Planning

Nearest Airport to Chateau de Villette

By Commercial flight: We would recommend you to fly to Geneva or Lyon airport if using commercial airlines. They are international airports but smaller, easier to reach by car and closer than Paris Charles de Gaulle.

We are 2 hours drive from Lyon Airport, 2h30 from Geneva Airport, 3h30-4h from Paris Airport. There are High Speed trains (TGV) connecting you from Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon to Le Creusot Monceau https://en.oui.sncf/en/tgv/destinations/le-creusot. At Le Creusot Montceau you can hire a car or arrange a taxi to go to Chateau de Villette: Taxi Le Creusot Montceau

By Helicopter: Chateau de Villette has GPS coordinates 46° 51’ 59.95″ , 4° 03’ 14.14″ or 46,86747 – 4,05293 (metric)

By Private Plane: St Yan (40 mins by car) will accept jets. There is a 500 m tarmac strip in Autun (20 min by car).

Accommodation at Chateau de Villette

More information about our detailed accommodation options you will find at the Chateau de Villette website

After extensive renovations Catherine opened the chateau for guests and started an prestigious B&B, which offers the service of a small luxury boutique hotel. Most rooms have en-suite rooms bathroomùs and we can easily accommodate groups of up to 20 people.

On the estate you will also find two self-catering cottages, a swimming pool and a tennis court.

The chateau is located in the Regional Parc of the Morvan, close to Autun known as an old Roman town build for the Emperor August. Between Autun and Chateau de villette, there is a very interesting archeological site of Bibracte.

For the wine lovers, the chateau is close to the famous Burgundian wine villages such as Meursault, Pommard, Mercurey, Volnay, Puligny Montrachet, ...

Beaune, situated at about 75 km , is a great day trip to explore the Burgundian gastronomy and the wine;

After exploring the secrets of Burgundy during the day, nothing better then coming home at Villette to relaxing at the pool or in the gardens, once designed by André le Notre and enjoy the beauty of the Morvan hills with a nice glass of wine.

During the shooting season our chef prepares gastronomic meals.

Can I bring my own dog?

We don't accept dogs on the estate, in the Chateau and in the cottages.

Permits and transporting fire arms

When entering or travelling in France

French hunting Licenses and the French law

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 on request).
A temporary French license for the period you are using the gun and its civil liability insurance (which we will supply on request) together with 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 and its civil liability insurance form

NB. always check this website for the latest and up to date information.

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.

What caliber gun and type cartridge do you recommend?

For Wingshooting:

Please note it is compulsary to use Bio degradable wads cartridges at Chateau de Villette.
Lead shot is only allowed in France 100 meters from a water surface. As most of our drives are within 100 meters of water surface, we only allow Steel, Sweet copper or Bismuth cartridges.
We have field tested Steel and Sweet Copper cartridges and have found them very satisfactory on Partridge, Pheasant and duck at good heights. These cartridges seems to perform similar to the FOB made lead shot cartrdiges which have used for years and have been developed with the shooting characteristics at Chateau de Villette in mind. The FOB Sweet copper Cartridge delivers high speeds while complying with C.I.P. standard. It can be used in all shotguns chamebered in 70 non-tested steel shot. Shooting comfort means it can be used without risk to your weapon or your shoulders.
For more information on Sweet Copper cartridges: Copper coated shot demystified
We have our own stock of cartridges custom made by FOB with12 and 20 bore cartridges for those who wish to purchase Steel or Sweet Copper cartridges.

For driven boar and big game hunting:

We recommend a caliber heavier than Winchester .270

Directions to Chateau de Villette

By car or public transport to Chateau de Villette (Google maps).

From Calais or the North: Take the motorway A26 to Reims. In Reims follow the direction to Troyes, Lyon (E17). Once on the A6 take exit 24.1 Beaune. Follow direction to Autun. At Autun follow directions “autres directions”. You will pass Autun. At the exit of Autun you will come at a roundabout. Follow the direction Luzy, Moulins on the N81. After 18 km on the N81 coming from Autun, turn right onto the D192 for Poil. Drive through the tiny village of Poil and 2 km after you have left the village, turn left for “Villette”.

Coming from the South or East. Take the motorway A7 direction Chalon sur Saone. Just befor Chalon, take exit 4 (Chalon Sud – Le Creusot) and follow the direction of Le Creusot (N80). Arriving nearby Le Creusot, follow the direction of Marmagne. In Marmagne turn to the left on the D61 towards Mesvres, Etang sur Arroux. In Etang sur Arroux follow the postsigns to Luzy. You will arrive on the N81. After a few kilometers turn right on the D192 towards Poil. Drive through the tiny village of Poil and 2 km after you have left the village, turn left for “Villette”.

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.

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)
Dress for dinner is smart casual

How to get your day filmed by a professional?

Why not have your adventure filmed by our professional videographer?

Time spent hunting, shooting and fishing is precious.

Capture the magic of your day with our award winning on-location video’s. It's the next best thing to being there!

Have a look at some of our video’s here.

We create spectacular videos for individuals or groups, by bringing together our intimate knowledge of hunting and shooting combined with expertise in drone and terrestrial photography. The video’s can be used on your website, across the web and in your promotional material.

We take care of everything from agreeing a brief to delivering the finished video. Pricing is on request: write to cstork@wanadoo.fr well before you arrive at Chateau de Villette as our filming days get booked early.

What to Wear and Equipment for Driven Boar Hunting

Dressing for any day in the field requires a balance of taste and practicality but the etiquette involved when dressing for Driven Boar varies in formality and style, dependent on the day and the weather. It’s always sensible to check with your host to ensure you dress appropriately for the day.

- General: For boar shooting the dress is informal and try and be as warm and comfortable as you can.

- Compulsary Orange safety vest

- Backpack

- Jacket (brown, light green or kaki)

- Waterproof Jacket (brown, light green or kaki)

- Cap or hat

- Hunting trousers (brown, light green or kaki)

- Seat

- Gloves

- A pair of comfortable hiking boots or shoes

- Earplugs / hearing protection

- In Winter time, warmer clothing : gloves, thermal underwear, hat, scarf....

Other Things to Do around Chateau de Villette

World-famous wine, natural parks, heritage, pastoral countryside and acclaimed cuisine, Burgundy’s got the lot.

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

If you want to know Burgundy’s rich oenology you’ll need days to see everything; this is the region of Chablis, Meursault and Clos de Vougeot after all, and there are five official wine trails to follow.

For history, Burgundy is replete with early-medieval romanesque abbeys and churches that have stood the test of time, but also has clues of far older civilisations, in the Roman ruins of Autun or the Gaulish former city of Bibracte.

Tour elegant old cities like Dijon and Beaune, or sail into the countryside on one of the region’s two idyllic canals.

Burgundy has its own unique culture. Burgundian buildings feature a distinctive architecture of colorful tiled roofs, and the hearty cuisine is famously delicious. Visitors should sample local specialties such as escargot, boeuf bourguignon, and poulet à la moutarde(chicken in mustard sauce) to truly savor quintessential France. Look under "activites" on our website to plan your trip to the top tourist attractions and best places to visit in Burgundy

What physical shape do I need to be in?

We normally walk from drive to drive for the Wingshooting, which means between 4-6 km easy walking per day.

For Driven boar hunting you will normally be taken to your stand by vehicle.

We also have vehicles available for those who prefer to, and loaders to carry equipment.

Please let us know well in advance what your requirements are for loaders and transport.

What are your Cancellation conditions?

Our Full Terms and Conditions can be found in the footer of this website.

Excerpt of our "Terms and Conditions":

"6. Cancellation

By YOU:

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

6.2 The first or reservation deposit is non-refundable.

6.3 In case of cancellation within 9 weeks prior to arrival the entire amount for the entire proposal is due and non-refundable.

By CHATEAU DE VILLETTE:

6.4 CHATEAU DE VILLETTE will notify you as quickly as possible of any cancellation.

6.5 CHATEAU DE VILLETTE may cancel the shooting trip if you do not pay a deposit on time and CHATEAU DE VILLETTE may retain the deposit you have paid before.

6.6 Shooting trip arrangements are made many months in advance and CHATEAU DE VILLETTE is dependent upon many factors (examples are disease, unrest, suppliers, political activity). Therefore CHATEAU DE VILLETTE reserves the right to cancel, but you will be entitled to either:

Have a full refund; or

accept a substitute package from CHATEAU DE VILLETTE of equivalent or closely similar standard and price, if one is available; or

choose a substitute package of a lower standard to the shooting trip arrangements booked together with a refund of the difference in price."

and

"4.3 It is your responsibility to take out a cancellation insurance.

Unforeseen events (such as adverse weather circumstances) can make your shooting trip expensive and we strongly recommend that you take out adequate cover. If you have an existing policy we recommend that you check the level of cancellation cover offered, as this may not be adequate to cover you for the entire cost of your shooting trip. Your deposits will be forfeited in case of cancellation outside our control."

What do I need to wear for dinner or lunch?

Dress for dinner is smart casual with or without a tie and jacket.

For lunch everyone wears their hunting/shooting clothing.

What is the voltage in France and what adaptors do I need?

In France you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because France operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

What is customary for tipping?

We recommend that the tip to the keeper at Chateau de Villette should be based on €70 per gun per day.
Loaders/instructors can be requested at least two weeks beforehand and are tipped €70 per day.
Tipping to the house staff is encouraged and entirely discretionary. A guide for tipping is €10/day/room.

What kind of diets can you cater for?

Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at least 48 hours beforehand in order to avoid any embarrassment or confusion on the day.

Can you arrange taxidermy for me?

We can arrange taxidermy.

Please contact the host for more details.

Can you please tell me how many acres you shoot over?

1000+ acres

How many drives do you usually do per day?

Between 4-6 drives

Do you charge overages at all?

Unless requested for, we will try and run the day with the objective to meet the required bag.

If guns want to go over and if we can, we will do this on request.