Living in a castle, it’s something we’ve all dreamt about at least once in our life. As kids, there’s no better backdrop imaginable for all your fantasy adventures. Whether you opt for the role of princess, prince, prison guard or fool: they’re all living their best life in the labyrinth of your mind, while your earthly body is stuck in a cushion fort. Yet, even as an adult, we sometimes wonder what it would be like to spend our days surrounded by luxury and endless hidden corridors, between castle towers and moats.
Well, luckily for us, you don’t necessarily need to buy a castle to be able to enjoy those formidable surroundings for a while. To be honest, most of us simply don’t have the funds to live out such dreams. But nowadays, now that holiday rentals and bed & breakfasts are not exactly strangers to most of us, a simple click might suffice to book your stay in a formidable castle. It’s just up to you to choose one. In case you need some inspiration, we might be of help. We searched high and low to come up with five French chateaux in which you can stay, whether it is just for one night or a whole month (we’re not here to judge your budget). So, welcome to the chateau!
1. Le Fleur, Gonneville-sur-Honfleur
Those of you who check out castle-themed YouTube videos from time to time, might recognise this beautiful castle in the North of France. Three years ago, Anna and Philipp decided to give up their lives in Paris and buy this magnificent property. Little by little, they transformed Le Fleur into the luxurious bed & breakfast it is today – not nearly finished yet, still, is that even possible when it comes to renovating a chateau? At the moment, there are four rooms available for you to book, all with their own quirky character.
Prices start at 250 euros per night, breakfast included.
2. Château de Reignac, Saint-Loubès
Are you and your friends true wine fanatics? Would you like to experience some of France’s finest in an unforgettable setting? Then the Château de Reignac might be a good bet. Instead of booking a room, here, you go all out and reserve the whole castle at once. Which, admittedly, is far from cheap, but on a more positive note, there are six bedrooms and, according to the hosts: “You will live an original experience that will wake up all your olfactory and gustatory senses.” Which makes us more than curious! The building itself is also a gem for history lovers, with tons of original artefacts and a greenhouse signed by Eiffel himself!
Prices start around 5.000 euros a night, with a minimum stay of two nights.
3. Château Lalaud, Loriol-Du-Comtat
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to châteaux. Sometimes, you want to stay somewhere surrounded by beauty without necessarily feeling overwhelmed by it all. Château Lalaud is a perfect example of a more modest castle. The eighteenth-century building is surrounded by vineyards and lays in the Provence, probably one of the most popular regions in France to go on holiday. Whether you choose to stay in one of the five rooms or in one of the three cottages, we’re sure you won’t regret your stay.
Prices start at 290 euros per night, breakfast included.
4. Gîte de La Quincy, Nanteuil-La-Fosse
What do you do when your family castle is falling apart? How, anno 2022, do you make sure to keep it in the family without ruining yourself? Well, the Cornu-Langy family decided to turn their family home into a gîte with room for up to fifteen people. Whether you’re looking for the perfect team building location for your business or a castle to host your next family weekend, everything’s possible at La Quincy. The magnificently restored building is surrounded by a 30-hectares park, making sure you won’t be disturbed during your stay.
One week at the château will set you back 2.300 euros, but shorter stays are possible as well.
5. Château de la Vernède, Saint Rémy de Chargnat
Admittedly, most châteaux tend to be a bit out of budget. They’re something you might treat yourself to for a night or so and that’s it – except maybe when you’re in a group. But here, in the Auvergne at the Château de la Vernède, staying in a castle remains affordable. What once was a hunting lodge of Queen Margot has since been transformed into a cosy, welcoming bed & breakfast where it’s fairly easy to lose track of time. And even though the rooms are beautiful, don’t forget to wander outside and discover the park, including its very own mill!
Prices start at 120 euros a night, breakfast included.
