The Chateau de Montcaud is made up of several buildings set in a parkland measuring five hectares. The actual chateau building hosts most of the hotel rooms, a salon, the hotel’s reception and a spa/fitness area. A guardhouse at the entrance to the property is being transformed into a quirky “gite” (holiday home). And in between the two is the u-shaped annex building which used to serve as stables to the original owners.

In our series of blogs on the transformation of the Chateau de Montcaud we have already documented the renovation of the hotel rooms as well as the extensive landscaping of the vast park. The current blog highlights the conversion of the annex building, which will harbour the culinary outlets.

In Light of the View

And by highlight, we not only mean the words of the blog, but also literally making sure a lot of light will enter this two-story building. Anyone who remembers the original facade of the building may not recognize its new exterior. In agreement with Michel Sudres, our architect come guardian of originality, we decided on first sight to enlarge the existing openings and make sure the view of the magnificent park can be seen from all angles. The small windows have been replaced by large, cast-iron portals, while beautiful studio windows catch your eye from the outside and allow for an inside view of the chateau, the perfumery and herb gardens, as well as the magical park.

Inside and Out

Entering the building through the main entrance, you will notice the light-filled corridor which connects the culinary outlets. It is not just the facade which was opened up, several walls were also knocked down inside the building; at times it actually seemed as if no stone was to be left unturned. Once the renovation is complete, this central concept of openness will be translated from the literal sense into one of inclusion: guests from near and far will be made to feel welcome here.

Gourmet Haven or Neighbourhood Eatery

In the future, two restaurants and a bar, each with its own secluded outdoor area, will be open all year round to hotel guests as well as to all visitors of the region and local gourmands. A bistro serving casual Mediterranean cuisine and a gourmet restaurant, plating fine-dining modern French cuisine. The former has in- and outside seating on the edge of the beautiful park, the latter is set on the opposite end of the building as well as in the magical patio overlooking the kitchen’s vegetable garden.

Groups, Banquets and Celebrations

The new Chateau de Montcaud also caters to larger or smaller groups, in a private atmosphere away from the hotel. In addition to the two restaurants there is an event area, consisting of a salon and a small boardroom. Up to 70 people can celebrate, meet or confer here. It goes without saying that groups can also take advantage of the moderate climate in the South of France, and have their events take place outside – for example an aperitif set among the park’s magnificent trees.

Culinary Meeting Point

And so this is how gradually a new meeting place for epicureans is evolving in France’s beautiful South, here, on the edge of the Provence, at the entrance to the Val de la Ceze. Our head chef Matthieu Hervé will have a brand-new, state of the art kitchen as well as a creative studio in the estate’s former pigeonry at his disposal to create his culinary delights. Watch this space to find out more about this and our talented chef in a future blog post.