Château de Bagens can seat 200 guests for dinner or 250 in theatre layout in its marquee, and host a cocktail for 300 on its forecourt facing the Pyrenees. The Second Empire château stands in Lorp-Sentaraille, in the Couserans area of Ariège in southwest France, with a 3-hectare park, a pool and a seven-bedroom gîte for guests.
Seminars and company events
The marquee, known as the Chapiteau, covers 300 square meters and can be arranged for seminars, with up to 250 people in theatre layout. For a smaller board meeting or a working session, the Salon d'honneur takes 40 in theatre layout or 30 around a table, and in winter it works as a lounge by the fireplace. Breaks and lunches can move outside to the forecourt or the pool terrace, which has a boules court. The seven-bedroom gîte allows a small team to stay on site for a two-day retreat.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings use the whole estate. Civil-style ceremonies take place in the park or on the forecourt, which looks toward the Pyrenees and holds a drinks reception for 300. A tent can be set up on the forecourt if the weather turns. Dinner follows in the Chapiteau for up to 200 seated, or on the forecourt under the stars for 150. In summer the pool, measuring 10 by 5 meters, hosts cocktails and entertainment. The park also takes tents, marquees and lounge areas for larger setups.
Rooms and capacities
The Chapiteau, 300 square meters, seats 200 for dinner, 250 in theatre, 300 for a cocktail, or 100 at round tables. The Salon d'honneur, 55 square meters and furnished with 19th-century pieces, seats 30, takes 45 for a cocktail and 40 in theatre. The forecourt covers about 200 square meters, and the park extends over 3 hectares.
Accommodation
The gîte has seven bedrooms and five private bathrooms: five double rooms and two family rooms with two double beds each. Each room has a desk, a wardrobe and chests of drawers, and linen is provided. A fully equipped kitchen, access to the park and pool, and private parking are included.
Catering
Catering is handled by chef Pao Magny, who cooks with local, seasonal produce. Each menu is built with the client at a tasting meeting, according to taste, budget and theme, and vegetarian and allergy needs are covered.
History and setting
The château was built between 1852 and 1870 for Gaspard de Fornier de Clauselles, heir to an entailed estate created under the Restoration. Its Second Empire architecture has been preserved, and the reception rooms keep period furniture.
Getting there
The address is Lieu-dit Bagens, 09190 Lorp-Sentaraille, next to Saint-Girons in the Couserans valley. Toulouse is the nearest city with a major airport and train station, and private parking is available at the château.
