Discovery of Domaine et Château de Valinches,

A deep dive into the wealth of nature and heritage.

Built in 1843 by brothers Pierre and Joseph d’Assier, Château de Valinches changed ownership in 2020, as current owners Muriel and Bruno fell in love with the soulful and authentic charm of the estate.

Driven by a genuine commitment to a sustainable development approach, the couple sought to undertake extensive restoration works on a large portion (2500 m2) of the structural premises, including the Château itself (900 m2).
The renovation projects that have since come to fruition offer guests a new hotel and restaurant as well as new reception areas, all of which comply with high standards of quality. Besides the property rehabilitation undertakings, Muriel and Bruno have introduced a wide range of activities to optimise the estate’s natural surroundings to the fullest.

In the very heart of a relaxing and invigorating nature haven, Domaine et Château de Valinches is an exceptional place to stay or host events in the Loire region. Its close location from major cities Lyon, Saint-Étienne and Clermont-Ferrand make it ideal for a nature-filled weekend away or corporate seminar.

Whether for a meal, day trip, night stop, weekend, or slightly longer stay in the lush Haut-Forez region, the enchanting grounds and stunning château life at Domaine et Château de Valinches are sure to provide a marvellous change of scenery and breath of fresh air, with quality comfort and copious amounts of cultural heritage.

Domaine et Château de Valinches

A nature break on the doorstep of the beautiful Auvergne region

With its French gardens, 15 hectares of wooded parkland, and a delightful pond, Domaine de Valinches at the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is an ideal destination for hosting corporate seminars in the great outdoors, or for a green family get away close to Lyon.

The estate’s peaceful location in luscious natural surroundings, and its commitment to wellness, tranquillity, and nature preservation, make for a unique and unforgettable experience. The restful yet invigorating estate grounds are actually just one of nature’s gems in the Livradois-Forez region, roosted midway between the mountains of the Auvergne and the plains of the Loire.

At the very heart of nature, château life at Domaine de Valinches is about enjoying privileged access to its unique surroundings:

  • 15 hectares of parkland, majestic trees – some of which have been around for over 200 years old
  • A romantic pond with its little island
  • A chapel on the edge of the woods, surrounded by greenery
  • A greenway and Santiago de Compostela routes less than 400 m away
  • A 2-kilometre fitness trail to take in the fresh air of the Auvergne foothills

Domaine et Château de Valinches offers a central location on the French map, between the Rhone and Loire rivers, for a countryside holiday or short stay close to Saint-Étienne, Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand.

A site steeped in heritage for a relaxing stay or a productive work session in a château loaded with character

Located on the outskirts of the medieval town of Marols – elected “Most Beautiful Village in the Loire” in 2022 – Domaine de Valinches offers the sheer charm of tradition and at the same time all the modern standards of comfort for an exclusive, sophisticated stay.

More than just a nature break or business gathering, visitors to Domaine et Château de Valinches are reeled back in time as soon as they enter through the medieval doorway. The Château’s elegant esplanade is overlooked by majestic towers and can welcome up to 300 guests for an unforgettable cocktail reception in an impressive setting. The small, romantic and somewhat mystical chapel (built in 1868), nestled on the edge of the pond, is perfect for a formal wedding ceremony with the bride and groom and a few extra special guests. A vast open space beyond the park makes for a great spot to host a larger-capacity civil ceremony overlooking the pond. The 290 m2 reception room, surmounted by rows of rustic wooden beams, is a wonderful venue for dining and partying and creating fond memories in a place so rich with history.

Choosing Domaine et Château de Valinches for a seminar, overnight stay, or short holiday is also a fantastic opportunity to discover an exceptional heritage site which all customers can enjoy:

  • Four-star hotel with 30 rooms including 4 en-suite (currently under classification), decorated in an elegant and sophisticated style with natural tones
  • Comfortable trailers with 22 beds, and a dormitory that sleeps 15 bring the Domaine’s accommodation capacity to 109 beds for big events
  • Fine-dining restaurant with imaginative gourmet dishes
  • A tasting room
  • A relaxation lounge
  • Large reception room with a great deal of character (290 m2 floor space and 45 m2 stage, for a capacity of up to 350 guests)
  • Three stylish, fully equipped seminar/reception rooms (39-43 m2 each, for a total capacity of 150 people)
  • Sheltered outdoor marquee (130 m2)
  • Golf driving range
  • Numerous on-site activities
  • Free private guarded car park
  • PRM access

Host corporate events close to Lyon, Saint-Étienne and Clermont-Ferrand

Residential seminars, conferences and videoconferences, executive meetings, team building retreats, training workshops, company anniversaries, product launches, general assemblies, etc.

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Host your private receptions close to Saint-Étienne, Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand

A splendid château for a prestigious wedding, birthday, christening, bar or bat mitzvah, retirement celebration, hen/stag do, family reunion, etc.

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Enjoy a nature break close to Lyon, Saint-Étienne and Clermont-Ferrand

For a romantic weekend, a night stop, a countryside family holiday, a relaxation break or wellness retreat, etc.

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Retrace the historical steps of Domaine et Château de Valinches

  • 1299

    The founders of the Château

    In 1299, the Count of Forez split the seignorial land of Valenches (old spelling) where the d’Assier family came to settle and live, before eventually becoming the owners of the whole estate in the 18th century.

  • 1840

    An estate like no other in the region

    With the exception of the 15th century house and the fountain by the pigeon tower (estimated to date back to the 12th century), the d’Assier family rebuilt the estate entirely, marking the Domaine’s apogee.

  • 1843

    A family château

    Built in 1843 by brothers Pierre and Joseph d’Assier, the Château became their home. Then in 1868, the château was extended with pepperpot turrets (corner towers), foundations, and the chapel. Domaine de Valinches belonged to the De Chavagnac family until 2014.

  • 2014

    Rebirth

    The estate was taken on by Catherine and Gérald Pietroy, who rehabilitated the grand reception room in the former stable quarters to begin hosting weddings, skyrocketing its reputation in and around Lyon, Saint-Étienne and Clermont-Ferrand.

  • 2020

    The beginning of an era of sustainability

    Muriel and Bruno Faure fell in love with the authenticity of the property and became the estate’s new owners, vowing to revamp and shine the spotlight on the Domaine’s haven of greenery and treasured heritage. Renovation works began on most of the buildings (2500 m2), including the 900 m2 château, with a view to establishing a hotel and restaurant. Driven by a strong commitment to a sustainable development approach, the couple aspire to create additional reception areas and more activities to ultimately position Domaine et Château de Valinches as one of the top-class reception venues in the Loire region for hosting memorable weddings and corporate seminars in the vicinity of Saint-Étienne, Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand.

To write the next chapter, all we need is you!

Témoignages

Nous venons vous remercier pour l’accueil sympathique et chaleureux le 12 juillet dans un salon mis à notre disposition pour partager un repas avec nos enfants , petits enfants et conjoints , dans un cadre agréable , un repas délicieux et très abordable ; le parc est reposant et a permis de mettre en mémoire de très bons souvenirs à notre famille.

L’accueil est chaleureux, les chambres sont très bien. Nous avons diné plusieurs soir au restaurant de l’hôtel, nous nous sommes régalé. Bref, un beau séjour dans un cadre unique et reposant. Que du bonheur.

Exceptionnel, nous sommes venus déjeuner au restaurant ce midi, une équipe dynamique, souriante, aimable et un service irréprochable. La cuisine était raffinée. Je reviendrai sans hésitation.

Un cadre magique, un repas exceptionnel, le personnel est magnifique, agréable, souriant. Un très bon moment dans ce très beau château.

Très bel endroit, havre de paix pour réceptions, séminaires, etc. Dans un beau parc avec un joli parcours de golf.

Nous souhaitions vous dire un grand merci pour notre repas d’hier. Le repas était délicieux, le cadre magnifique, le maître d’hôtel très disponible et à l’écoute. Tout était parfait. Nous reviendrons sans hésitation. Encore merci pour tout.

Accueil parfait, dans un cadre d’exception et avec un professionnalisme de très haut standing ! Encore merci.

(Séminaire résidentiel, janvier 2023).