Book a blissful château break this Easter with fresh air fun for all ages

Time to shrug off those winter blues and embrace the warmer weather with a family escape in the Languedoc, France’s unspoiled southern secret with its sun-drenched vineyards and slow-paced charm. It’s here that you’ll find a trio of magical wine estates, lovingly restored and transformed into stylish retreats, making the perfect spring getaway, whether you have toddlers or teens in tow… 

Château Les Carrasses 

Getaways don’t get more fairy-tale than this impossibly pretty château with its Rapunzel-like turret. Wrapped in rolling vineyards, woodland and meadows, it lies at the heart of an immense estate that’s a natural playground for adults and children alike. 

Activities for everyone…

Borrow a complimentary mountain bike (in all sizes so kids can ride, too) to explore the estate, or pedal along the scenic Canal du Midi nearby. Then return for a soak in the sleek infinity pool, heated to a blissful 28 degrees and boasting magnificent views. For younger guests, the fantastic Kids Club has a wonderful range of activities, such as the Little Farmer workshop with a visit to the château’s mini-farm to meet friendly goats and chickens. Other fun-filled workshops include Little Birdwatcher, Little Winemaker (with organic grape juice tastings) and Little Baker. There are a host of Easter-themed treats, too, including chocolate egg decorating sessions. Meanwhile, grown-ups can enjoy the clay tennis court, yoga classes, guided vineyard walks and wine-tasting sessions. Or for some serious pampering, Le Mazet is a rustic wine-grower’s refuge now transformed into serene treatment rooms with heavenly spa products from Cinq Mondes. 

Sweet dreams… 

A range of stylish accommodation is ideal for visiting en famille. Along with sophisticated suites in the château itself, there are luxury self-catering properties sleeping up to eight, with private terraces or gardens and some with their own pool. Fully-equipped kitchens make self-catering a delight (and a good excuse to visit the superb local markets) or if you don’t fancy cooking, the château’s newly launched Orta is a must. Deriving its name from ‘Horta’, meaning garden, this inspiring restaurant is all about delicious ‘farm to fork’ menus using the freshest local produce.

Discover the Languedoc coast at Château Capitoul 

The epitome of French elegance, Château Capitoul is immensely stylish without being stuffy. It’s this winning blend of laidback chic that makes it perfect for a relaxed family break, with a renowned wine cellar, guided tastings and a sleek Cinq Mondes spa to please parents, along with endless adventurous activities to keep easily-bored teens happy.  

Activities for everyone…

While it’s tempting to linger within the beautiful 120-hectare wine estate with its award-winning dry Mediterranean gardens, shimmering infinity pool and top-notch spa, one of the delights of Château Capitoul is the range of thrilling activities on its doorstep. Just five minutes’ drive lies the pretty seaside resort of Gruissan, where a range of watersports includes stand-up paddle-boarding, wing foil, wind-surfing and wake-boarding. More high-octane fun can be had canyoning at dramatic Gorges d’Heric (try a nocturnal trip for added adrenalin) or kayaking past the idyllic village of Roquebrun before pausing for a riverside picnic. Prefer to stay on dry land? The spectacular scenery of La Clape is perfect for family hikes, or you could try an eco-friendly electric bike tour of Gruissan’s sweeping salt flats, learning about their unique ecosystem. For budding linguists, Château Capitoul even has an Easter language course for teenagers, ideal for polishing up on French before summer exams.

Travelling with teens who like their own space? Like its sister property, Château Capitoul offers stylish self-catering villas set among spectacular gardens, many with their own pool. Ideal for families, friends or multi-generational gatherings, they boast all the comforts of a luxury hotel with the privacy of your own bolthole. Two superb gastronomic restaurants showcase local produce, with ingredients sourced from the château’s own kitchen gardens. 

Château St Pierre de Serjac 

A magnificent 19th-century chateau encircled by a 200-acre working wine estate, Château St Pierre de Serjac follows the same winning formula as its sister properties with a 30-metre pool, masterclay tennis court and expansive, light-filled Cinq Mondes Spa (complete with hydrotherapy pool, steamy hammam and vineyard-view hot tub). Wine trails fan out across the estate, inviting exploring, while accommodation ranges from luxury bedrooms to chic self-catering villas. With a superb location, it’s perfectly placed for day trips to UNESCO-listed medieval Carcassonne, as well as Béziers & Narbonne, known for their excellent weekend markets.

New activities for 2025… 

Château St Pierre de Serjac is launching exciting new Languedoc gastronomic and cultural experiences for guests, led by a bilingual guide. From Spring 2025, guests can join three new tours, including a visit to local winemakers or olive oil producers, a guided hike in the dramatic Gorges d’Héric & a leather bag making workshop in Pézanas, one of the most charming and best preserved medieval towns in Southern France. Just half an hour away from the château lies the newly-restored Halles of Béziers, now a vibrant hub of independent food shops, cafes and bars. 

For further information visit www.lescarrasses.com, www.chateaucapitoul.com or www.serjac.com.