The family House Parties at Rigaud are something of a closely guarded secret with returning guests fast out numbering the first timers. Usually lasting four nights this is rest and relaxation for mum and dad with plenty of old fashioned fun and "the freedom to run" for the younger guests.

Mornings see the children enjoying age appropriate childcare in the chateau and grounds. Babies and toddlers remain on the gallery play zone with play dough and finger paints, music making and story time. Older children race about the grounds chasing after treasure hunts, planting trees, and gathering firewood or inside in where there's a build your own chateau project, a spot of film making and the DIY Pizza's need preparing for their lunch. Parents are free to tour St Emilon, take in a market or just go back to bed with a good book!

Afternoons are 'at ease' but often see the kids racing about the gardens or up to the woods like some inseparable gang before they enjoy supervised suppers in the chateau kitchen, followed by a film in the cinema while Mum or Dad can get a bit of "me time", either relaxing in a roll top bath with the complimentary REN toiletries or enjoying a glass of Bordeaux in the bar before a four course grown up dinner with wine tasting and adult conversation.

Family House Parties allows you to enjoy the chateau lifestyle without having to book the chateau as a whole.

Rooms cost from 350 euros per night for two adults and up to two children. This is inclusive of breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and cake, kitchen suppers for kids and a four course dinner, all with endless excellent wines.