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France has a range of wonderful accommodation options. However, there’s something especially magical about staying in a castle.The country has hundreds of castle hotels and château rentals, so it can be challenging to choose. Whether you’re looking for a whole castle to celebrate a special occasion or a romantic couple’s getaway, here are some of the best castle hotels in France and unique rentals.
Normandy and Brittany
Domaine de la Bretesche
Nestled on the border of the Loire Valley and Brittany, this historic luxury hotel is ideal for a romantic holiday and unique experience. The fairytale château sits on a small island on a lake within a sprawling historic estate. Domaine de la Bretesche’s comfortable rooms, suites and villas are found in the castle’s outbuildings. Many overlook the enchanting towers of the château.
These are all individually decorated with antique furniture, four-poster beds, soaking tubs and some have private outdoor areas. Spend your days strolling or biking through the estate’s deep forest. Lounge by the indoor or outdoor pool. Have a treatment at its Cour Carrée Spa or tee off at the golf course. End your day with a delicious dinner at its bistronomic onsite restaurant, which uses ingredients from the estate’s farm. This is one of the best château hotels in the region.
The Cotentin Manor
This petit 16th-century castle is the ideal summer retreat for a family holiday in Normandy. The beautiful castle sits on 2.5 hectares and has a tower to add to the charm. The cozy interiors of the Cotentin Manor have beamed ceilings, solid wooden furniture and large open fireplaces. There are four bedrooms in this historic building and a lovely terrace to take in the verdant Normand scenery. It’s well located for visiting the area’s sites such as the D-Day Beaches, Bayeux, Caen or a relaxing day at the beach.
Centre-Val de Loire
Domaine de Primard
Located only an hour west of Paris, this 18th-century noble residence has been beautifully converted into a stylish boutique hotel, with all the modern comforts one expects. Surrounded by 30-hectares gardens, orchards and woods, the château’s interiors have been entirely refurbished and feature chic contemporary design. There’s no need to leave the castle grounds once you’ve arrived thanks to its heated swimming pool, heavenly spa and farm-to-table restaurant.
Château Louise de la Vallière
Opened in 2022, this 5-star hotel is set within the elegant 16th century chateau of Louise de la Vallière the first official mistress of Louis XIV. Ideal for a romantic getaway, the staff dressed in period costumes help you travel back in time to this glamorous era of French history. The interiors of this historical monument have been created by star designer Jacques Garcia and feature period furniture, works of art and tapestries. You can enjoy romantic dinners at its sumptuous fine dining restaurant, hand-in-hand strolls through the extensive grounds of the 47-acre park, complete relaxation at the spa or simply relax by the year-round heated pool.
Champagne
Château de Courcelles
Situated in the prestigious Champagne Region, this elegant castle is known for kindled romance over the ages, including that of Napoleon and his second wife Marie-Louise. Built in the 17th century, this French chateau hotel has opulently decorated, elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant and refined gardens with a large pool and tennis courts. You can easily do champagne tasting in the surroundings and visit the city of Reims. A stay here will certainly add some spark to your trip to France or a romantic weekend from Paris.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Castel Novel
Crowning a hill in the Corrèze, at the edge of the Dordogne Valley, this enchanting Medieval castle used to be the countryside retreat of Colette. Clever nods to the renowned writer are found throughout the castle-hotel’s common spaces and in a special suite dedicated to her. Each of the 26 spacious, reasonably-priced guest rooms has its own spirit as well as special features such as sitting areas, mezzanine sleeping areas for the kids, balconies with views over the valley, or the castle’s towers. You can enjoy walks through its graceful grounds, a game of tennis, a refreshing swim and meals in its excellent gourmet on-site restaurant. It’s also a convenient jumping-off point for visiting the Dordogne, like the famed prehistoric sites of Lascaux.
Gourmet Castle
Savor the bucolic French countryside while staying at this charming jewel-box castle in the Lot-et-Garonne. The private five-bedroom exclusive rental, complete with turreted towers, has a lovely garden with a pool and covered outdoor dining pergola. Inside you’ll find cozy interiors with exposed stone walls, antiques and a lovely stained-glass window. There’s a rustic kitchen, a regal dining room and some bedrooms with crown beds. Venturing away from the castle, in 30 to 60 minutes, you can do a wine tasting, visit Bordeaux or have a day at the beach.
Burgundy
Château de Gilly [Temporarily Closed]
Built from the 14th to 16th centuries, this former Burgundian residence of Cistercian Monks is ideal for wine lovers. Located between Dijon and Beaune, some of the most prestigious wineries of France are within a short drive. The original features, castle’s moat, suits of armor, cozy fireplaces and painted ceilings all add to its allure. The château’s rib-vaulted cellar has been transformed into a wonderful gastronomic restaurant.
Castle Rock
The perfect place to gather a group of your family or friends, this ancient castle in Burgundy sleeps up to 20 guests. It’s set within idyllic countryside near Noyers-sur-Serein, one of France’s most beautiful villages, and only an hour by train from Paris. Constructed in the 13th century, the chateau has an imposing tower covered in ivy, which enlivens the imagination of both young and old alike. The fairytale experience continues inside with massive wooden beams and large open-hearth fireplaces. The castle mixes historic architecture with modern amenities and a great eco-heated pool.
Provence
Château des Fines Roches
Overlooking the prized vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the former residence of renowned Provençal poet Marquis Folco de Baroncelli Javo, now an elegant 4-star hotel. With its Medieval style, period architecture and crenelated towers, it’s hard to believe that the castle was built in the 19th century. Its beautiful interiors feature Provençal decor with neo-Gothic flare, but it’s really the views that are the showstopper—best enjoyed with a glass of the estate’s vineyards on the terrace.
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Written by Lily Heise for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.
