelin as far as the hills that border the left bank of the river Thouet; you can see Loudun, Saint-Léger, Le coudray-Montpensier, etc.
These three towers, with the central block of buildings and the West Wing which links them, form the old part of the Château. A second wing to the east and a fourth tower were added by Luc Gilbert.
The moats have been filled in and the high walls partly destroyed; but enough remains to form an idea of the old layout of the courtyards and front courts. In the outbuildings of the Château there was a chapel, now destroyed, which must have been contemporary with the octagonal tower.
15 HECTARES OF PARK, TO BE ENJOYED
Tree shaded avenues, variety of different undergrowth, grassy meadows where you will enjoy strolling amid the flowers, orchard and scented vegetable garden, vineyards and truffle grove: 500 truffle oak plants, a black diamond treasure!
On sunny days, enjoy the tranquility of our terraces or our outdoor heated pool; enjoy our boules court or our tennis court; or go for a ramble on foot or bike in our beautiful countryside.
A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES FOR ALL TO ENJOY
Whether you are here to relax or work, we are at your disposal to make your stay with us more enjoyable. Our location provides a multitude of possibilities and our beautiful region does not lack choice.
Fun, sport, cultural or gourmet activities, you are in the Valley of Kings! If you wish to obtain advice for the organisation of your stay, do not hesitate to contact us.
SWIMMING, TENNIS,BOWLS
At the disposal our customers the hotel’s heated outdoor swimming pool is open from May to September.
BIKE
The Castle of Marçay is an ideal starting point for your excursions along the Vienne and Loirerivers.
PACK VISIT 3 CASTLES
Royal Fortress of Chinon, Château de Brézéand Château de Rivau. Enjoy the proximity of our Castle to explore these three magical places. You can also visit other iconic locations such asAzay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Langeais, Ussé, Montsoreau.
MASSAGE
(reservationrequired)RelaxandenjoythebenefitsofJaponesetreatmentsandmassages…Wehaveamassageparlourwhereourmasseusewillwelcomeyou.Activitiesaroundthe Château :
FLIGHT IN A HOT-AIR BALLOON
Private flight for 2 people (departure from the Chateau) or as partofagroup.Witnessthebeautyofthesunriseorsunset,flyovertheLoirecastles.Availableduringallseasonsoftheyear,giveyourselfanunforgettableexperience!
CANOE-KAYAK
Select your route, from 1 hour to a full day, even several days, and explore the Vienne and/or the Loire, the royal river.It is also possible to combine biking and canoeing.
FLIGHT IN A HELICOPTER
A flight above the Castles of the Loire at the rhythm of the rotors in a seat helicopter. Strong sensations guaranteed. Flights from 20 minutes to 2 hours are available, departing from Marçay Castle.
GOLF, QUAD, KARTING, ACCROBRANCHE Within 30 minutes from the Castle, several other sporting activities are available for your enjoyment.
