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Customer Reviews

Overall:
Overall our group of twelve had a wonderful time at Chateau de Chance. Our part of the group flew into Toulouse airport via Heathrow and the drive to Aragon was extremely manageable less than an hour. My brothers and their families flew in to Carcassonne Airport which is about a 10 minute drive. The chateau has a charm about it and it does feel like a very unique place to stay. The bedrooms were generally spacious, with every one being a little different. The property offers a nice mix of old world feel with some nice improvements.
Enjoyed Most:
The first view of Aragon as you come round a corner is special but what I liked most is that this is a very unique property, different from most of the properties that we considered - a medieval chateau, set in a row of houses. You feel like you are entering a secret world when you enter the front door. Our experience with Chef Peter at the chateau was wonderful and visitors to the chateau should consider using his services if possible - not cheap but well worth it and comparable to going out on the town.
Unpleasant Surprises:
I must agree with some of the other comments about the furniture. I do think that the living room would benefit from an upgrade - the furniture is not particularly comfortable and there doesn't seem to be a sense of 'central design' to the large room. Much of the outdoor furniture is suffering from wear and tear, particularly the chaise lounges and the chairs. Somehow the pool looked bigger in the photos but it is a great addition to the property, especially on the hottest of summer days. The kids loved it despite our unseasonably cool weather. It provides a nice centerpiece for the garden. Perhaps a few more pool towels would be nice. Editor's Note: The owners have had the outside furniture repaired. August 2010
Surrounding Area:
Aragon is a quaint, hilly, little, historic village that is well worth a walk abound. As mentioned, it has very few amenities, but offers a lot of photo opportunities. The major attraction of the surrounding area is Carcassonne's walled medieval city La Cite. It is about 8 miles from Aragon if you drive the most direct route from Aragon, following the signs to Carcassonne and then for La Cite. However for a more breath-taking first impression of this walled medieval city, I would suggest that you enter Carcassonne from its southern approach, the motorway side.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Not really. Aragon had some very basic amenities as described in the information package so that was no surprise. The nearest functional small town was Pennautier about 4-5 miles away - definitely not walkable. There are some village amenities - bar, boulangerie, tabac, fine restaurant and wine tasting at the chateau. On the outskirts of Pennautier, on the route to Carcassonne, there were all of the mall-type amenities that you would expect to find in a large town - supermarkets, gas stations, fast food, etc.
Tips or Restaurants:
La Bergerie has received many well-deserved recommendations. The couple that own the place have made it a true foodie destination. They have some extraordinary items on the menu and it remains reasonably priced. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of our lunch at the Chateau Pennautier. Their menu offered a good selection of reasonably prices dishes and a good wine selection, much of it local. Their wait staff very knowledgeable, could explain menu items in mouth watering detail and all in very good English sad to admit, a necessity for our group. The facility also has a wine tasting room and shop. Their wines are very good and very affordable.
Directions:
Instructions were generally good. Some of us got a little turned around but realised it by the next roundabout - obviously directions are harder to follow in the dark! The proximity to La Bergerie is definitely the main thing to emphasise. I didn't try GPS coordinates but I did have a Google Map Satellite photo that gave a good sense of where the property was.

keith, July, 2010

Overall:
Excellent chateau - very large and good for family get togethers or groups.
Enjoyed Most:
Location on top of village.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Bathrooms can be updated. Hand held showers result in leakage around tub.
Surrounding Area:
The view was excellent.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Located in village of Aragon.
Tips or Restaurants:
Chateau very well equipped. Bring a dial-up modem for Internet access. GPS always a good idea when driving in France as street names small and often hard to find.
Directions:
Easy to get lost immediately leaving Carcassonne airport.
Check In Out:
Lesa was excellent.

Berton, July, 2010

Overall:
We enjoyed the week. The house is full of charm. We used it as a base for exploring the area.
Enjoyed Most:
The charm, outside area and the quiet surroundings.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Other places to see were quite a distance by car. The ants in the kitchen were bothersome. We had difficulty getting Internet access. Editor's Note: A storm interferred with the Internet and phone line and is now fixed.
Surrounding Area:
It was beautiful and there was a lot to see.
Tips or Restaurants:
Come to enjoy relaxing at the house. Be prepared to drive to other towns, etc.
Check In Out:
The contact person was very nice and offered information. However, we had difficulty contacting her during the week. The ability to use email at the house is limited. Also telephone service seemed to be inconsistent. Editor's Note: See note above. The keyholder is adding another phone contact line.

Betsy, May, 2010

Overall:
Very enjoyable.
Enjoyed Most:
Wonderful fireplace! Make it big to avoid it smoking - it's a truly medieval indulgence.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Furniture could be more comfortable.
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful views and countryside.
Tips or Restaurants:
'La Bergerie' in the village is truly excellent. Be sure to go to the small provisions store at the bottom of the village & buy a few bottles of the Chateau d'Aragon red - it's surprisingly good - lots of lavender and earth - (& at about 9 Euros a spectacular value). The best cassoulet we found was in La Cote de Mailles in Carcassonne Cite, a small, less (relatively) touristy family place. Get the cassoulet with the quail on top (!). Treat yourself with a provisions trip to La Ferme in Carcassonne by Les Halles.

Alan, January, 2010

Overall:
We loved our experience at the chateau. Our party was able to relax and decompress from our hectic lives.
Enjoyed Most:
The views. Absolutely stunning! We also arranged for a catered dinner one evening - don't miss this opportunity! It is an excellent value. The food and wine was absolutely excellent and in great abundance.
Unpleasant Surprises:
This is a minor issue, however the outdoor furniture was not as comfortable as we would have liked.
Surrounding Area:
The wineries, restaurants and other historic landmarks.
Tips or Restaurants:
Yes, bring beach towels as there is a pool. I took the advice to ship certain items in advance, however I would not recommend doing so because there isn't anyone to sign for a package. I thought our belongings were gone forever, but we have a very fortunate stroke of luck and were able to retrieve them. In addition, the dial-up didn't work on our computers which wasn't a tragedy, but might be very important for those who need to be connected. La Bergerie is an excellent restaurant in Aragon. It was one of the best meals I have ever had.
Directions:
We took a train to Carcassonne and then a taxi to the chateau. No issues with directions.
Check In Out:
Check in is late in the day - 4pm.

Sandy , September, 2009

Overall:
The chateau is a spectacular blend of history, quiet location, and amazing views and weather. Although a historic structure the interior has been nicely updated to a modern standard. The chateau accommodated the needs of our large group.
Enjoyed Most:
The location. It is close to many attractions, yet at the same time, feels exclusive and hidden. The location in a small village added to the charm.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Some of the windows could use screens to keep the bugs out, but otherwise no complaints.
Surrounding Area:
There is so much to do in the Midi-Pyrenees that it would take many trips to take it all in. We visited attractions close to the chateau such as the medieval city of Carcassonne as well as farther places such as Albi and Cordes sur Ciel. Driving in southwest France is remarkably easy. A visit to Montagne Noir and the regional nature park which is just 15-20 minutes drive from the Chateau is a must.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The Chateau was set in the village. The neighbors are friendly. On our last day in the chateau some of them came out to say goodbye and wish us a good journey home.
Tips or Restaurants:
Although not absolutely necessary, I think some level of fluency in French is needed for a great experience here due to the small size of the village and rural surroundings. The chateau is very well stocked--seems as if the owners have anticipated every need.
Directions:
Using the map provided by Rentvillas and the directions we easily found the property.

Elias, June, 2009

Overall:
All four couples enjoyed the property tremendously.
Enjoyed Most:
The home was peaceful and a great place to relax after a long day of touring.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Showers - but that's a French thing!
Surrounding Area:
Wineries, old castles, markets, pretty country, proximity to coast.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in the village - but it had no facilities. Pennautier was about 10 kms away, also small, but had bakery and grocery.
Tips or Restaurants:
Go to La Bergerie, right down the street. We had a great dinner there.

Ronald, May, 2009