The château

Château de Gère is what the French call a ‘château fort’, a fortified structure built for defense purposes. Initially constructed in the late 1300s, it is believed that the tower and upper level were added in the Renaissance era.

Some interesting exterior features include a plaque above the main entrance that reads, "Wisdom begins with the fear of Jean de Gère - 1613" (it seems someone thought quite highly of himself). There are also a number of arrow slits that are strategically placed across the château as well as gargoyles on the south facing windows and a remnant of a stone structure on the back wall that certainly raises some questions.

Inside, a stone staircase leads to the main living area that features an old stone sink and grand fireplace that Henri IV may have used when the château served as his hunting lodge. The kitchen has since been updated with more modern conveniences while attempting to maintain some rustic charm. 

Château de Gère is nestled in a small medieval village with more sheep than people and the ‘neighbors' can often be found grazing on the large field behind the pool. The grounds also include a vegetable garden and a small stream that runs from the mountain above through the center of the property, cascading over the embankment below. Listening to the sound of the trickling water and sheep bells while admiring the surrounding mountains is what puts us in our happy place.