When visiting the beautiful country of France, a ton of romance falls into every aspect of the country. From the food, sights, art, down to the people, everything comes off with a certain level of charm. Even your humble accommodations can be magnified into a place of marvel. Thus, imagine staying somewhere more unique than your usual hotel room, which boasts not only a hint of beauty but rich in history as well.
Experience living like royalty and see how the likes of Marie Antoinette thrived in such majesty during the medieval era. Living in castles played a huge role in French monarchies, which ultimately translated into distinct grandeur. You may not be of French blood but getting to experience what it’s like to live in mesmerizing castles like that of La Chartreuse du Bignac is still possible today. Grab the opportunity to stay somewhere one-of-a-kind and see our highly recommended list of 15 courtly castles to stay in France.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.
1. Château de Valmer, La Croix-Valmer (from USD 447)
Situated near the beautiful gold-sand beaches, Plage de Gigaro and Plage de Sylvabelle, Chateau de Valmer is a luxurious hotel that sits right in the heart of the La Croix Valmer Park. It offers top-grade amenities like a spa and wellness center, an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a hammam, a communal bathhouse ideal for superb relaxation and recreation. This property also boasts a breakfast buffet, and access to other facilities and activities like the fitness center, bike tours, and walking tours to name a few. Each room has a terrace overlooking the lush garden of the chateau. The ultimate highlight of Chateau de Valmer would have to be the private access on Gigaro beach at La Pinede Plage, just 300 m (984 ft) away.
Château de Valmer
Address: Plage de Gigaro
220.6 km (137.1 mi) from Planet Ocean World
2. Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (from USD 216)
Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches was converted into a hotel back in 1974. This classic, mid-century hotel is now a safe haven for travelers headed to see popular nearby attractions. Some of which include Avignon, a Southwestern commune frequented for its beaches and historic architecture. The chateau features an in-house restaurant that offers superb coffee, which is a great way to kick-off a day exploring Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Just 9.9 km (6.1 miles) from the property, spend an afternoon at the Grand Avignon Golf Course for a day of golf, or head to Splashworld Aqua Park to observe the marine life, which can be ideal for families traveling with kids.
Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches
Address: Route de Sorgues
89.81 km (55.9 mi) from Planet Ocean World
3. Château de Mercuès, Mercuès (from USD 383)
Reasonable pricing for a luxurious chateau experience, with Michelin-starred dining options.
Beautiful pool, tennis courts, and winery tour available. Some areas may need maintenance.
Stunning location with breathtaking views of the River Lot. Convenient room upgrades offered.
Exceptional dining experiences at the Michelin-starred restaurant, though more casual options are limited.
Château de Mercuès is a 13th-century castle that housed the bishops of Cahors. Apart from a chapel, it also boasts the renowned vineyard of Cahors. Château de Mercuès is ideal for couples looking for unique and romantic accommodation in the south of France. Highlights include a swimming pool, an in-house bar, a fine-dining restaurant, as well as a sun terrace, and a garden. The property offers a variety of entertaining activities for guests, such as bike tours and pop-up art galleries. Those who prefer to bring their pets during their stay may do so for free. For travelers that are keen on seeing some pre-historic sights, head over to Pech Merle Cave, which is just 19.8 km (12.3 miles) from the chateau.
Château de Mercuès
Address: Château de Mercuès
224.7 km (139.7 mi) from Planet Ocean World
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4. Château de Berne, Lorgues (from USD 429)
Luxury pricing with exceptional value for amenities and experiences.
Top-notch spa, multiple pools, cooking classes, wine cellar tours, and free valet parking.
Beautiful vineyard setting in Provence, with easy access to charming towns and villages.
Incredible dining experiences, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, chef's table, and wine tasting.
Château de Berne is another superb and highly regarded hotel in Lorgues. It’s an idyllic holiday getaway from the city and offers top-notch amenities. Guests will be able to maximize their stay by using their spa and wellness center, or by taking a dip in the outdoor swimming pool. The chateau also features spacious, mid-century designed rooms, with en suite bathrooms. The spa is 800 sqm (8,611 sqft) big and boasts two hot tubs, a sauna, and balneotherapy rooms accessible to VIP guests. Those who wish to see more of the countryside of Lorgues should check out the bike tours offered by the chateau to see the stunning vineyards and gardens all over town.
Château de Berne
Address: Route de Salernes
197.52 km (122.8 mi) from Planet Ocean World
5. Castle in the Loire Valley, Saint-Georges-sur-Cher (from USD 464)
Right in the heart of Loire Valley lies a breathtaking castle turned into a holiday home for eager travelers in the south of France. This classic, mid-century designed castle was converted into a vacation rental that can accommodate more than 16 people. Outdoor amenities include a garden backyard, a large pool, and barbecue facilities. Indoor facilities include a travel cot for those traveling with kids and a fireplace for extra chilly winters in Saint-Georges-sur-Cher. Keen explorers may venture to Le Mercy, a popular restaurant near the castle that is known for its regional French cuisine. Those who want to see more of the urban side of the country can easily make their way to Paris via the train, just an hour and 15 minutes away, or by a car, which is a two-hour drive from the castle.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful grounds fully equipped kitchen with coffee makers and great knivesthe grounds are beautiful with a fountain and flowers and pool woodland vineyardsthe kitchen has every modern convenience and even the bathrooms are spacious and elegantwifi a little spotty in parts of the house (but its a huge house so that makes sense)the rooms were comfortable and spaciousCleanliness:
the place is clean and well keptit’s easy to find clean and beautiful insidegreat house with huge garden und grounds cleanHost:
thank you pierre for your kind hospitalitypierre is a great hostpierre is a great host with timely responses and amazing local recommendationspierre is a great host and offers tons of useful informationpierre was a very responsive host that provided exceptional information for making our trip amazingRead more reviewsLocation:
location is just perfectwe liked ranging from the locationgreat for family gatherings and perfect locationthe location is perfect for exploring winegood location great house febulous land and forest
Superhost
6. Château Dans Le Perche, La Saucelle (from USD 350)
Château Dans Le Perche in La Saucelle is a 300 sqm (3,229 sqft) castle that astounds many travelers with its picturesque appearance. Fronting a fish pond, this castle boasts history, art, and design all at once. It’s big enough for 14 people and has 7 uniquely stylish bedrooms which are all renovated for modern comfort. This is a great holiday getaway for a big group, especially those who like to travel with pets. Spend delightful afternoons in the garden playing fetch with your furry friends. Situated near Perche Natural Park, this rural side home is close to many humble villages for guests to explore.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
caretaker very friendly and lives and works on sitewell above our expectations the caretaker was a very good host to us and very helpful and friendly
7. Amazing 18th century family castle, near Bordeaux (from USD 1710)
Situated in a quiet neighborhood near the popular vacation spot, Bordeaux is Couffins Castle. This historic property was converted into a vacation home and welcomes big groups for a retreat away from the city. Indoor amenities include fully renovated, spacious bedrooms with high ceilings and big windows that easily welcome light. This 18th-century family castle boasts a private park with gorgeous magnolia trees. There are also ping-pong tables, petanque balls, as well as a swimming pool for superb entertainment. Those who wish to explore the area some more can check out the Bordeaux vineyard, just 20 minutes away from the castle. Nature lovers itching to see a UNESCO World Heritage can head to the Dune of Pyla, just an hour away by car.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the swimming pool and garden around the chateau complete this pretty picturethe bathrooms were adequate and the place was better heated than i expectedwe were lucky with the weather so also enjoyed relaxing by the pool and the extensive groundsthe rooms are great and the garden is perfect for long nights with cheese and winethe rooms are comfortable and there's plenty of space to utiliseCleanliness:
) the rooms are modernized and clean the beds are comfortable and we comfortably fit a group of 18Host:
nathalie was an amazing hostnathalie was the perfect hostnathalie the host was very helpful and responsivenathalie is a very responsive and thoughtful hostour host made available a selection of wine from the family winery which was much appreciatedRead more reviewsLocation:
it was a great trip in a great locationit was in a great location close to bordeaux airport and lovely villages like st emillionexcellent location for a group retreat as part of our eu projectset alongside the dordogne river it is on a beautiful locationthe location - superb for a private peaceful stylish and picturesque stay
8. Heavenly castle located between the Verdon Gorges, Provence (from USD 102)
Ideal for a couples getaway, this heavenly Provencal castle is more than a homestay to experience. Provence is located in the south of France, away from the busy commercial downtown areas. Guests are recommended to bring a car to easily get around. To this day, this 17th-century castle sits peacefully between the Verdon Gorges, a famous river canyon, and the Sainte Croix lake, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy being by the water. Guests will enjoy the featured hot tub, the complimentary French breakfast with quality made pastries and the outdoor garden patio for some sunbathing.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the rooms and the common areas are beautiful with amazing period furniturelovely morning breakfast with fresh croissants and coffeethe breakfasts are so fresh and tasty the jacuzzi is so relaxing after a day hikingthe breakfast is a wonderful addition authentic and tastybeautiful big room with lovely big windows with views of the country sideCleanliness:
the room was very clean and beautifulthe bedroom was clean and comfortablethe bedroom are clean tidy and bigour room was very clean and beautifulthe room is nice and cleanHost:
amazing castle and specailly host was super niceshe is a meticulous and charming hostcatherine was a perfect hostmoreover people were very friendlythe host is very nice and warmRead more reviewsLocation:
great central location to your verdon gorgelocation is perfect at just 10 minutes' drive from moustiers ste mariethe house is absolutely beautiful and the location breathtakingthe location is ideal for visiting moustiers st marie and the verdon gorgethe castle is very authentic and it is the perfect location to discover the region
9. Enchanting 19th century fairy-tale castle, near Bordeaux (from USD 1683)
Book a few nights in this enchanting 19th-century fairy-tale castle, big enough to accommodate up to 17 guests. It sits on a private property spanning 50 acres (20 hectares) of woodlands, and 10 acres (4 hectares) of breathtaking vineyards. This castle features six stylish and uniquely designed bedrooms, including superb entertainment amenities such as a game room as well as a home theater. The kitchen area features a Viking range and a SubZero refrigerator. Enjoy lounging by the sun in the swimming pool or spend an active morning workout at the tennis court. Experience the best of the countryside and venture out to the bustling city of Bordeaux for more sightseeing and other interesting activities to do.
10. Majestic historical French castle, near Paris (from USD 1059)
Beaming with radiance, this majestic French castle near the busy city of Paris is a must to visit. The castle is 10,764 sqft (1,000 sqm) big and features 14 bedrooms with 8 bathrooms for a maximum of 32 people to occupy. Enjoy using premium amenities and learn the subtle French lifestyle during the 18th century. This stunning castle sits in the middle of a ginormous park, with a swimming pool, and a vegetable garden for guests to fully make use of during their stay. A weekend at this castle features a ton of activities which include wine tasting, cycling, fishing, a game of table tennis, or even bouncing on a trampoline. Those traveling with children are free to request for babysitting services within the property for convenience.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
the hosts alexia and edouard are really very nice and helpful with just everythingthank you for this unforgettable moment and special thanks to edouard and alexia always very attentive to us
11. Château du Tertre, Arsac (from USD 292)
Château du Tertre is another picturesque holiday hotel that sits right in the heart of the vineyards. This castle was built in 1855 and to this day remains to be a well maintained and beautiful property. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and still managed to preserve its classic exteriors as seen in the property’s terrace. Nearby points of interest include restaurants like La Garde Gourmande and L'Auberge des Grands Vins, both of which are just less than 7 km (4.3 miles) from the chateau. Nature enthusiasts can spend the day at the Gironde River or the Lacanau Lake for some stunning outdoor attractions.
Château du Tertre
Address: 14 allée du tertre
397.23 km (246.9 mi) from Planet Ocean World
12. La Chartreuse du Bignac, Saint-Nexans (from USD 230)
Another top-rated and one-of-a-kind accommodation to check out is the La Chartreuse du Bignac in Saint-Nexans. This gorgeous castle turned hotel getaway is an ideal romantic spot for couples on a holiday. It’s surrounded by a huge park spanning 12 hectares (29.6 acres) wide with an iconic view of the vineyards. This property boasts an in-house restaurant that serves a regional cuisine like no other. Other amenities include a small library, a cinema, and a wine bar. Rooms are fully furnished and boast quite the character with tasteful art and furniture guests would appreciate. For those keen on seeing local attractions, Monbazillac Castle, and Chateau Les Merles Golf Course are just less than 9 km (5.5 miles) from the property.
La Chartreuse du Bignac - Teritoria
Address: Le Bignac
298.35 km (185.4 mi) from Planet Ocean World
13. Domaine de Verchant Relais & Châteaux, Montpellier (from USD 453)
Right in the heart of Montpellier sits this fascinating castle turned luxury hotel. Domaine de Verchant Relais & Châteaux is more than just a place to rest for a long weekend, it’s a haven for recreational and relaxing activities to engage in. It boasts a state-of-the-art spa center, along with an in-house restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. There are two swimming pools, one indoors, and another one outdoors. Other highly commendable amenities include a fitness room, an affusion shower, and a hammam. There is also a wine cellar that has a resident sommelier that can show you some of the best pairings that go with your meals. Avid art enthusiasts can make their way to the Fabre Museum, just 3.6 km (2.2 miles) from the lovely chateau.
Domaine de Verchant & Spa - Relais & Châteaux
Address: 1615 Rue de la Vieille Poste
2.28 km (1.5 mi) from Planet Ocean World
14. Château Candace, Campbon (from USD 1104)
A luxurious getaway weekend in one of the best castles to stay in France is best when you’re headed to Chateau Candace in Campbon. This historic castle converted to a deluxe hotel is frequented for its quality service and stunning ambiance. This property is pet-friendly and boasts amenities like an outdoor pool, a spacious patio, a tennis court, and barbecue facilities. If you’re a bookworm and enjoy a good read, head to the library to see some unique finds. There is also a game room and a lounge area for other things to do indoors. Nearby attractions include Ocean Atlantique, just 30 km (18.6 miles) from the property for travelers who would want to appreciate some natural beauty.
Château Candace
Address: Château Coislin
625.15 km (388.5 mi) from Planet Ocean World
15. A French château luxury apartment, Normandy
This French château in Normandy is an ideal accommodation for couples looking for a unique stay. Experience 18th-century royalty in this lux seaside property, dubbed as one of the most romantic castle hotels in Normandy, France. Highlights include antique furnishings, classic French interiors, a tasteful terrace with stunning sea views, and close proximity to D-Day beaches. There is parking within the premises and a patio balcony area for an afternoon session of sunbathing. Guests may also borrow two adult bikes to easily explore local culture and small villages in Normandy during their stay. Nearby points of attraction include the Airborne Museum, and Parc du Château des Ravalet, both of which are just less than 21 km (13 miles) from the château.
Aumeville-Lestre, Normandie, France
771.58 km (479.5 mi) from Planet Ocean WorldAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
that was extraordinary : the place is unique and jacqueline and geoffrey are incredibly kind and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect for families close to the beach and important shops
A few days of royal treatment
Visit the countryside of France and experience the tradition that went with French royalty. Book one-of-a-kind accommodations like 18th-century castles for a royal experience like no other. From stunning, classic French interiors, to deluxe breakfast buffets, indeed, there’s definitely a ton to experience when you opt for a staycation in one of these breathtaking French castles.
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