France is awash with beautiful chateaux, most of which have historic roots dating back centuries and many of which have been owned by the same family for generations. These days there are numerous ones offering a place to lay your head or live like a king! Whether you want to explore the Loire Valley, Normandy, Brittany or Burgundy, or head further south toward the Dordogne, Languedoc or Provence, we've a chateau to suit all tastes and budgets. Here's our pick of the best chateau hotels in France to whet your appetite!
Saint-Paul-de-Vence (Cote d'Azur)
A fairytale chateau in the hills, with coastal views. Boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant and luxury spa. The classically sumptuous suites with balconies and private villas encapsulate French country chic. Luxury and tranquillity with fine dining.
Orange (Provence)
A beautifully renovated chateau with turret bedrooms, parklands, and a lake. The large pool and elegant interiors perfectly marry modern decor with the historical property. The herbed gardens and lavender banks fill the air with a delicate aroma. Complete with some of the region's finest cuisine.
Normandy
A half-moated chateau in a picturesque rural setting. Elegance interiors are classic in design with Louis XVI furniture, Italianate stairwells, sumptuous bedrooms, and fairytale views. A stately home (also available for exclusive use) perfect for couples, groups, or families.
Champagne
A stately chateau surrounded by vineyards and parklands. Traditional style bedrooms, the best with four poster beds, fireplaces, parquet floors, and high ceilings. A small spa and wellness centre and Orangery restaurant for gourmet french cuisine. Fit for a King.
Burgundy
A historic chateau surrounded by acres of vineyards in the heart of Beaujolais territory. It has everything - a spa, a gourmet restaurant, fabulous rooms and suites, a swimming pool, and a beautifully manicured garden. With wine tours on site, this is a classic Burgundy stay perfect for couples.
Castelnau de Medoc (Bordeaux)
A glorious chateau with a working vineyard in the heart of Bordeaux. Traditional and elegant rooms and suites have floral fabrics, lots of natural light, and antique furnishings. Beautiful grounds, pool, and wine tastings. A wonderfully typical way to discover Bordeaux.
Bayeux (Normandy)
A luxurious 18th-century chateau on the coastline. Traditional and elegant interiors include enormous rooms and suites, a classical French restaurant, and an inviting bar. With a pool and tennis courts within the picturesque grounds - this is the complete package for a french rural getaway.
Rodez (Aveyron)
A beautiful 17th century chateau set in stunning parklands and vineyards. Lovely bedrooms, a treehouse with a chandelier, and an apartment for two, each extremely luxurious. Excellent French cuisine, an enormous swimming pool, and spa facilities. Very romantic, gourmet.
Cahors (Lot)
A sumptuous hotel in 13th century castle. Elegant rooms have parquet floors, antiques and regal drapes, excellent bathrooms. Chapel, outdoor pool, tennis court, gardens and terrace. Simple, yet exquisite French cuisine in the restaurant, lovely bar. A must for foodies and wine lovers.
St Émilion (Gironde)
An opulent chateau just outside Saint-Emilion. Four star luxury, though it feels more, includes lavish bedrooms with four poster beds, a top of the range spa with all the facilities, and a fantastic fine dining restaurant. Bikes, golf, tennis on site. Utterly gourmet, luxurious, and sophisticated.
Saumur (Loire Valley)
Splendid château B&B on banks of the Loire. Unique rooms exude elegance some with four poster beds, antique style furniture, chandeliers and tiled bathrooms. Heated outdoor swimming pool, gardens and vineyard, billiards room and library. Romantic, with friendly owners.
Bergerac (Dordogne)
Beautiful rooms epitomise this 16th century chateau - fourposter beds and antique furnishings. The Relais is the eco-friendly sister hotel sited next to 27 hole golf course. Cosy spa and Michelin star restaurant.
Molitg les Bains (Pyrenees-Orientales)
Chateau overlooking Mount Canigou. Room interiors are rustic chic with parquet floors, exposed brick work and large bathrooms. A baroque folly with outdoor pool, garden, spa, sauna and hot spring bath. Great Pyrenean menu in ambient dining room. Superb choice for spa weekend.
Herault (Languedoc)
A magnificent Château with vineyard set amidst 200 acres of rolling countryside. Accommodation includes eight rooms, lovingly decorated in a classic French style and 36 self-catering properties. All achingly stylish. Fine dining restaurant, spa, indoor and outdoor pools. The list goes on!
Brittany (Petit Paramé)
A lovely castle with beautiful architecture that dates back to 1715 built by a ship manager of the East India Company. High ceilings, four poster beds, period furniture and intricate chandeliers add to the old world charm. A fine dining restaurant with wonderful views of the lush gardens.
Reims (Champagne)
A picture perfect chateau set in France's champagne country. Elegantly dressed throughout, the rooms are spacious with high ceilings, sash windows, wooden floors and a choice selection of antiques. A fine dining restaurant serves regional dishes, set alongside a fantastic wine list, naturally.
Mâcon (Burgundy)
A striking château and working vineyard set in beautifully manicured gardens. Five immaculately styled rooms mix traditional and contemporary design, think: soft hues, exposed beams, minimalist furniture and seriously luxurious bathrooms. Sample the estate's wines and explore the glorious landscape.
Charente (Charente)
A beautiful 12th-century château, turned hotel, offering smart rooms, organic food and acres of beautiful, secluded grounds. Having undergone an entire revamp the feel is fresh yet without losing the original character. Cottages and deluxe safari tents are also available for a more private affair.
Roanne (Auvergne)
A beautiful restored French chateau with luxurious decor. Rooms are individually designed, equipped with chandeliers, four-poster beds and private saunas. Hosts provide an intimate dinner of traditional French cuisine whilst local markets and michelin-star restaurants are in nearby Roanne.
Versailles (Versailles)
Stunning and unique 5* luxury stay in a former treasurer's mansion in the grounds of Versailles Palace. 13 rooms and suites decorated in traditional 18th century style, with Michelin starred dining by Alain Ducasse. A private tour of the Trianon is thrown in. A truly special experience.
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