Château de Pitray

Tucked away between Bordeaux and Bergerac, in the heart of the prestigious vineyards of Saint-Émilion, Château de Pitray invites you to enjoy a timeless escape.

Renting this exceptional venue for a weekend or a week means treating yourself to a complete immersion in a sublime natural setting, surrounded by vineyards, forests, and meadows. Whether you’re gathering loved ones, celebrating a birthday, planning an intimate wedding, or simply enjoying a family vacation, everything is in place for you to create unforgettable memories.

A family home passed down through twenty-six generations, the château offers 2,400 m² of living space and can comfortably accommodate up to 15 people. All the rooms are tastefully furnished and decorated with paintings and antiques, giving the place an atmosphere that is both lively and elegant.

For your receptions, the stone cellars located near the pool can accommodate up to 60 guests. You can also host outdoor events for up to 150 people.

With exclusive use of the entire castle, it becomes your home for the duration of your stay. You can plan your days at your own pace and freely enjoy every space with your loved ones.

The Château de Pitray is nestled in the heart of a vast 130-hectare estate, comprising 60 hectares of vineyards and 70 hectares of woods and meadows. As soon as you pass through the gates, the pace of the modern world seems to fade away, giving way to another dimension where time flows gently. It is time rediscovered—a time of serenity, of moments shared with loved ones, in a natural setting that has remained unspoiled for centuries.

Set amid this lush green setting, the château carries on the tradition of hospitality of the great families of the French aristocracy, with simple and sincere elegance.

The landscape is crisscrossed by old paths and punctuated by rows of vines, oak trees, and clearings. The forest, rich in exceptional biodiversity, is home to, among other things, Cephalanthera damasonium orchids and truffle oaks. Around a bend in the trail, a dolmen serves as a reminder that these lands were already inhabited and revered more than 10,000 years ago, and it continues to fascinate children today.

The vineyard, facing due south on clay-limestone soil, produces a wine with character that is renowned far beyond the country’s borders. Located near Saint-Émilion, this winery exports its wines all over the world, particularly to Great Britain, a loyal fan of this exceptional terroir.

The interior of the Château de Pitray is exceptionally spacious, spanning 4 floors totaling 600 m², for a total of 2,400 m² exclusively reserved for you and your guests. The château has been completely renovated to offer optimal comfort while preserving the charm of its original architecture. An elevator serves all floors for easy access.

The state rooms in the castle:

On the ground floor, a series of historic reception rooms allows you to welcome your guests in the truest tradition of French hospitality.
There you will find:

• A foyer with a pool table
• A dining room that can seat up to 24 guests around its large table,
• A smoking lounge,
• A small living room,
• A large living room,
• A music salon,
• A fully equipped kitchen with a rustic dining area, perfect for more casual meals.

These bright, thoughtfully furnished rooms are perfect for creating a variety of atmospheres depending on the different moments of your stay or the stages of your event.

Stone burial vaults on the garden level:

Located on the garden level, with a direct view of the pool, the two vaulted stone cellars create a cozy reception area, ideal for hosting weddings and small gatherings.

• The first dining room, approximately 64 m², opens directly onto the terrace and the pool. It is a welcoming space, perfect for a sit-down dinner for up to 60 people.
• The second cellar can be set up as a dance floor, allowing the party to continue in a festive yet intimate atmosphere. The space as a whole facilitates a smooth transition between the different parts of the reception: cocktails, dinner, and dancing.
• An on-site catering facility makes it easy to organize meals and buffets, ensuring high-quality service while remaining discreet.

These spaces are also perfect for hosting tastings of the estate’s wines in an authentic and refined setting.

Outdoor spaces, for large celebrations

The castle grounds can accommodate larger events. By setting up a tent, you can host up to 150 guests outdoors in an exceptional natural setting, surrounded by vineyards and meadows.

The Château de Pitray features 13 guest rooms spread over two floors, connected by an elevator, and can comfortably accommodate up to 15 guests. All guest rooms are spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated, in keeping with the spirit of the place.

1st floor (6 bedrooms)

• General’s Room
  1 double bed (160 cm), sleeps 2
  Gray bathroom with shower (separate)
  Restroom on the landing
• Blue Room
  : 1 double bed (160 cm), sleeps 2
  : Shared bathroom with the Bamboo Room
• Bamboo Room
  1 double bed (160 cm), sleeps 2
  Shared bathroom with the Blue Room (bathtub)
• Small Bambou Twin Room
  2 single beds, sleeps 2
  Shared bathroom (depending on the layout with Bambou or the landing)
• Chinese Room
  : 1 double bed (160 cm), sleeps 2
  : Private bathroom with bathtub, shower, and toilet
• Train Room
  2 single beds, sleeps 2
  Bathroom nearby (shared or private, depending on availability)

2nd floor (6 bedrooms)

• Green Room
  1 double bed (160 cm), sleeps 2
  Private bathroom with tub and shower
  Separate toilet
• Yellow Room
  1 double bed and 1 single bed, sleeps 3
  Shared bathroom nearby
• Red Room
  : 1 double bed (160 cm), sleeps 2
  : Bathroom with tub (nearby or shared)
• Small Red Room with Two Beds
  2 single beds, sleeps 2
  Shared bathroom nearby
• Boat Room
  2 single beds (or 1 king-size bed), 2 people
  Shared bathroom nearby
• Almond Green Room
  2 single beds (or 1 king-size bed), 2 people
  Private bathroom with shower and toilet

The Château de Pitray stands on land that has been inhabited for over 10, 000 years, as evidenced by a prehistoric dolmen nestled in the park. This mysterious relic serves as a reminder that this place has always drawn people, generation after generation.

Owned by the same family for 26 generations, Pitray embodies a rare and precious continuity. The first known mention of this lineage dates back to 1466, when Jehan de Las Simas, known as Simard, acquired a parcel of vineyards in Saint-Émilion. This pivotal moment occurred a few years after the Battle of Castillon (1453), which brought an end to the Hundred Years’ War and ushered in a new era of civil peace for the region. It was during this period that the first feudal manor house at Pitray was built.

In the following century, the estate was remodeled by Marguerite de Pellegrue, Lady of Pitray and a member of one of the branches of the Ségur family. Although no document formally confirms it, tradition holds that Montaigne—whose château is located less than an hour’s ride away—was a regular visitor to Pitray.

Over the centuries, the family’s ancestors have included several distinguished figures who have left their mark on French history:

• Jean d’Yversen, sent in 1559 by Henry III as ambassador to Suleiman the Magnificent;
• Palamède de Suffren, who fought alongside his uncle, the Bailiff of Suffren, during the American War of Independence in 1778;
• Benoît de Boigne, hired by Maharaja Scindia as commander-in-chief of the Maratha army;
• Émile Vincent de Pitray, father-in-law of the famous Countess of Ségur;
• And finally, General de Simard de Pitray, a graduate of Saint-Cyr, aide-de-camp to Marshal Niel, Minister of War, and later general of the cavalry in the Oran Division in 1886. It was he who had the castle completely rebuilt in 1868, as we can admire it today.

From the park, the view takes in the historic site of the Battle of Castillon, fought on July 17, 1453, which marked the end of the Hundred Years’ War. It was here that the French armies defeated the English troops, sealing the reconquest of the kingdom and leading to the death of the English general Talbot—the very same man who had taken Joan of Arc prisoner.

A remarkable testament to an unbroken history, the château, its grounds, gardens, and outbuildings were designated in their entirety as Historic Monuments by a decree dated April 19, 2010.

It’s impossible to get bored in Saint-Émilion—you don’t even need to venture as far as Bordeaux, even though it’s so close by. But if there’s one place where you can truly disconnect from the city’s frenetic pace and rediscover a soothing sense of balance, in harmony with nature, it’s at Château de Pitray.

You are here in the heart of the first vineyard designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a landscape shaped by vineyards for centuries. Winemaking permeates the region and gives it a very special charm. There are many wineries run by independent winegrowers—often family-owned—that welcome you for authentic tastings, just a stone’s throw from the château.

Saint-Émilion is also a culinary hotspot, where local produce goes hand in hand with quality. The region is classified as a ZNIEFF (Natural Area of Ecological, Faunistic, and Floristic Interest), a testament to its rich biodiversity. Here, you can enjoy good, healthy food amidst protected landscapes.

Whether you’re looking to recharge your batteries or work off a few indulgences, the region offers kilometers of marked trails to explore on foot or by bike. Some follow ancient pilgrimage routes, while others wind through vineyards and valleys. Both active travelers and those seeking tranquility will find something to enjoy here.

A region of sensory delights, but also a land of culture, the Saint-Émilion region boasts a rich intellectual heritage. Just 12 kilometers from Château de Pitray, be sure to visit Château de Montaigne, the former home of the famous philosopher. The tour is anything but stuffy: educational booklets and treasure hunts make the experience fun and exciting for families. And from the heights of the park, the view of the Dordogne Valley is magnificent.

Finally, just a short walk from the estate, experience a unique moment at the Battle of Castillon reenactment—a spectacular historical reenactment that brings together more than 600 volunteers every summer, including 400 extras in armor and on horseback, in a spectacular production worthy of Puy du Fou. History, excitement, and entertainment guaranteed.