Castle with the South of France with Two Pools, Gym and Tennis Court

Overall:
The chateau was beautiful and we had a great time. It was large enough for everyone.
Enjoyed Most:
The grounds are beautifully kept, the managers were very friendly and helpful. It was very large for a large number of people, plenty of room to spread out. There were many amenities (swimming pool, gym, table tennis, bikes).
Enjoyed Least:
There were not enough lounge chairs by the swimming pool for such a large group. The WiFi was unreliable - it could only be used in the living room which smelled so smoky it was hard to stay in that room. The sauna could not be used without simultaneously heating the pool, which cost extra. The chateau is 40 minutes from Montpellier--further than we anticipated. We were disappointed that we could not have an in depth tour of the wine making facilities and wine cellar because the wine person was on holiday. Note that most bedrooms do not have an en suite bathroom. Some bedrooms that were listed with private bathrooms actually were not en suite; one has to walk out of the bedroom to the bathroom.
Surrounding Area:
Surprisingly, outside the chateau there was a church with a bull ring attached to it! We were fortunate that there was a bull fight (non violent) while we were there. It was very interesting for us to see this slice of native life. The region is a bull and camargue (white horse) raising area.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in the village of Saint Laurent D'Aigouze. We could walk outside and there was a pharmacy, a small tobacco shop, and a couple of restaurants. We ate at one of the restaurants which was one of the best meals we had during our 3 weeks in France. Unfortunately, one had to drive to a small supermarket as there was none within walking distance. Nearby towns, only 10 to 15 minutes away were very nice.
Tips or Restaurants:
The restaurant outside the chateau with a green awning was delicious. You need to rent a car, any sites and grocery shopping you need to drive.
Directions:
The managers (Leeloo and Chris) are very friendly and helped us, and they were a highlight of renting this chateau.
Check In Out:
We did not need to have the rental voucher or copies of our passports. It was really simple and stress free to check in and out.

Cynthia, July

Overall:
The Chateau Laurent was even better than we'd expected. It was a perfect spot for a family -- with two pools, a tennis court, a trampoline, two fully equipped kitchens, a very well-equipped fitness center, a winery, and a theater with a good ion of movies in English. Quiet, peaceful, with beautiful park-like grounds, but, at the same time, with immediate access to a charming town center with restaurants and pastry shops. I suspect that Rent Villas may not have been fully familiar with the place because it wasn't marketed as well as it might have been. It had the best of two worlds the privacy and natural beauty of well-manicured and landscaped grounds (maybe 10 acres?), but the chateau, itself, backed the town and so it was also a very easy walk out a back door to shops, a grocery store, a bakery, and restaurants. There was also an open air market, with ions of fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, cheeses, fish, prepared foods, and pastries most mornings, and several festivals in the evenings -- literally just beyond the gate. Also, there was a lovely couple, Leelou and Chris, who were billed as caretakers, but who were really more like concierges. They lived in a private apartment on the property, and they helped us get dinner reservations, walked us places in town to show us where they were located, and even drove us to pick up a supply of groceries when we arrived. They helped us prepare meals and insisted on doing all of the cleanup. They laid out breakfast for us each morning on the terrace, and helped us practice our fresh. They also spoke English quite well and helped us order at restaurants. They were really delightful and we truly enjoyed them. There was also a housekeeper, Jolila (sp?) who was very pleasant and extremely helpful.
Enjoyed Most:
The setting. The facility and the town were both nicer than we'd expected. It was also a very nice to have so much help and support from the staff at the chateau. Chris, Leelou, and Jolila were a lot of fun. And we really enjoyed a tour and tasting that was offered by the Greg, vintner of the on-site winery. The outdoor pool, complete with a waterfall, was a highlight as well. And the fitness room and spa were very well equipped and were very much enjoyed by all.
Enjoyed Least:
Most of it isn't air conditioned, and we were visited by bats if we left the windows open at night. The name and telephone number for the key holder were incorrect, which resulted in delays when we arrived.
Surrounding Area:
It's an ideal location. There are any number of very charming towns. Nimes has fascinating antiquities, such as a preserved colosseum, a Greek temple and, nearly a truly amazing aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. We really enjoyed the cafes and streets of Arles, and the Van Gogh museum there is not to be missed. Just a few minutes drive from the chateau is a beautiful walled city called Aigues Mortes that has several wonderful restaurants, shops, and sidewalk cafes. The town of Uzes is an easy drive and is amazingly beautiful, complete with a castle that can be toured and it own leaning tower above a cathedral.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The Chateau is in the town of Saint Laurent d'Aigouze. It's fronted by a large walled entirely private park of (I'm guessing) about 10 acres of beautiful shrubs, lawns, and flowers. There's a long, dramatic treelined drive. And there is a private tennis court and walkways. However, the chateau, itself, is at the far end of the property, so that it's back wall is on the town square. We hadn't realized that this would be the case, and we were so pleased to have both easy access to the town (literally out a back door) yet have the scenic setting and privacy of the grounds.
Tips or Restaurants:
The caretakers will help you find good places to shop and eat. GPS is extremely helpful if you have a car, and I strongly recommend having a car (we had three) because there are so many wonderful things to see nearby. Get your phone/data service set up and working before you leave. With a dat plan, Google maps work beautifully and can save you the cost of paying for GPS from the car rental company. Those in our group who tried to buy and install SIM cards in their phones in France never got them to work. France is less formal than it used to be, and I wish that I'd packed more shorts and t-shirts, and fewer dress shirts and slacks.

David, June

Overall:
Delightful! Very comfortable accommodations, very friendly and helpful hosts. Very interesting and welcoming village.
Enjoyed Most:
The privacy afforded by its size and location.
Enjoyed Least:
The complications of opening and locking the entrances.
Surrounding Area:
The fact that we could walk to the bakery, pharmacy, and restaurants. The proximity to Grau du Roi, Aigue Morte, and the Mediterranean.
Nearby Events or Locales:
St. Laurent d'Aigouze was our location.
Tips or Restaurants:
All restaurants we went to in the village and in Aigue Morte were excellent.
Directions:
The GPS was very helpful.

Carolyn, June