Chateau St Pierre de Serjac

Rooms

The 8 rooms are reached via a sweeping central staircase. It's a suitably theatrical intro to the opulent décor that awaits - chaise longues in silver velvet, wood beams, heavy grape throws and perfectly crisp linens (you almost expect them to be monogrammed). There's no shortage of space either - vast bathrooms and deep wardrobes mean you can really settle in.

Room 1 on the first floor (a Luxury) was our favourite, with a huge roll-top bathtub in the bedroom, and sweeping views of the pool and vineyards. The Standard rooms are equally grand; just a bit smaller, with views to the side of the chateau. All rooms have a bath, fragrant Cinq Mondes toiletries, and thick his'n'hers bathrobes. Luxury rooms and La Chapelle also have showers.

Top-floor La Chapelle was once the family's personal chapel, now converted into a stunning, utterly unique bedroom with original hand-painted gold murals. It's slightly smaller than the other rooms, but history buffs will adore it.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Bluetooth sound system
• Cots available
• DVD player
• Minibar
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

The green ground-floor restaurant, with vintage botanical and bird prints, sparkling chandeliers and wicker chairs. Menus rely heavily on fresh local produce – and in Languedoc, there's no shortage of heavenly offerings.

Dinner is a formal affair, all linen napkins, beautiful long-stemmed glasses and silverware polished to perfection. Presentation is exquisite. Typically French food has been given an imaginative, modern twist – perhaps cod in a squid, chorizo and red-wine ragout, followed by saffron iced parfait and exotic fruit compote – and is served with aplomb by excellent staff. There's a tasting menu, too. And Chateau St Pierre de Serjac vintages can be bought at the on-site wine shop.

Breakfast is a fabulous buffet, with local cheeses and charcuterie, fresh pastries and baguettes, and excellent coffee. You may not need lunch afterwards, but you'll certainly be tempted by the great-value set menus and a spot on the sunny terrace to enjoy the views.

There are a few restaurants in Puissalicon village, which is a 25 minute-walk or 10 minute-bike ride through the vineyards, or less than 5 minutes by car.

Features include:

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• Laze by the pool with a good book and a glass of local wine
  
• Build up a sweat on the tennis court, cool off in the infinity pool, then play boules or borrow bikes to explore 200 acres of estate
  
• With wine domaines at every turn of the road hereabouts, you can taste vintages of every colour, age and varietal; winemaker and olive oil producer tours are offered
  
• Spend a decadent afternoon in the spa – our Moroccan massage was a blissful stress buster, and there's a full treatment menu, plus a steam room, sauna, indoor pool and Jacuzzi. (Open daily all year)
  
• The Saturday market in nearby Pezenas takes over the whole town centre; excellent fruit and veg, saucissons, cheeses and fish. We also loved the cobbled back streets, whose quirky little artisan shops sell everything from classic espadrilles to jewellery, delicious biscuits and tapenades. You can even go on a leather bag making workshop here
  
• Stunning beaches are a 30-40 minute drive. Take your pick from La Tamarissière (a long beach backing onto a pine forest, with excellent kite- and windsurfing), Serignan (gloriously wild) or Portiragnes (great sailing and golden sands)
  
• Go horse riding in the hills, try river kayaking, or bring your walking boots to explore the glorious countrysid; they can arrange a guided hike in the dramatic Gorges d'Héric for you too
  
• The 18-hole golf course at Béziers St Thomas (20 mins' drive) welcomes non-members

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Kayaking
• Kitesurfing
• Museums / galleries
• Private guided tours
• Sailing
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Vineyard tours
• Well being
• Wine tasting

Kids

The hotel is aimed at adults - it's an elegant and quiet retreat. Baby cots (for 0-2 year olds) can be added to the rooms but there are no extra beds. See the self-catering villas on the same estate if you want to come with kids.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

Cots Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The St Pierre de Serjac estate lies between the villages of Pouzolles and Magalas in the Languedoc region of southwest France. It is 35 minutes from the coast and 25 minutes from Béziers.

By Air:
Béziers Airport (32km) is the nearest; Montpellier (85km) has more flights. You could also consider Carcassonne or Nimes (120-130km). You'll want a hire car - see our recommendations.

By Train:
If you'd prefer to travel overland from the UK, there are good services to Montpellier and then on to Béziers. If you are coming from London and your train is not direct, we recommend you change trains in Lille (a platform change) rather than Paris (a station change).

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

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