Château de Rouffillac

Chateau de Rouffillac harbors unprecedented facilities – a cliff top luxury pool, relaxing courtyards, historic ramparts, Al Fresco outdoor dining overlooking the Dordogne river, multi terraced gardens and a state-of-the-art private yoga studio and a fully equipped gym.

Originally built as an 11th century mansion overlooking the Dordogne valley, the current building was restored in the nineteenth century in an inspired revival resulting in this beautiful chateau. The chateau has an extraordinary history in its millennia. It played a role in the 14th century, 100 year war by harbouring soldiers and providing a strategic location for observation. Many other historical events took place including the United States French ambassador writing important diplomatic letters to Thomas Jefferson from within the beautiful library.

It’s ideally located for your exploration of this extraordinary region which contains over 1000 chateau’s, many Michelin restaurants, famous markets, Knight Templar citadels and not to mention the overwhelming number of activities in the region – canoeing, cycling, rock climbing, hot air ballooning and many, many more.

Chateau de Rouffillac offers many luxurious and classic living spaces. Nine highly appointed bedroom suites all overlooking the Dordogne valley. A Royal suite featuring its own turret, a luxurious bathroom, a sitting area with magnificent views and a separate bedroom featured with a tall stone cathedral vaulted ceiling and stain glass windows.

Rouffillac Wellness
Pamper yourself at Chateau Rouffillac’s recently added Wellness Center. The modern facility combines the elements Dordognes inspiring natural surroundings. Take an early morning stroll in the mystical forests, meditate on the many exclusive areas either in the forest or viewing the idyllic valley. Unwind with an evening stretch in the serene wellness studio, or rest on a serene cliff top deck. The fitness center is a breathtaking conversion of an ancient building, completely modernised whilst maintaining ancient period elements and a stain glass window making it perhaps one of the most unique gyms in the world. Push your exercise routine to new heights using the extensive array of the most modern cardio machines, including a Concept 2 rowing machine, stationary bike and Treadmill. Or utilise the new strength training equipment, with a large selection of free-weights and a multi-gymn and benches.

Additionally many relaxing services are available including yoga, massage, nails and hair and others upon request. Please note that the fitness facilities need to be reserved, so please let us know your interest when you book your stay at Rouffillac.

History
The chateau was constructed in the Middle Ages – the 12th century and has now existed for over 900 years. The Lords of Rouffillac who controlled this part of the Dordogne Valley were a powerful family. The original structure was designed as a grand manor house for which all the region could see because it was perched on the hill-side. In the 15th century, the chateau was occupied by soldiers during the 100 years war, where the Dordogne river became the demarcation line between the French and British armies. As a result the chateau became familiar to both the French and British who have influenced its art and construction. For the military the chateau commanded A strategic observation point because of its location and incredible visibility of the valley and river. Some of the ancient observation point stone structures still exist on the site today. The structure was restored in the 19th century by a famous ophthalmologist from Paris, who wanted a “madness” fairytale chateau. He spent a great deal to make this remodel a Renaissance inspiration.

When he passed away, his son Rene inherited the chateau. Rene married a wealthy Californian woman and turned it into a party house with quite an acclaim. The Palm trees on the site are a last remnant from this epoch. The incessant partying and glamour life style, living way beyond their means, resulted in Renes bankruptcy. The Chateau was abandoned and left in disrepair until in 1958 when the Chateau was acquired by a Famous French Zoologist Pierre Paul Grasse. He was the President of the Academy of Science at the Sorbonne and wrote the definitive encyclopedia around subjects in entomology. When Jean Paul Grasse passed away, his daughter took over the Chateau. Subsequently the property was acquired by an English American family who have painstakingly upgraded the beautiful chateau to its current state.