Frequently asked questions.
The practical things, gathered in one place. If your question isn't here, write to us — we answer every message ourselves.
Planning your visit
Is there a minimum stay?
Yes — two nights, all year round; there's no real seasonal difference. If your dates are tight, write to us anyway; we can sometimes be flexible.
Can I book just one part of the estate, or the whole thing?
Both. Each accommodation — the Diane apartment, the Porche gîte and the main Château house — can be booked on its own. Book all three together and you have exclusive use of the entire estate, sleeping up to eighteen. See rates for details.
How do I check availability and confirm a booking?
Send us your dates and party size through the enquiry form and we'll confirm availability and an exact price by return. To confirm, we ask for 40% of the total by bank transfer within four weeks of the invoice, with the remaining 60% due on arrival — we don't take credit cards. Your booking is definitive once payment is received, confirmed by email.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made up to 15 days before arrival are refunded at 50%; within 15 days of arrival we are unable to offer a refund. We recommend guests hold their own travel insurance.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 4pm, check-out by 11am. If you're arriving on a long drive, let us know your timing and we'll make it easy.
Day to day
Can we cook for ourselves?
Yes. The accommodations have kitchens, and for longer stays many guests shop the village markets and cook at home as much as they dine out. We're glad to point you to the best producers nearby.
Are the bicycles really free to use?
They are. A pair of bicycles is kept for guests, ideal for the quiet lanes between the vineyards and villages. No booking, no charge — just ask.
Is there a pool? When is it open?
Yes — the pool is open from spring into autumn, weather depending, with no set timetable; guests use it freely, with consideration for the others staying on the estate. It isn't supervised, so children swim under your watch.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes — wireless internet reaches across the estate, enough for working a day or two if you must, though we'd rather you didn't.
Can we bring our dog?
We ask you to leave pets at home. The estate has animals of its own — dogs, cats, chickens, ducks — and visiting pets and the residents don't mix well.
Are children welcome?
Mirande suits older children best. It's an open country estate — pool, pond, animals — and much of it is unfenced and unsupervised, so we recommend it for children old enough to roam safely. Families taking the whole estate are a natural fit; if you're booking a single accommodation alongside other guests, let us know your party so we can advise.
Is the estate accessible for guests with limited mobility?
The buildings are historic, with steps and uneven ground throughout, and none of the accommodations is adapted for wheelchair users. Diane sits on one level without steps, but we wouldn't call it fully accessible. Ask us about your specific needs before booking and we'll tell you honestly what's possible.
Do you allow smoking?
Smoking isn't permitted indoors, but you're welcome to smoke outside in the grounds.
Finding Mirande
Where exactly are you?
On the Route de Lugny in Montbellet (71260), in the Mâconnais hills of southern Burgundy — about twenty-five minutes north of Mâcon and thirty from Cluny.
What's the nearest airport and station?
Lyon–Saint-Exupéry is the closest major airport, roughly an hour and a half by road; Geneva is a little further. By rail, the TGV stops at Mâcon-Loché, about half an hour away, with fast connections from Paris. Transfers can be arranged on request with local taxi services.
Do we need a car?
For exploring the region, a car makes life easier — the vineyards, markets and villages are spread across the countryside. For pottering close to home, the bicycles and your own two feet are plenty. There's ample private parking on the estate.
What language do you speak?
English, French and German — correspond with us in whichever you prefer.
Celebrating here
How many guests can you host for a wedding?
Seated and under cover, around 40 guests; open-air or with a marquee in the garden, comfortably more. Up to eighteen can sleep on the estate. We host one wedding at a time, with exclusive use of the whole property.
Do you offer exclusive use?
Always, for weddings and larger celebrations. The estate is yours alone for the duration — no other guests, no overlap.
Can we choose our own caterers and suppliers?
We can share lists of trusted local caterers, florists and photographers — but you're free to choose your own. There's no in-house catering and no compulsory suppliers.
Can we visit before booking?
We encourage it. The estate is best understood in person — arrange a viewing and we'll show you around and talk through the possibilities.
What about off-season events and photoshoots?
The quiet months are perfect for business retreats, intimate celebrations and photoshoots and film, when the estate is at its most private. Tell us what you have in mind.
Still wondering?
Ask us anything at all — there's no such thing as a question too small before you travel.