The Belle Époque is fondly looked back on as a time of peace and prosperity, set between the ravages of the Franco-Prussian War and the First World War. It was at this time that romanticism and idealism filled the hearts of the French people, inspiring new styles of artwork, design, and architecture that heavily influenced this era. At the same time, many classical conventions were also revived, particularly the Renaissance.

Château Valmy was a product of this age, designed by the famed Danish architect Viggo Dorph Petersen. The chateau would be built in 3 years, starting in 1888 and finishing in 1900. Petersen applied the prevalent Art Nouveau style, featuring walls that shine in the sun, though without the overly intricate flourishes such as filigrees and vine patterns. The chateau was actually built atop a much older residence from the 13th century named Mas d'En Frère. It was commissioned by Jules Pams and his wife Jeanne Bardou-Job. Madame Jeanne Pams was the heiress of a cigarette paper magnate, and she wished for a grand estate befitting their ambitions.

By 1911, Jules Pams achieved a title he had so coveted in his career and became the Minister of Agriculture. He used his position to promote the many fine wines of France, eventually reaching even the tables of foreign royalty such as Czar Nicholas II. Château Valmy thus also cultivated a reputation as a home for those who were steeped in knowledge about wine culture.

The chateau's next owner was Victor Peix, a distillery owner who came from a much humbler background. Initially, Valmy was still out of reach with his wealth, but he struck upon the idea of acquiring old army trucks from World War I and using them to transport the marc, or residue, from local winegrowers. His distillery business grew, and he finally could afford to buy the castle. Victor would also expand into winemaking, establishing the VALMYA brand, known for its sweet wines. His wife Jeanne Peix took over after Victor died in 1952, continuing to produce and sell VALMYA's signature vintages until the 1980s.

Though the estate remained in the hands of Peix's family, the wine businesses did not restart. Victor's grandson, Bernard Carbonnell, took the reins. Using his success in real estate, Bernard revived and rebranded the property and enterprise as the Château Valmy we know today. Together with his family, they manage various aspects of the estate, from the luxurious stays to the processing of the year's harvests and vintages.

Design and Architecture

Château Valmy is a fine example of Art Nouveau architecture, designed with white walls that shine in the sun. Complementing the Belle Époque designs are traditional regional conventions of Occitania, particularly the red roofs and tiles made with the region's clay. This blend of two styles is used throughout the property, even for newer buildings such as the Vall Maria Hall.

For its interiors, the chateau has dedicated its lounges and salons to its previous residents. The Salon de Jeanne Pams is a dining hall featuring antique furniture, named after the Madame who chose the scenic location where the chateau now stands. The guestrooms, on the other hand, are given a more contemporary style, opting for modern furniture designs and vivid color themes.

La Table de Valmy is the signature restaurant of Château Valmy, situated on the grassy terrace overlooking the vineyards. Though only open seasonally, guests can partake in the restaurant's delectable wines and sumptuous gourmet fare from spring until autumn. Savor the diverse flavors of Occitan cuisine, made with local produce, seasonal pickings, and fresh catches from the Mediterranean. Each meal is carefully crafted to be paired with Château Valmy's own produced wines, elevating the experience beyond being an outdoor gourmet meal.

Opening hours: 12 pm - 1:30 pm (Lunch); 7 pm - 9:30 pm (Dinner)

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through the hotel's phone contact number.

Château Valmy is proud to offer its wondrous estate as a distinguished setting for your wedding reception. Provided are two venue options, one indoors and another outdoors, both of which are suitable for grand galas celebrating a blessed and romantic union.

Vall Maria Hall

An absolutely gorgeous modern banquet hall with stunning views of the landscape. The hall comes equipped with elevator access, a video projector for presentations, and even cold storage catering.
Capacity: 180 guests

Outdoor Pool Area

Set your celebrations by the swimming pool terrace and the grove of century-old cedars, basking in the warmth and comfort of the French countryside. Feel free to make the castle the backdrop of your photos and videos. You can also step away from the sun and shelter inside the first-floor lounges, socializing with other guests in a relaxing atmosphere.
Capacity: 300 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Château Valmy lies nestled in Argelès-sur-Mer, a paradisiacal commune along the Mediterranean and close to the Spanish border. Its warm climate provides a fantastic rural retreat, with access to the beautiful mountains and beaches of Occitania. Of its many beaches, the closest one to Château Valmy is Plage du Racou. Though smaller than the other beaches in the area, it is well-liked for its fine sand and charming heritage as a fishing village.

Visitors who would like to explore the mountains will find many hiking trails close to the chateau, especially in the National Nature Reserve of La Massane. Cycling enthusiasts can also check out the various bike trails close to the borders of Spain and France. Also situated next to the border are the ruins of Bellegarde Fort, a mountain citadel built during the 17th century and captured by the Spanish during the War of the Pyrenees.