Facilities & Frequently Asked Questions
THE WEATHER
Although Chateau Dumas has 13th Century foundations, the building you see today dates from the late 18th Century. It has many original features including thick walls which help to keep it warm in the cold winter and cool in the hot summer. We have a limited number of air conditioned bedrooms but both the studios are air conditioned. It is possible to regulate the temperature inside your bedroom by closing the shutters and windows during the day to keep out the heat. You can open the shutters and windows at night after sundown.
WIFI
You can access wi-fi on the ground floor of the Chateau, although if lots of people are using it simultaneously it can be a bit slow.
SWIMMING POOL
There is a 12m x 6m, 1.5m deep, unheated saltwater swimming pool for your use. The pool towels are in a basket in the Entrée (main hall). Please do not take the white towels from the bathroom to the pool. Please do not take alcohol or glasses down to the pool. The pool should not be used after 9pm at night.
BEDROOMS
Our beds are very comfortable (so we are told!) and are equipped with down and feather pillows and duvets and Egyptian cotton sheets. If you would like a synthetic duvet and pillow please let us know. Every bedroom is equipped with a hairdryer, a dressing gown, soap, shampoo and conditioner.
DAILY MAID
There is no daily maid service but we change your towels mid-way during your stay.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
It isn’t possible to change currency in a French bank in small villages. We recommend that you change your cash to Euros at the currency exchange centres at Toulouse airport on arrival.
DRESS CODE
It is a very relaxed atmosphere at Chateau Dumas and there is no need to dress up for dinner, but you may if you wish. We recommend that you bring comfortable shoes and if you are coming in the summer months (July, August and early September) you will need cool clothes. It can be hot during the day, but usually cools off at night. The autumn temperatures (mid-September onwards) are much milder although we are usually still able to sit outside until quite late in the evening.
MEALS
A continental breakfast is available each day comprising freshly-baked croissant and bread, butter and jams, fresh fruit, muesli, Greek yoghurt, fruit juice, tea and coffee Lunch is two course and comprises a selection of warm and cold dishes such as quiches, flans, salads and a dessert. Dinner is three course comprising a starter, main and dessert. Aperitifs with drinks and snacks is served before dinner and wine is served with dinner.
All the usual dietary requirements are catered for but we may not be able to accommodate people with extreme allergies. Please check with us before booking your spot.
WATER
The tap water at Chateau Dumas is drinkable.
LAUNDRY
We have a washing machine with detergent and fabric softener available for use a a cost of €5 per load. The washing machine can be found behind the curtain in the downstairs bathroom. The iron and ironing board are also located in the downstairs bathroom. There is no tumble dryer at the Chateau – the outdoor drying lines can be found in the walled area to the far right of the Coach House building.
WHAT TO BRING
We suggest you bring your own plug adaptors. Some foreign appliances, such as curling tongs, have been known to knock out all the electrics, so please just bring what you need.
INSECTS
We have mosquito screens fitted to most of the bedroom windows and we have insect repellant available for use when sitting outside for meals.
LOCAL AMENITIES
Our local town, Caussade, which is 4 miles/6 kms from Chateau Dumas, has a post office, several banks, a wine shop and other amenities. We are happy to run you down to the town if there is something that you need or shop for you during one of our regular trips.
TIPS
Guests often ask us if they may leave a tip so we now put out a collection box on Friday afternoon for those who would like to leave something for our staff.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
Our airport transfer from Toulouse Airport to the Chateau is charged at 50E per person, per journey and the transfer from Montauban (Villebourbon) train Station costs 25E per person, per journey. Pick ups from our local railway station, Caussade (T et G), cost 5E per person, per journey. We will be able to confirm the exact time of your transfer on arrival Saturday a couple of weeks before the start of the workshop once everyone’s travel information has been received and we are able to compile the schedule. Please let us know as soon as possible if your flight is delayed so that we can liaise with you about alternative transfer arrangements.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION
A €700 deposit is required to secure a place on a workshop with a first instalment due around seven months before the start of your stay and a balance payment due around four months beforehand. If you find you need to cancel we can refund what you have paid minus the credit card fees we have incurred to process your payments plus any costs we are able to recover at the point of cancellation. If, however, we are able to find a replacement for you we are able to refund what you have paid minus the costs we have incurred to process your payments.
INSURANCE
We strongly advise that you have appropriate travel and cancellation insurance in place so that you are compensated if you find you have to cancel.