Planning

How to get to Chateau de Villette?

By commercial flight: If you are using commercial airlines, we would recommend flying to Geneva or Lyon airport. These are international airports, but they are smaller and easier to reach by car than Paris Charles de Gaulle.

By car: We are a two-hour drive from Lyon Airport, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Geneva Airport and a four to five hour drive from Paris Airport.

By Train: High-speed trains (TGVs) connect Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon with Le Creusot – Montceau – Montchanin TGV. At the station, you can hire a car or arrange a taxi from Taxi Roch (+33 6 85 63 32 54) to take you to Château de Villette.

By helicopter: Château de Villette has GPS coordinates of 46° 51’ 59.95″, 4° 03’ 14.14″ or 46.86747 – 4.05293 (metric).

By private plane: St Yan Airport (40 minutes by car) can accommodate jets. There is also a 500 meter tarmac strip Aerodrome d’Autun, which is 20 minutes by car.

Permits and transporting fire arms

When entering and travelling in France from a foreign country.

What you need:

A letter from Chateau de Villette to proof that you are invited to come and shoot (we will supply this on request, write to cstork@wanadoo.fr).
A temporary French license for the period you are using the gun. (we will supply this on request, write to cstork@wanadoo.fr).
Civil liability insurance (we will supply this on request, write to cstork@wanadoo.fr)
Your hunting licence or the equivalent administrative document, granted in your home country.
Carry the gun in a sleeve or case separate from its ammunition.
Proof of registration of the shotgun(s).

For US citizens: This can be a form 4457 (certificate of registration for personal effects taken abroad, Contact the TSA Contact Center with questions you have regarding TSA firearm regulations)
For UK citizens: a shotgun certificate
For Europeans: a European Fire Arms certificate

When hunting in France

You must always carry with you :

Your hunting licence or the equivalent administrative document, granted in your home country.
A temporary French license for the period you are using the gun
Civil liability insurance form

Please note that we don’t take any responsibility for obtaining or advising on the correct documents for transporting or using sporting arms in France outside the period of the hunters stay at Chateau de Villette.

It is the responsibility of the hunters themselves (or the agent representing them) to adhere to the law and follow the required procedures.

We are only responsible for the legal and safe running of our shoot during their presence at Chateau de Villette.

Travelling by fast train from Paris to Chateau de Villette

Travelling by FAST train from Paris to Chateau de Villette

We recommend these comfortable trains and for us are the best way to travel to/from Paris.

https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en

Fast trains leave "Gare de Lyon in Paris" around every two hours.
You can board up to 2 minutes before departure.
It will take around 1h 20mins to arrive at Le Creusot TGV. Costs for 1st class are around €150 return journey at the moment (prices increase nearer the time).
Then a taxi for 40 mins, around €80, to arrive at Chateau de Villette.
Your shotguns and luggage can be taken on the train or collected by us and transported to chateau de Villette (costs on application).

Transporting shotguns by train in France.

You will need your temporary French hunting permit (obtained via us), our letter of invitation, and your local hunting license.

Please see a translated copy of the formal rules below:

"In France, it is possible to travel with a hunting weapon on a train, provided certain conditions are met.

A hunting licence issued in France or abroad can be used as proof of legitimate transportation of weapons.

According to Article R315-2 of the Internal Security Code, a French or foreign hunting licence is valid for the transportation of weapons, weapon components, and category C and D ammunition intended for hunting or related activities.

Additional conditions are set out in Article R 2241-25 of the Transport Code. This stipulates that any person authorised to carry a firearm may use public transport, provided that the weapon is unloaded and dismantled, and kept in a closed case or bag. During an inspection, as well as the ID required for SNCF tickets, you must present your hunting licence and proof of current validation.

Anyone who contravenes this provision is liable to a fine of €135."

https://www.chasseurdefrance.com/transporter-une-arme-de-chasse-dans-un-train/

Cartridges and guns available from Chateau de Villette

Please note that it is compulsory to use biodegradable wads and cartridges at the Château de Villette.

In France, lead shot is only permitted 100 metres from a body of water. As most of our drives are within 100 metres of a body of water, we only allow steel, sweet copper or bismuth cartridges.

We have field-tested steel and sweet copper cartridges and found them to be very effective for partridge, pheasant and duck at good heights. These cartridges seem to perform similarly to the FOB-made lead shot cartridges that we have used for years, and which were developed with the shooting characteristics at Château de Villette in mind. The FOB sweet copper cartridge delivers high speeds while complying with the C.I.P. standard. It can be used in all shotguns chambered for 70 non-tested steel shot. They are comfortable to shoot and can be used without risk to your weapon or your shoulders.

We have our own stock of custom-made 12- and 20-bore cartridges for those who wish to purchase Steel or Sweet Copper cartridges.

What are your Cancellation conditions?

Below is an excerpt from our 'Terms and Conditions':

Cancellation By YOU:

You may cancel the shooting agreement when deposits have not yet been received.

The first or reservation deposit is non-refundable.

In case of cancellation within nine weeks prior to arrival, the full amount for the entire proposal is due and non-refundable.

Cancellation By CHATEAU DE VILLETTE:

Château de Villette will notify you as soon as possible of any cancellation.

Château de Villette may cancel the shooting trip if you do not pay the deposit on time, in which case Château de Villette may retain the deposit you have paid.

Shooting trip arrangements are made many months in advance, and Château de Villette is dependent on many factors, such as disease, unrest, suppliers and political activity. Therefore, Château de Villette reserves the right to cancel, but you will be entitled to:

A full refund; or Accept a substitute package from Château de Villette of an equivalent or closely similar standard and price, if one is available.

Choose a substitute package of a lower standard than the shooting trip arrangements booked, together with a refund of the price difference.

It is your responsibility to take out cancellation insurance.

Unforeseen events (such as adverse weather conditions) can result in expensive shooting trips, so we strongly recommend that you take out adequate cover. If you already have a policy, we recommend checking the level of cancellation cover offered, as this may not cover the full cost of your shooting trip. Your deposits will be forfeited in case of cancellation outside our control.'

What is customary for tipping?

We recommend tipping the keeper at Château de Villette €75 per gun per day.

Loaders/instructors can be requested at least two weeks in advance and receive a tip of €75 per day.

Tipping the house staff is encouraged and entirely discretionary. A suggested amount is €25 per day per room.

Accommodation at Chateau de Villette

The Château de Villette is our home, and we live on the estate all year round. Following extensive renovations, Catherine opened the château as a prestigious bed and breakfast. Most rooms have an en-suite bathroom, and we can easily accommodate groups of up to 20 people. The estate also boasts two self-catering cottages, a swimming pool and a tennis court.

You can see more details of each of the available rooms in this file Chateau de Villette rooms,

What to Wear and Equipment for Driven (Wing) shooting

Dressing for any day in the field requires a balance of taste and practicality but the etiquette involved when dressing for Driven Wingshooting varies in formality and style, dependent on the day, the weather and the quarry. Driven pheasant, partridge or duck shooting will generally require more formal attire, (considered respectful to both your host and the quarry). It’s always sensible to check with your host to ensure you dress appropriately for the day. If in doubt it’s advisable to opt for a smarter turnout but certainly green and brown earthy tones (but not camo) are a suitable start for any day.

The option to order gear online (and have the gear sent to the Château) from a very good and recommendable brand - HÄRKILA - is available !

Should you prefer not to bring your shooting attire then we offer an on-line ordering service, https://harkila.com/en-gb/the-gentlemen-collection, where you can have your hunting clothes delivered directly at Chateau de Villette. We will offer a 20% reduction. Chateau de Villette is sponsored by Harkila. Härkila products are designed for those who demand more from their hunting gear. It’s for the ambitious, the passionate, and the professional. By the best for the best – or those who want to be. contact coen via cstork@wanadoo.fr.

Essentials on any Driven wingshooting day at Chateau de Villette.

Ear defenders are a must to protect your hearing, which can deteriorate over time if you shoot regularly without proper protection. They vary in style and budget, from disposable ear plugs to more technical options which cancel harmful noise levels only. Chateau de Villette has a stock of Ear defenders should you not have any.
Ensure you have plenty of felt wad cartridges (plastic wad cartridges are not allowed), of the correct bore and a good cartridge bag to carry them. For ease of use and protection, but also obligatory when travelling in a car, you will need a gun sleeve. You could invest in a cartridge bag and gun sleeve but we have both available for you to use at Chateau de Villette.
For ease of use and for helpful shooting tips during the day, Chateau de Villette has loaders available for you to use. Having experienced loaders usually increases the effectiveness of yourself in getting the required bag.
The loaders will also carry your equipment and if you are happy with their performance you can tip them at the end of the day (we would recommend €70 per day per loader).
A hat will shield your eyes from the elements, and a tweed cap flat is suitable for all types of shoots.
Good footwear that gives you a stable base and suits the terrain you are on is vital. During dry days we would recommend walking boots, during wet days rubber boots. Research the weather to see which is most suitable for your day.
On the smartest driven days many men wear a three piece suit. They will at least be expected to wear a shirt and tie with tweed breeks or trousers, which compliment, if not match their shooting vest and jacket. If you have opted for plus fours or breeks you will need shooting socks with garters as well. It’s worth investing in good quality socks as you could be walking lots and blisters can spoil a day.
Women also wear breeks, although there is a degree of flexibility. A shooting skirt or culottes for example or even smart cotton, cord or moleskin trousers are acceptable as well on most shoots when teamed with a shirt and/or knitwearwith a shooting vest and jacket.
On less formal driven shoots, moleskin or cotton breeks or trousers are suitable (denim jeans are not appropriate) and a fleece gilet and or woolen jumper over a shirt will suffice.
If you are a guest but not shooting, you are still expected to turnout as neatly and in appropriate colours just as the guns, albeit not in technical clothing (warmth and good footwear is still paramount). It is considered respectful to not just your host but a traditional nod of respect to the quarry.
In winter months it’s very possible you’ll be in cold and wet conditions so investing in a good field coat is key. Something warm, waterproof but breathable and with enough room for you to comfortably move without hindering your swing is important. Likewise, weather proof gloves with good grip are advisable. Being cold and wet inevitably means being miserable which is neither good for your morale nor your company’s!
Felt Wad Cartridges, Please note it is compulsary to use "felt wad" or "bio degradable" cartridges at Chateau de Villette.
Lead shot is only allowed in France 100 meters from any water surface. So at Villette you will have to use steel, sweet copper or Bismuth cartridges at the majoorty of the drives.
We have a stock of 12 and 20 bore cartridges for those who wish to purchase steel or sweet copper cartridges.
We offer rifle or shotgun hire (12 or 20 bore over and under or side by sides)
Evening attire 'jacket and tie/smart casual" is customary......

Things to Do in Burgundy

From world-famous wine and natural parks to heritage and pastoral countryside, not to mention acclaimed cuisine, Burgundy has it all. https://www.burgundy-tourism.com/, https://www.beaune-tourism.com/

The region has an incredible number of historic monuments and attractions tucked away in its sleepy countryside. The deeply wooded forests and green rolling hills of the landscape abound with cultural treasures: Romanesque chapels, medieval towns, picturesque villages and ancient abbeys. There are more than 300 churches in Burgundy, many of which are masterpieces of Gothic architecture.

To truly appreciate Burgundy's rich oenology, you'll need to spend several days exploring; after all, this is the region of Chablis, Meursault, and Clos de Vougeot, and there are five official wine trails to follow.

In terms of history, Burgundy is full of early medieval Romanesque abbeys and churches that have stood the test of time, but it also has traces of much older civilisations in the form of the Roman ruins of Autun and the former Gaulish city of Bibracte.

Take a tour of elegant old cities such as Dijon and Beaune, or sail into the countryside on one of the region’s two idyllic canals.

Burgundy has its own unique culture. Its buildings feature distinctive colourful tiled roofs, and its hearty cuisine is famously delicious. To truly savour quintessential France, visitors should sample local specialities such as escargot, boeuf bourguignon and poulet à la moutarde (chicken in mustard sauce).

What physical shape do I need to be in?

For wingshooting, we normally walk from drive to drive, which means an easy walk of 6-10 km per day.

We also have vehicles available for those who would prefer to drive themselves, as well as loaders to carry equipment.

Please let us know well in advance if you require loaders or transport.

What does a typical shoot day look like at Chateau de Villette?

Château de Villette is one of the most exceptional shooting venues. This private château is set in the most beautiful countryside in Burgundy and offers the comfort of a family home, as well as the most charming hosts with exquisite style and taste.

Over the years, the shoot has been developed from a family estate to a distinctive shoot for a mixed bag of driven pheasant, partridge and duck, with great variety in presentations utilising the spectacular castle grounds. All drives are within walking distance of the château.

Please do watch the video (link attached here - https://youtu.be/M4HyGTb08FI ) it captures the atmosphere of this heavenly place the hosts - Coen and Catherine Stork - have created in the heart of Burgundy.

On a typical day...

Sumptuous breakfast in the gun room, followed by the first two drives. Then it's back for elevenses, before walking to drives three and four. After that, it's back again for a delicious lunch, followed by drive five. Finally, walk back to the house for tea and drinks, before relaxing before a delicious dinner with great Burgundy wines!

Non-shooting guests can explore Burgundy, join the shooters in the field at any time, go for walks or relax at the château.

Can I bring my own dog?