Chateau de Pitray and the TDF 2023
For those of you who have always dreamed of seeing the Tour of France, now is an awesome opportunity to see 2 stages while you stay at Chateau Pitray. Attend the finish of stage 17 in Bordeaux, and the following day ride from the chateau to the course to see the racers in action on stage 18.
This week will of course take advantage of all the daily riding and sites of the local area around Chateau Pitray, as well as the food and drink of la belle France. To find out more read below and follow the links on the website for all the details.
France From Inside is excited to offer you a unique and exclusive opportunity to stay at the Chateau de Pitray while enjoying a week's vacation cycling the local countryside and tasting wines. The Chateau sits on a property of about 200 acres, of which 70 are planted with vineyards, while the remainder are woods and open fields. The estate is very private and the grounds are beautiful. The Chateau itself is nestled in a wooded perimeter and hidden from view until, upon arrival, a bend in the driveway reveals it suddenly, standing in open fields.
Chateau de Pitray is situated on the western end of the Dordogne Valley, in the Bordeaux wine region, and a stone's throw from the historic medieval village of St. Emilion, which is classified as a World Heritage site by Unesco.
The "small dinning room," usually where we eat when the guest list is 8 or less.
I think you will agree with me that it has a majestic and secluded feel. A unique and important quality of Pitray is that the vineyards are planted on the outskirts of the property so as to preserve the serenity of the immediate surrounds of this great home. During your stay we intend to greet you as we do our friends and personal guests. You will enjoy a private room, dine on meals prepared by the family cook, drink Pitray wine of course, the swimming pool, a tour of the winery by a member of the family, and the pleasure of relaxing anywhere on the property.
The region around the chateau is famous for its wine production and history. This province is called the department de la Gironde and its vineyards are collectively called Bordeaux wines. Within the Bordeaux wines are sub-regions, and the Pitray wines are part of the sub-region appellation of the Cotes de Castillon. The countryside is a mixture of mellow rolling hills to the north, and to the south, of the Dordogne valley, so named after the Dordogne River. This area is rich in history, in large part due to the Dordogne River that functioned as a merchant and business causeway. There are artifacts and ruins that date as far back as the Roman Empire, or even farther to pre-historic man with the paintings from the Cave de Lascaux. Since the 10th century there were many ancient chateaux built throughout the region, such as the Chateau de Beynac, which was progressively constructed over 3 centuries - 10th, 11th and 12th century. It is fascinating to visit such a structure and to imagine what life was like there 800 years ago. The final battle of the 100 year war, in 1453, took place several miles from Chateau Pitray, in the fields outside the village of Castillon. Saint Emilion, located 4 miles west of Pitray, is a medieval village,a World Heritage Site, and a virtual museum of time, with roman ruins from the 4th century and parts of the stone walls and ramparts that enclosed the village in the medieval times.
In 2014 we started a big project to replace the roof, which after 100 years was beginning to fail due to steel hooks that hold the slate tiles were rusting and breaking. Along with the roof there was also a lot of stone masonary upkeep. Here, with the view over the field and forest on the south side of the property, you can get a glimpse of the beautiful new/restored roof.
"I've participated in a number of cycling trips with various companies and cycling at Chateau de Pitray during the Wine Harvest has been my best experience to date. First of all, Allan and his family are amazing hosts. They made us feel immediately comfortable, at home and part of their family. Secondly, Chateau de Pitray is magnificent. The building, the rooms and the grounds are beautiful. My wife, who is a professional artist, was so inspired that she created 11 oil painting in the week we stayed there. That's what Pitray will do to you. Third, the food and wine is exquisite. The meals we enjoyed at the Chateau and local restaurants were wonderful. The winery tours and tasting's were fun, interesting and added to the overall experience."
"The town of St. Emilion is not to be missed. Most importantly, the week was about an amazing cycling experience. Allan mapped and led long guided rides every day, being flexible with how our small group was feeling. We toured through the beautiful countryside and medieval towns, often stopping for coffee and baked goods. We had challenging climbs and long stretches along the along the Dordogne river. The weather was ideal, which helped create the perfect cycling and vacation experience. I would highly recommend cycling at Chateau de Pitray during the Wine Harvest ! Sandy and I will return there soon. Thank you Allan." Pat C., Pennsylvania.
And the larger dinning room.
