France

Chateau de Villette, fine driven shooting in Burgundy!

Noted for noble wines and excellent cuisine, France also offers challenging driven shooting for pheasant, partridge and mallards from maize cover crops, lakes and mature woodlands amidst centuries-old vineyards, all within walking distance of the incredibly comfortable Chateau de Villette. The emphasis is on sporting days with drives designed to produce a variety of quality, high-flying birds that will test the skills of the gunners. These drives are conducted under the watchful eye of property owner Coen Stork and the English gamekeeper. A delicious lunch is served each day at the chateau.

Shooting

The 5-6 drives each day are expertly presented. Our shoot offers a combination of driven pheasants, partridge and mallards to a minimum line of 6 guns for a total anticipated bag of 400 birds over 1 1/2 days in the field. Each shooter is accompanied by a loader.

Accommodation

Luxury southern Burgundy accommodations (all en-suite) are provided in the impressive 18th century chateau, which has been completely renovated by hosts Coen and his wife, Catherine, reflecting style and comfort. Guests are treated to gourmet dining, exceptional wines and exquisite service.

Gear

Neutral colored European-style shooting attire is required along with appropriate eye and ear protection. Guns must be side-by-side or over/under doubles. Rental guns are available. Knee-high ‘Wellington” boots are suggested in the field. Evening wear is semi-formal with jacket and tie.

Ask The Expert

Mike Fitzgerald

Tarquin Millington-Drake

Trip Specifics

Numerous flight options are available to Paris where guests connect to TGV rail service en route to Le Creusot. Frontiers will provide appropriate gun permits but we suggest our clients rent guns through the local sporting shop. Catherine is a vibrant, organized and welcoming hostess. Non-shooters will enjoy the medieval towns and markets in the nearby vicinity, with a variety of excursion options possible on a daily basis. Frontiers can also plan pre- and post-shoot trip extensions designed by our in-house award-winning France travel specialist.

Rates

The season is mid-September to mid-February, and the shoot is usually 3 nights/2 days. Pricing varies based on the bag and the number of guns in the line. As an example, the inclusive price for 2023/2024 for 500 birds to an 8-gun line is $9115 per the current rate of exchange.