Family Holiday Cottages in France
Looking for the perfect child-friendly gites in South West France? At Château de Gurat, we offer six independent holiday cottages set within a safe, 14-acre car-free estate. It’s a place where children find their “holiday tribe” in our sandpit and heated pools, while parents relax on private terraces with views across the rolling countryside. It is the ultimate balance of community and privacy—individual gites with a shared social heart.
From the practical realities of a baby’s very first trip abroad to the boundless energy of toddlers taking their first independent adventures, everything here is thoughtfully designed to make family life easier. The estate offers a safe, enclosed setting where little ones can roam freely, while older children enjoy the independence they crave — making new friends, racing between play areas and cooling off in the fenced, heated pools.
There’s space to explore across 14 acres of beautiful grounds. Children can spend hours in the adventure barn, dig happily in the sandpit, or head off to say hello to the resident chickens and goats — simple pleasures that quickly become holiday highlights.
And it’s not just the children who are looked after. While they’re happily occupied, parents can properly unwind. Stretch out with a book in a peaceful corner of the grounds, relax poolside, or gather on the Bergerie terrace to share a glass of wine with other like-minded families. The estate’s intimate layout means you’re never far from your little explorers — close enough for comfort, yet free to enjoy a well-earned moment to yourself.
It’s family holidays made easy — the kind that leave everyone smiling.
Every family is unique, which is why our six gîtes are designed to offer more than just a place to stay. From secluded retreats with thick stone walls for peaceful naps to spacious family accommodation in the heart of our 14-acre grounds, we provide the perfect setting for your next escape. Whether you are looking for a toddler-safe haven with a clear view of the sandpit or a large family gîte for a multi-generational holiday, you’ll find a civilised sanctuary where kids gain confidence and parents can truly relax.
The Château de Gurat Experience
Staying here offers far more than just accommodation; you have the run of our 14-acre car-free estate. It is an environment designed for kids’ freedom, where children can explore and build confidence in the enclosed heated pools or the Adventure Barn, while parents relax nearby. With optional pre-prepared meals, a morning bakery delivery, and our popular sociable evenings, we combine the privacy of an independent cottage with the thoughtful services that allow you to truly switch off.
Travelling with little ones? See our comprehensive baby and toddler offering.
Our Gites
Our Family Friendly Gites at Chateau de Gurat features stair gates and window latches as standard, a fully equipped kitchen (proper cooking is encouraged here), a comfortable living room, and a private terrace for evening relaxation. We want your holiday to start the moment you arrive, so you will find your bedrooms made-up with fresh white cotton bedding and a welcome hamper waiting for you in the kitchen.
Petit Château: The Château Wing Gîte
Located in the west wing of the Château, this gîte sleeps up to 6 in 3 large bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms. It features a ground-floor bedroom and cool stone walls, making it ideal for multi-generational groups or those seeking extra privacy.
Le Mas Provençal: The Toddler Safe Gîte
Sitting centrally with a clear view of the sandpit from the patio, this gîte sleeps up to 4, with two bedrooms (plus cot) and a family bathroom. The layout allows parents to relax with a book while keeping a watchful eye on their toddlers and younger children playing close by.
Le Coin Fleuri: The Secluded Family Gîte
Tucked away at the quieter “church end” of the property, this gîte sleeps up to 6 in 3 bedrooms (plus cots) and has 1 bathroom and 1 shower room. Ideally suited for families seeking a little more seclusion, or those with older children ready to enjoy free-range independence, safely.
L’Etable: The Spacious Family Gîte
A rustic retreat positioned for easy access to the wider grounds and meadows, this gite sleeps up to 6, in 3 bedrooms (plus cots) with 1 ensuite and 1 family bathroom. The gîte enjoys direct visbility of the sandpit from your terrace, blending freedom for children with relaxed supervision for parents.
Jardin de Roses: The Private Garden Gîte
Perfect for new parents, this gîte sleeps up to 4 in 2 bedrooms (plus cot) with a family bathroom. The gîte has a completely enclosed private terrace and sits just steps from the heated pool, making nap-time logistics and quick dips effortless. It’s a great base for your baby’s first trip.
La Forge: The Large Family Gîte
Our largest gite, situated at the heart of the property with direct views of the sandpit. La Forge sleeps up to 9 in 4 bedrooms (plus cots) with 2 ensuite bathrooms and a 1 family bathroom. The gite offers a vast living area and immediate access to the grounds, perfect for large families or holidays with grandparents.
Included in each of our properties:
- High quality white cotton bedding
- Unlimited superfast fibre broadband WiFi
- A full compliment of crockery and glasses
- Plastic plates, beakers and cutlery
- Four ring gas hob and oven
- Fridge-freezer
- Microwave
- Washing machine
- Clothes airer, iron and ironing board
- Hair dryers
- Cleaning equipment
- Bathmats, tea towels and dish cloths
If you are holidaying with babies or toddlers, rest assured that we have all the ‘extra bits’ you might need so you can save on the packing.
The Château Grounds
Imagine a holiday that offers both independent adventure for the children and a civilized escape for you. Set within 14 acres of rolling countryside, this car-free sanctuary is designed to help children build their confidence, often finding instant playmates as soon as they arrive. This allows you to finally step back and enjoy a restorative break of your own. By providing a safe, supportive environment for families, we ensure you return home feeling refreshed, knowing everyone has had a genuine holiday.
Days here are filled with the simple joys of childhood discovery. Younger guests might start their morning with a swim in the heated pool before heading to the adventure barn or spending hours in the giant sandpit. Whether they are burning off energy on the playing field and trampoline or enjoying a quiet moment visiting the chickens and goats, the next adventure is always just a few steps away.
Traveling with a younger sibling? We can also provide all the nursery kit so you don’t have to bring it with you.
Swimming Pools
Unlike many ‘heated’ pools, we guarantee our water is 27°C all season, ensuring children stay warm and happy. Our facilities feature a large, securely fenced and gated main pool (12 x 6m) alongside a dedicated shallow toddler pool. With no fixed opening hours, parents enjoy total flexibility—from energetic family afternoons to a peaceful sunrise swim. It is the perfect, secure environment for a safe, relaxed swim every single day of your much-needed family holiday.
Large Adventure Barn: A shaded haven
If the afternoon sun gets too warm, our cool stone Adventure barn become the ultimate retreat. A real social hub for the children, it houses the ‘bulky fun’—from ride-on tractors and trikes to fancy dress boxes. It is a space where older kids meet for table tennis and table football, while toddlers dive into creative play, allowing ‘summer gangs’ to form while you relax on your terrace knowing they are safely entertained within our private grounds.
The Giant Sandpit: Safe sensory play
Our massive, shaded sandpit is a paradise for little ones. Fully stocked with trucks and spades, it offers hours of creative, independent play in a safe, toddler-friendly environment.
14 Acres of freedom: Energy burning fun
With a safety-netted trampoline and massive secure grounds, this abundance of car-free space is what sets us apart from other child-friendly gites in France.
The Boules Court: A French institution
Our traditional boules court is where older kids can meet to organise their own tournaments. Parents have been known to join in too. Closest to the Cochonnet wins!
Animal Encounters
From hunting for fresh eggs to meeting and feeding our friendly goats and guinea pigs, it’s a hands-on nature experience your kids will never forget. No schedules, no crowds—just simple, rustic magic.
Local Area
Family Days Out in the Charente – Discover More Beyond Château de Gurat
There’s more than enough to fill your days within the château grounds — but when you’re ready to explore, you’ll find yourselves perfectly placed on the border of the Charente and Dordogne for memorable family adventures.
Think gentle riverside beaches where little ones can paddle safely, honey-coloured medieval villages made for ice creams and wandering, bustling local markets packed with regional treats, and canoe trips that older children will talk about for weeks. The very best family days out in this beautiful corner of southwest France are all within easy reach.
To make the most of your stay, we do recommend having a car. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace — whether that’s a morning market visit followed by a lazy picnic, or a full day discovering somewhere new.
Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne
Aubeterre is officially one of the “most beautiful Villages in France”. This stunning hillside town is just 15 minutes away and is a “must-see” for any guest. Explore:
- The River Beach; a fantastic sandy beach with shallow waters for safe paddling;
- The Monolithic church, an extraordinary underground cathedral carved entirely into the rock face.
- Village Life; wander through the narrow streets filled with artisan shops, potters and lovely spots for lunch
- Sunday Market; a vibrant morning market in the centre square where you can pick fresh produce, local cheeses and enjoy some people watching at a sunny cafe terrace.
Local Activities
The region is full of fun and interesting activities to suit all ability levels.
Rivers, Lakes & Beaches
Drifting down slow, winding rivers is a quintessential experience in this part of France. It is a peaceful yet exciting way for the whole family to explore the hidden corners of the Charente and Dordogne countryside. The local rivers are generally calm and shallow, making them ideal for beginners and children.
Enjoy a classic French summer day at one of the many safe, sandy inland beaches nearby. Whether you prefer the gentle flow of a river or the calm waters of a lake, there are plenty of spots to swim, play, and relax.
Walking & Hiking
The Château is nestled in the heart of the Charente countryside, offering a huge number of walks directly from the door. You can step out of the estate and immediately find yourself on quiet paths winding through beautiful, rolling landscapes.
Treetop activity parks
Treetop activity parks are a great way to spend a morning or afternoon out for monkeys of all sizes (from the age of 3ys). Test your agility in a safe and fun environment climbing and sliding from treetop to treetop in the heart of the forest. Varying courses are suitable for all levels, and are accompanied by professionals with top quality safety equipment provided.
Horseriding
The countryside in the region is beautiful, why not see it on horseback? Martha and her team at Ecuries Des Chênes run horse and pony riding lessons and excursions for children from 3yrs all the way up to adults.
Châteaux Visits
This part of France has more châteaux per head than any other, so why not visit some of them? There are lots to see nearby.
Cycling
The French love to get out on their bikes, especially those in our local region. The area is littered with marked mountain bike trails for all skill levels. The roads around the village are also excellent for cycling, being best described as quiet country lanes, but sometimes can be a little hilly!
Golf & Tennis
There are four golf courses nearby and two free tennis courts to close to the château.
For more local activities, check out the links under the Amenities tab.
