The Hotel Guru
20 of Europe's Best Castle Hotels

20 of Europe's Best Castle Hotels

If you can afford to build a castle or château then you’re someone who can probably afford to pick a decent spot to build it. Somewhere picturesque or with a view, surrounded by a landscape that will charm you as much as your wealthy interiors will. Which is one the reasons our Gurus really enjoyed the task of picking out their list of 20 of Europe’s Best Castle Hotels. Some of the other reasons being the accoutrements of luxury that go hand in hand with these majestic settings: grand, welcoming entrances; spacious rooms and suites with beautiful decoration; memorable restaurants; meticulous service; and all the trimmings when it comes to comfort and facilities. Bear in mind there’s no hierarchy once a hotel has made the list, instead we’ve tried to categorise our favourites for their best features.

Castle Hotels fit for Royalty

The Castello di Guarene is an 18th century castle in Northern Italy, with all the opulence of an 18th century castle, including silk wallpapers, draped beds, plenty of gilt, frescoed ceilings and marble bathrooms — but the bathrooms have been updated with every 21st century luxury. The castello has just 15 rooms and suites, all of them different, but they all promise utter luxury. The restaurant is suitably fabulous, the views of Piedmont are incredible, and the gardens elegant. They have a pool and spa in their ancient cellar, but no trouble storing the wine.

Once in a Lifetime Castle Hotel Stays

Glenapp Castle is a family-owned baronial castle in Scotland’s historic lowlands, a place of turrets and towers, oak-panelled rooms, huge fireplaces and everything on a grand scale, from the entrance hall to the paintings. This part of the world is wonderfully unspoiled, and there are some astonishingly beautiful views along peaceful walking trails right out of the hotel doors. The hotel has 17 huge rooms and suites. There’s also a tennis court and a croquet lawn, and fishing and golfing opportunities a short distance away. The restaurant has won a number of awards, and the attentive staff deserve some too.
Lucerne’s Château Gutsch has 27 rooms and suites, all of which will make you feel like you’re staying in the most luxurious one. This renovated château dates from the 19th century, but the luxury is up-to-the-minute, with four-poster beds and original artworks, beautiful private terraces with stunning views of Lucerne and Lake Lucerne. The Mediterranean restaurant is excellent, and the bar has an impressive wine list, and they’re both extremely elegant, with parquet flooring, more art, and beautiful decorations.

Europe’s Most Romantic Castle Hotels

Between Padua and Verona is the stately Castello Bevilacqua, a wonderfully romantic, boxy, pink, historic castle, set in beautiful parkland and gardens. This property was meticulously renovated when it was converted, and it now has 40 beautiful rooms and suites, complete with original frescoes, beamed ceilings and period antiques. The best rooms have four-poster beds.
Built in the 12th century, Roch Castle perches on a rocky outcrop, overlooking spectacular St. Brides Bay and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It’s definitely got the look of a defensive structure, as well as a regal one, and inside the current decoration is elegantly minimal, a wonderful meeting of the original shape and features of the building, and clever, contemporary architecture. There are only six rooms and suites, and there’s no restaurant, so it’s a very private feeling escape, but there’s an excellent restaurant in the castle’s sister hotel.
The Burghotel Auf Schonburg is a very memorable building, set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the World Heritage Site of Oberwesel. As well as incredible views, these 25 rooms and suites have wood panelling, antiques, draped four-poster beds and lots of charming original features. There’s a gourmet restaurant onsite too, and you’re surrounded by walking trails. So it feels an intimate spot.

Castle Hotel Escapes

The Château Les Carrasses is relatively young, as far as castles go, built in the 19th century on an idyllic wine estate in the Languedoc region, and now beautifully converted into a luxurious, 28 bedroom hotel. There’s an excellent range of accommodation here, from elegant suites in the main house to private villas in the grounds, complete with three bedrooms and private pool too. The decor is contemporary, but unmistakably French rural chic. There’s a cocktail bar and wine cave, and a bistro style Mediterranean restaurant, though the villas have very well equipped kitchens. There’s also a kids club, a library, and orangery, tennis courts, boules, and complimentary bike hire.
The Hotel Berg Wernberg is a five-star hotel converted from a 13th century castle, a large, elegant, white-towered building overlooking the town of Wernberg-Köblitz in Bavaria. The hotel has 29 rooms and suites, all decorated in traditional style, with antique four-poster beds in some of the rooms, and simpler furnishings in others. The Bridal Suite has some beautiful murals. The hotel has a gourmet restaurant, and there’s a small spa.
Kokkedal Castle is just outside Copenhagen, on what the locals call the Danish Riviera, surrounded by its own golf course, and parklands. This is a grand enough castle to have been converted into a large hotel, with 62 rooms and suites, split between the main building and some modern stable conversions. On the inside this hotel looks like a sophisticated luxury hotel, with its castle-y heritage shining through in the intimate cellar dining room and public areas. There are two fabulous restaurants, and a chic bar, plus tea rooms and a spa.

Castle Hotels to Treat Yourself in

In the heart of the Champagne region, the Château Les Crayeres is an idyllic option if you’re looking for a place to treat yourself to the finer things. This elegant château is an intimate size, with just 20 rooms and suites decorated with contemporary luxury in mind, but its Michelin-starred chef draws additional visitors. As you might expect from the region there are 400 different Champagnes available.
The Château de Marcay’s graceful white towers are much older than many of its fellow Chinon region châteaux, and it’s got a feeling of rustic, historic grandeur, with its beamed ceiling and exploded stone walls. It still has every comfort, though, including an outdoor pool with views over the surrounding vineyards, The food is excellent too, and it’s relatively affordable.

Hotels with Regal Views

Stockholm’s Ulfsunda Slott doesn’t have the turrets of a medieval castle, it’s more along the lines of an elegant villa. An elegantly symmetrical rectangle of big windows and balconies, overlooking an equally elegant and symmetrical courtyard, and beyond that the water. One of the best things about this hotel is the variety of its decor. There are 54 rooms and suites, and within their individually designed confines you can find an myriad of styles, from Scandinavian minimalist chic to traditional opulence. There’s an excellent restaurant too, and a spa and games room.
Austria's Schloss Hotel Thannegg peeks over the forest that surrounds it like something from a fairytale, especially when seen in the snow. Inside, the 18 rooms are cosy and homely, with heavy pine furniture and whitewashed walls. The hotel restaurant specialises in regional cuisine, and there’s an excellent cellar to sip from, which is 850 years old — the cellar, not the wines.

Family-Friendly Castle Hotels

Between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales is the beautiful Eden Valley, in which the charming mid-Victorian folly, Augill Castle, was built. It has all the features one wants from an ancient castle (crenelated turrets, round and square towers with narrow windows for archers), only it’s not really a medieval castle. Which, when you take into account the lack of draughts in the large, elegant bedrooms with their smooth walls and floors, might just be a positive! The 14 rooms and suites still feature four-poster beds, roll-top baths, antiques and expensive looking curios, but they’re also really comfortable. And there’s an excellent range of family configurations too. The dining room is grand, with one long table, and the food is so good they run cookery classes — for adults and children. The key thing about Augill Castle is that it’s relaxed and welcoming.
Schloss Wartegg is an historic castle turned stylish, 25 room hotel on the shores of Lake Constance in Switzerland. This is a Swiss style castle, so it has towers and a stepped roof, but it’s more subdued than some of its counterparts, and inside it’s been modernised, and feels fresh and fairly minimal, with lots of pale wood and white linens. There’s beautiful parkland surrounding the hotel, and an organic restaurant serving locally sourced produce. There are beautifully designed family suites, and lots of play space for kids, plus all of the appeals of the lake itself.
The Czech Republic's Château Mcely is a beautiful, historic château in a rural spot, with green views from the windows of all 23 rooms and suites. And these are grand rooms, with high ceilings and elegant parquet flooring, dressed with antique furnishings. The château also has an excellent restaurant, a rooftop observatory, a spa and pool, and the estate has a lake too, and tennis courts, and opportunities to ride. There are specialist cooking classes for kids, and specialist menus and spa treatments, and in the summer there’s a kids club.

Great Value Castle Hotels

The Castello della Castelluccia is a wonderful 12th century tower/villa castle in Italy's Lazio region, with fantastic frescoes, terracotta and parquet floors and an original chapel and Mediterranean gardens. The 23 rooms range in size and style, but the majority are extremely romantic — expect antiques and heavy fabrics. The restaurant is known for its excellent local specialities, and while the location feels remote you’re just outside Rome.
Salamanca’s Castillo del Buen Amor is a beautiful old castle set in its own gardens and vineyards, with idyllic rural views from the towers and battlements. There are only eight rooms and suites, all spacious and simply, but traditionally, dressed with stone floors, antiques and oil paintings. There’s an outdoor pool, and the excellent restaurant is also known for its wine tastings.
The Castillo El Collado in La Rioja region, looks like it’s come straight out of a Basque country fairytale, with grand wooden staircases, vast fireplaces, wood panelling and beams and exposed stone walls. And all this set in fragrant gardens. There are ten rooms, decorated with antiques in solid wood, an atmospheric cellar restaurant and a sunny terrace with wonderful views.
Castello Seeschloss is a palatial hotel in the Italian Lakes District, right on the shores of Lake Maggiore. There are 45 rooms and suites, and some of them are really spectacular: think high-ceilings and huge windows, murals, frescoes and ornate plaster work. And there’s a heated pool and a restaurant where you can dine on the terrace overlooking the lake. This is a surprisingly affordable hotel too, and so romantic. And the location is incredible.

Still not sure where to book?

You might like to refine your search to our recommendations for the UK’s 15 Best Castle Hotels?
or the Best Castle Hotels in Ireland?
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Chateau Les Crayeres Reims, Champagne 20 rooms from $400
  
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  Good wine list  -  There are over 600 champagne labels to choose from!
  Foodies  -  Restaurant Le Parc holds two Michelin stars
  5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
  Traditional
  Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux, Fodors
  
  An exceptional Five Star chateau with a two Michelin star restaurant and beautiful rooms. Luxury, romance, and the finest attention to detail throughout. Classical furniture and sumptuous fabrics. With over 400 Champagne labels to sample, it's a very sophisticated hotel. See More
  
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- Augill Castle Nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria 14 rooms from $205
  
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  Families  -  With fantastic facilities for kids, from cooking classes, to playgrounds, dressing up boxes and plenty of toys.
  Country Escape  -  Spectacular walking, wonderful views and whiskey in the drawing room old school weekend in the country vibes.
  Great walks  -  With national parks all around, this is the perfect spot to get on your walking boots.
  Cooking classes  -  The hotel has a wonderful cookery school for children.
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays, Great Small Hotels
  
  Standing between the Lake District and the Dales rests this eccentric castle welcoming all the family into the countryside and the Eden Valley. Four poster beds and antique furnishings make up the comfortable rooms. Restaurant is open on weekends. Great hideaway and local exploring to be done. See More
  
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- Roch Castle Hotel Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire 6 rooms from $218
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Be sure to check out Carew Castle, Manorbier Castle, Haverfordwest Castle and St David's Cathedral
  Great walks  -  Enjoy long relaxing walks along the coast and marvel at the stunning sea views
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Recommended by  -  Michelin Travel
  
  Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the coast, the 12th century Roch Castle boasts sleek and stylish accommodation with en suite facilities. Spend your days on the beach before enjoying lovely dinners at the sister hotel. It's adults only, so an ideal spot for a romantic getaway. See More
  
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- Glenapp Castle Ayrshire 20 rooms from $378
  
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  Tennis  -  An outdoor tennis court, rackets and balls are all available at the hotel
  Fishing  -  Salmon and trout fishing can be organised from the hotel
  Full of character
  Outstanding location
  Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux
  
  A family owned and occupied baronial castle in the south west of Scotland's historic lowlands. Underneath its fairytale turrets and towers there are oak-panelled rooms, rich fabrics and fine antiques, as well as modern award winning cuisine and impeccable service. The perfect country escape. See More
  
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- Chateau de Marcay Chinon 33 rooms from $217
  
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  Garden  -  Set in hectares of parkland and vineyards.
  Foodies
  Traditional  -  All rooms are decorated in "haute epoque" style
  Kayaking  -  On the Vienne River
  
  A luxurious chateau set in acres of parklands and vineyards. Huge, stunningly decorated rooms, traditional yet stylish. Fantastic restaurant, swimming pool, and plenty of activities on the estate. A country retreat for foodies and those who want the best of everything. See More
  
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- Castillo del buen Amor Salamanca (Km.317) 8 rooms from $100
  
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  Romantic Break
  Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor
  Restaurant - Recommended.
  Traditional
  
  A beautiful castle with its own vineyards set in stunning grounds. Traditional romantic rooms and suites have antique furniture, paintings, and lots of space. Excellent traditional restaurant, wine tasting, and a swimming pool. Good value, romantic, and family friendly. See More
  
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- Castillo el Collado Alava, La Rioja 10 rooms from $139
  
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  Local exploring  -  Historic Laguardia, with the stunning Church of Santa Maria de los Reyes, riding trips through vineyards and walks by lagoons
  Wine tasting  -  With nine vineyards in the vicinity, this is an unmissable spot for exploring the rich region
  Views  -  Sierra de Cantabria
  Full of character
  
  An enchanting castle hotel in the Basque countryside. Unique and elegant rooms are filled with exposed stone walls, antiques and canopy beds. Excellent regional cuisine, fragrant gardens and a lovely terrace with stunning views. A delightful choice for a weekend break. See More
  
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- Castello della Castelluccia Rome, Lazio 23 rooms from $121
  
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  Weddings  -  The property is frequently used for destination weddings. The staff are experienced and there are several impressive event rooms
  Romantic Break  -  Pick one of the suites with their frescoed walls, fireplaces, and whirlpool bath tubs for a very romantic stay
  Families  -  With a large garden for kids to run around in plus family suites with two bedrooms, this is an easy choice
  Local exploring  -  Located in the hills just outside Rome pick this for the best of both worlds: nature and access to culture
  
  A gorgeous hotel in a 12th-century castle. Exquisite rooms feature frescoes, terracotta tiles and parquet floors, four poster beds and lavish furnishings. Original chapel, pool, spa and Mediterranean garden. Excellent traditional cuisine. Perfect for a romantic weekend near the sights of Rome. See More
  
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- Castello Bevilacqua Bevilacqua, Veneto 40 rooms from $132
  
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  Romantic Break  -  With oversized suites, dramatic four-poster beds and a full-service spa onsite, book this hotel for a unique romantic getaway
  Local exploring  -  Located between Padua, Verona and Montagnana, this hotel is in a great position for your local exploring in northern Italy
  Weddings  -  With elegant banquet halls, stately guestrooms and verdant gardens, this hotel makes an idyllic setting for a wedding
  Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
  Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels
  
  This stately hotel is tucked away in a historic castle situated between Padua and Verona. After a meticulous renovation, the property now comprises spectacularly appointed guestrooms with original frescoes and opulent period antiques. Acres of beautiful parkland complete the estate. See More
  
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- Schloss Wartegg St Gallen (Von Blarer Weg 1) 25 rooms from $216
  
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  Country Escape  -  Set on the banks of Lake Constance within a beautiful English landscape park, book this hotel for a charming country escape
  Families  -  With custom-designed family suites available, this hotel is perfect for parents travelling with children
  Foodies  -  Enjoy an all-organic menu at the hotel restaurant, which uses locally sourced, fresh produce
  Sailing  -  Take a boat trip on Lake Constance during your stay; ask the hotel concierge to assist with booking
  
  This stylish hotel is nestled in a heritage castle on the banks of Lake Constance in Switzerland. Having undergone a full renovation, the property now offers contemporary guestrooms with exposed beams and soft lighting. Explore the verdant park which surrounds the hotel on long country walks. See More
  
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- Burghotel Auf Schonburg Oberwesel 25 rooms from $142
  
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  Romantic Break  -  A castle from a bygone era. A surreal setting, intimate and wonderfully romantic.
  Active Holiday  -  Well positioned to access wonderful hiking trials.
  Great walks  -  Explore the glorious surrounding countryside with miles of paths running through meadows and forests.
  Sailing  -  Take a cruise along the Rhine.
  Recommended by  -  Fodors
  
  A spectacular castle set high above the World Heritage Site of Oberwesel. Enchanting rooms take one back to days gone by; filled with antique furniture, draped four poster beds and original windows. A gourmet restaurant serving up local delicacies. Numerous outdoor activities. Utterly fabulous. See More
  
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- Ulfsunda Slott Stockholm 54 rooms from $131
  
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  Country Escape  -  This is Stockholm's closest castle and is nestled in countryside just outside the city, ideal for escaping the city buzz
  Sights nearby  -  It's just a 15-minute drive into the city where you can see the sights or visit the many museums and galleries
  Cooking classes  -  Take a cooking class at the hotel and learn to serve up tasty Swedish meals
  Great walks  -  Go on one of the pretty lakeside walks nearby
  
  Idyllic castle hotel with pretty gardens and lake views. Expect a pleasant balance of traditional and contemporary styles, with classic furniture, quirky decor and statement patterns. Individually decorated rooms vary from minimal Scandi-chic to opulent luxury. A romantic base to suit many tastes. See More
  
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- Chateau Mcely Mcely 23 rooms from $174
  
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  Garden - Beautiful gardens. Set in a 5 hectare park
  Luxury
  Spa breaks
  Romantic Break
  Recommended by - Small Luxury Hotels, Tablet, CN Traveller
  
  A glorious historic chateau in a rural setting. Sumptuous elegant interiors with grand proportions and antique furniture. Luxurious bedrooms and suites have high ceilings, wooden floors, and large comfy beds. Excellent restaurant, spa, pool, lake, tennis, riding. Romantic and family friendly. See More
  
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- Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen 62 rooms from $208
  
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  Country Escape  -  A secluded rural property on the beautiful Danish Riviera.
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the majestic Kronborg Castle.
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor pool
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels
  
  A fairy-tale like Castle situated just outside Copenhagen on the Danish Riviera. Contemporary rooms are simply styled with soft hues, plenty of light, striped head boards and luxurious bathrooms. An indulgent spa, two fabulous restaurants and sophisticated bar make this a special stay. See More
  
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- Schloss Hotel Thannegg Grobming 18 rooms from $162
  
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  Country Escape  -  A medieval castle complete with lovely gardens. The perfect place to unwind.
  Value chic  -  Excellent value for a quaint rural stay
  Fishing  -  Try your hand at fishing on the Almsee.
  Full of character
  
  A fairy-tale like medieval castle situated within a UNESCO Heritage World Heritage Region. Traditionally dressed rooms feature heavy pine furniture and whitewashed walls. Find regional cuisine served in the charming restaurant and sample wines from the 850 year-old cellar. Fabulous. See More
  
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- Castello Seeschloss Ascona 45 rooms from $108
  
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  Active Holiday  -  With such a maginificent setting, one is involuntarily drawn outdoors, to swim, hike, or perhaps just for a lakeside stoll!
  Back to Nature  -  Get up into the hills surrounding Lake Maggiore to see the beautiful mountain lake and its environs
  Great walks  -  Whether you want to do some serious hiking or just a gentle lakeside stroll, all is possible from the village of Ancona
  Cooking classes  -  The hotel organises cooking classes on request. Ask at reception for more information
  
  This magnificent Castello's setting on the shore of Lake Maggiore is truly special. The high-ceiling rooms are palatial, with large windows and ornate plaster-work and furnishings. With a heated pool and a restaurant offering lakeside dining with stunning views. A perfect romantic destination. See More
  
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- Chateau Gutsch Lucerne 27 rooms from $341
  
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  Romantic Break  -  The vibrant rooms ooze a funky luxe feel with in room bathtubs, spectacular views from private terraces and fourposter beds.
  Active Holiday  -  Mount Rigi is great for hiking, walking and climbing, and is close to the Engelberg Ski Area.
  Local exploring  -  In a superb location, ideal for exploring the historic town of Lucerne.
  Sights nearby  -  The 14th century Chapel Bridge and the 19th century Lion Monument cannot be missed.
  
  A stylishly renovated 19th century castle, with chic modern décor. Rooms come with four-poster beds, bold fabrics, Swiss artworks, and private terraces offering stunning views of Lucerne and the lake. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and the bar has an extensive list of fine wines. See More
  
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- Castello di Guarene Guarene (CN), Piedmont 15 rooms from $575
  
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  Romantic Break  -  A luxurious castle complete with spa and glorious suites. Ideal for a getaway for two.
  Great walks  -  Embark on long scenic walks starting straight from the property.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Relais & Chateaux
  
  An 18th century castle with all the opulent design one would expect along with some 21st century comforts. Enormous rooms and suites feature heavy draped fabrics, rich hues and intricately carved antiques. A fabulous restaurant serves regional classics and the cellars play host to an indulgent spa. See More
  
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- Château Les Carrasses Capestang (Quarante) 30 rooms from $183
  
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  Families  -  With private villas and pools, babysitting services and activities based around the mini farm it is great for families
  EV Charging Station  -  A small charge is payable.
  Kids Club  -  The seasonal kids club bases most of its activities around the mini farm and its animals
  Great walks  -  There are some great walks through the Languedoc countryside.
  
  A 19th-century castle with wine estate, lovingly turned into a luxurious stay. Accommodation ranges from studios to three bed villas with private pools. All decorated in a modern yet unmistakably French style. Très chic. The food and wine pairing is popular as is the Mediterranean Brasserie. See More
  
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