Although chateaux these days can also refer to a country mansion or aristocratic home, it’s literal translation is actually ‘castle’. Rural France boasts of a great number of these chateaux, complete with towers, gatekeepers, turrets, drawbridges, and moats.
Most of these enchanting structures have been converted to heritage hotels, and staying in one is something you need to experience when in France. From the Loire Valley to the Languedoc, from 10th-century boutiques to those located inside UNESCO World Heritage sites — here are some of the best and highly rated chateau hotels in France.
Map of Chateau Hotels in France
9 Best Chateau Hotels in France
1. Chateau d’Etoges, Champagne, France
Chateau d’Etoges is known as a historic monument but it is also a popular romantic destination. This former resting point of French kings during the 17th century is located in the heart of the Champagne region.
You can sample some local wines in the castle cellar or visit the surrounding vineyards. Chateau d’Etoges is nestled in 45-acres of parkland which you can explore. The castle also is home to a spa with a sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and a special treatment room for couples.
If you want an ultimate chateau experience, opt for the delightful Privilege Room that has period fabrics antique furnishings, high windows, and canopied beds.
Average review rating
8.9 Fabulous
Location
4 Rue De Richebourg, 51270 Étoges, France
How to book
For the latest rate, click here.
2. Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne
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Situated within the protective walls of the fortified medieval citadel of Carcassonne is the five-star Hotel de la Cite, which is one of the best castle hotels in France. This is the only other hotel in Carcassonne, a town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Being in this castle hotel is like being in an older era, with its walls covered with ivy, leaded windows, and a grand wooden staircase. Modern amenities and facilities include an outdoor pool, a spa, a bar, and a Michelin starred restaurant that serves tasty regional dishes.
Hotel de la Cite has rooms that are either furnished and decorated in a classic period or contemporary style. Some rooms have a balcony that has great views over the ramparts but if you don’t have access to one, you can always explore the maze-like streets of Carcassonne on your own. It is also a good base for some of the best hiking sites in France.
Average review rating
9.2 Superb
Location
Place Auguste Pierre Pont, 11000 Carcassonne, France
How to book
For the latest rate, click here.
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3. Chateau de la Treyne
Situated on a cliff that overlooks the Dordogne river, the 13th-century castle Chateau de la Treyne looks like something out of a French fairytale. With its pale stone walls and turreted towers peeking out from the forested area that surrounds the castle in the east, the approach does seem like you’re walking closer to a kingdom.
Each of its guest rooms is uniquely styled, all with period furniture, exposed beams, and parquet floors. Chateau de la Treyne also offers guests with a thermal infinity pool, onsite tennis courts and access to various outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Its Michelin starred restaurant entices with romantic interiors that feature candelabras and wood-paneled ceiling, as well as the finest local cuisine.
Average review rating
8.8 Excellent
Location
La Treyne, 46200 Lacave, France
4. Chateau de Bagnols
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Another designated historic monument is the stunning Chateau de Bagnols, located on the edge of the medieval village of Bagnols – about 4 hours away from Strasbourg. This is a five-star chateau surrounded by scenic Beaujolais vineyards, and one of the best chateau hotels in France.
Built in 1217, this well-preserved chateau boasts of cherry orchards, formal gardens and a circular Roman pool in its massive grounds. Chateau de Bagnols’ spa is ideal for pampering, while foodies can feast on regional dishes served at its Michelin starred restaurant.
There is a variety of rooms on offers, such as the nature-inspired Garden Suites and contemporary Cellar Suites, but the total castle experience is in the Chateau Suite with its antique furniture, decorative fireplaces, four-poster beds, and murals.
Average review rating
8.8 Fabulous
Location
Le Bourg, 69620 Bagnols, France
For the latest rate, click here.
5. Chateau de Maraval, France
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Now one of the Dordogne’s best B&Bs and among the most highly recommended castle hotels in France, Chateau de Maraval once housed a community of Trappist nuns.
This honey-colored castle with two towers that we see today was originally built in the 15th century but was destroyed by fire in the early 1800s. Its lavish yet elegant interiors feature marble floors, white walls, and statement furniture in bold colors.
The chateau’s lounge meanwhile has a collection of 16th-century frescoes depicting the life of Moses. Each room at the Chateau de Maraval is uniquely designed, like the King room with its gold accents or the zebra prints in the Ethnic room.
This castle hotel also has its own spa and heated outdoor pool. Breakfast here is a feast of homemade cakes and jams as well as regional cheeses. Chateau de Maraval doesn’t have its own restaurant but it is close to Capestang village where there’s a variety of dinner options.
Average review rating
9.9 Exceptional
Location
Lieu-dit Maraval, 24250 Cénac-et-Saint-Julien, France
How to book
For the latest rate, click here.
6. Chateau de Vallagon
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Chateau de Vallagon is located near Bourré which makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the chateaus and vineyards of the Loire Valley. One of the highly-rated castles in France, it offers affordable accommodations in a 16th-century castle that’s situated in a lush parkland that spans 10 acres.
This picture-perfect chateau has balconies, towers and turrets, and charming guest rooms and suites. Each with a rustic vibe, all rooms feature wooden floors and sloped ceilings. Guests have access to a swimming pool and playground for the kids.
The affordable breakfast buffet they serve feature a generous buffet of fruits, local cheeses, pastries, and cold meat while in the afternoon, guests can sample the chateau’s own wine in the terrace.
Average review rating
8.9 Fabulous
Location
62 Route de Vallagon, 41400 Bourré, France
How to book
For the latest rate, click here.
7. Chateau Les Carrasses
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The 19th-century wine Domaine Chateau Les Carrasses is located in the Languedoc region of Southern France, surrounded by lush vineyards.
This chateau offers self-catering accommodations and you can choose from apartments, suites or villas, many of these have their own garden or terrace while a few have a private pool.
This is one of those chateau hotels in France which you can truly call your home away from home, only you’re in a chateau that’s surrounded by sprawling gardens, vineyards, and walking trails that winds itself through the vast parklands.
Average review rating
9.2 Superb
Location
Route de Capestang, 34310 Quarante, France
How to book
For the latest rate, click here.
8. Domaine de la Tortinière
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The family-owned Domaine de la Tortinière is located in the heart of Loire Valley, with graceful towers and surrounded by a wooded park. It was built in the mid-19th century and has played host ts to guests like past French presidents and popular actors Gérard Depardieu and Juliette Binoche.
This is a family-friendly chateau that has a heated outdoor pool and tennis courts, as well as rental bikes for exploring the nearby Loire Valley. Domaine de la Tortinière also has a highly recommended restaurant that serves local cuisine and regional produce such as truffles and aged cheeses.
Average review rating
9.1 Superb
Location
10 Route de Ballan, 37250 Veigné, France
How to book
For the latest rate, click here.
9. Château de Fonscolombe
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The luxurious Château de Fonscolombe is situated within the idyllic countryside north of Aix-en-Provence. This highly recommended castle hotel has a grandiose garden with fountains, sculptures and an organic vineyard.
Château de Fonscolombe used to be a noble residence before it went through an 18-month renovation to transform it into the elegant castle hotel that it is now.
Apart from the opulent accommodations, this chateau is home to the L’Orangerie restaurant which serves Provençal cuisine with a twist, using only locally sourced ingredients including those grown in the estate.
Within the grounds surrounding Château de Fonscolombe, you’ll also find a cedar tree planted by the Queen of England which provides shade when the weather gets too hot.
Average review rating
9.4 Superb
Location
Route de Saint-Canadet, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, France
How to book
For the latest rate, click here.
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