Laudun-l'Ardoise, Languedoc-Roussillon 30290

A 310-m dwelling in a 12th-century chateau, registered as a national Historical Monument, with moats, grounds and outbuildings, 30 minutes from Avignon and Uzs, in the Provencal Gard region. Not far from the banks of the Rhne, this chateau is one of the region's most characteristic monuments, the landscape of which is influenced by winemaking and the richness of its soil, fed by the canals flowing from the peaceful neighbouring waterway, which once provided access to the river. Making skilful use of its strategic position, its construction, on a site that was most likely already occupied during the Carolingian period, dates back to the 12th century with an initial dwelling abutting a defensive tower. However, it was not until the 16th century that it was considerably developed in order to become the impressive edifice of one of the most prominent families in southern France, as well as one of the few in south-eastern France to have a defensive system composed of moats, still filled by a neighbouring stream, which are, in turn surrounded by a curtain of plane trees.From the 12th century, the chateau preserved its corner tower in the northwest, cadenced by impressive arrow slits, while two other towers (including a dovecote) flank the eastern and south-eastern corners of the three three-storey main buildings. The whole surrounds an immense formal courtyard closed off to the south by a high wall, accessible via a massive door with vermiculated rustic stonework, whereas the former rampart walk was transformed into a path along the banks of the moats. In addition, a stone bridge has now replaced the former drawbridge, which today has all but disappeared except for the bases of two of its piers. As for the buildings' understated exteriors, cadenced by cross-windows and several more recent low-arched windows, they are somewhat counterbalanced by the richly carved doors in the central building and chapel.Saved from ruin in 1978 and registered as a national Historical Monument, the chateau was the subject of a comprehensive restoration project in the 2000s, which resulted in the creation of accommodations combining modern comforts with an unconditional respect for the property's heritage. Located on the first floor of the chateau's western wing and partially situated in what was once the Estates General room, the flat occupies a section built between 1572 and 1590 for Marshall de Joyeuse and communicates with a second, independent flat.