Valmy park is open to the public.
Trails, fountains, waterfall, play and picnic areas along with a fabulous view down to Argelès, the Mediterranean and the Roussillon plain.
Entry is free
OPEN: 2024
February 10 to April 30 daily, 10 am to 6 pm
May 1 to September 30, daily from 10 am to 7 pm
October 1 to November 3, daily from 10 am to 6 pm
As you drive along the voie rapide between Argelès and Collioure, the Disneyesque turrets of the Château de Valmy rise out of the vineyards like a fairytale.
When Joseph Bardou made his fortune from the invention of JOB cigarette papers, his son Pierre commissioned the Danish Architect Viggo Dorph-Petersen, well known for his extravagant Belle Epoque style, to build a château for each of his three children.
For his son Justin, Chateau d’Aubiry in Céret, for his daughter Camille, Chateau Ducup St Paul in Perpignan, and for his daughter Jeanne, recently married to Jules Pams, Château de Valmy. Her portrait hangs today in the salon on the first floor.
Jules Pams became French Minister of Agriculture and the wines of Valmy graced the tables of royalty. Jules and Jeanne died leaving no heirs. In 1930, Victor Piex, a wealthy distiller, bought the château, and the domaine prospered. After his death in 1952, deserted by children and grandchildren, the once magnificent property started to deteriorate… empty rooms, leaking roof…..
In 1997, Victor Peix’s grandson and family took up the challenge, breathing new life into vineyards and château.
The Château de Valmy was turned into a chic guest house, peaceful, and picturesque, with five gracious en suite rooms, looking out across the vines and down to the sea.
A smart new tasting ‘cave’ opened in 2013, with endless views over the perfectly manicured vineyards. The range of Valmy wines runs from a delicate white, vinified in oak barrels, through rosé, a range of reds to l’Or de Valmy, a beautifully balanced naturally sweet wine.
Taste in the cave before choosing wine with your meal, or dine at the Table de Valmy, stylish restaurant, showcase for Valmy wines, and reviewed in a last edition of P-O Life. as follows
‘Taken as a complete package, the location, the view, the wine, the food and the general ambiance, we thought it was terrific’, wrote the reviewer. And really, dining on that pretty terrace with spectacular views over the vines and the sea – well, what’s not to like?
But there’s more to Valmy than wine and food.
Whilst the Chateau and vineyards are still owned by descendants of Victor Peix, six hectares of land within the grounds are owned by the Commune of Argelès, free and open for the public to stroll through and enjoy.
This council run park with café, play and picnic area, nature trails, fountains and waterfall is all rather less chic than the immaculate new facilities of the cave and restaurant, but it’s a pleasant ramble, great for the kids……oh, and did I already mention the views?
Dogs ARE allowed (on leads) so it can also be a pleasant dog walk.
Several events take place at the Chateau during the year; flower show, antiques festival, pop concerts, and the park closes when hosting large-scale events.
