Château de Lescours is surrounded by reminders of its long history as an important stronghold on the banks of the Dordogne. Pey de Lascortz built and gave his name to the edifice in the 14th century under the rule of the English. Then, in the 16th century changing alliance, the chateau offered shelter to Henri de Navarre, future Henri IV of France. It retains a regal presence to this day.
Vines planted in the 19th century make a delicious Saint Emilion Grand Cru in cellars built by the Lurs Saluces family of Château d’Yquem. What is unique is that the vines represent just eight hectares of this impressive property, once one of the largest of the region. The remaining 72 ha are part of a preserved wetland eco-system with a unique and preciously protected biodiversity thanks to the Chariol family that have been taking care of the chateau and the countryside around it, for five generations. For the last 40 years, Pierre Chariol, one of 9 children, has managed the estate and made the wines. It is under his initiative that the property has opened up to wine tourism, welcoming guests to visit and taste and now to also stay over.
Renovations in 2021 transformed the château to welcome guests, with two independent guest houses and two guest rooms. This is just the latest architectural evolution in a long history that has seen many transformations. During la Renaissance, decorative openings, a bridge and an elegant staircase were added giving the property its outstanding image.
Stay a while
All the rooms and guests houses are furnished in an elegant French country style marrying tradition and modernity with state-of-the-art bathrooms and fully equipped kitchen in the guest houses. The largest house has five bedrooms with a fabulous French country kitchen, perfect for entertaining and ideal for foodies returning from the local farmers market in Libourne. Or they can organise a private chef to come and do the work for you. It has its own pool and outdoor kitchen for summer BBQs.
The smaller, two bedroomed ‘vine workers house’ has its own discreet jacuzzi in the garden. The two double guest rooms include La Tour du Henri IV, with a nod to the property’s rich history.
Guests are invited by the family to visit the vines and cellars, taste the wines and picnic in the grounds. there are also painting, photography or yoga classes and even a massage therapist on call.
Today, the chateau is surrounded by a grassy balustraded terrace, once a useful lookout over the vines and the Dordogne River. A deep moat and ancient arrow slits are a legacy of its history dating back to the middle ages. Staying here is not only a useful base to discover the vineyards, ancient villages and towns of the right bank of Bordeaux, it’s also an invitation to step back in time, a full immersion into the vibrant history of the region.
Text by Wendy Narby - Insider Tasting
Photos: ©Château de Lescours
Video's credits: ©fakhry_nader et ©schz.Farah
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