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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 setting for a couple’s getaway, here are some of our favorite unique castle hotels and rentals in France.
Domaine de la Bretesche
Nestled on the border of the Loire and Brittany, this historic castle hotel is ideal for a romantic holiday. The fairytale château sits on a small island on a lake within a sprawling historic estate. The hotel rooms, suites and villas are found in the castle’s outbuildings and many overtook the enchanting towers of the château. These are all individually decorated with antiques, four-poster beds, soaking tubs and some have private outdoor areas. Spend your days strolling or biking through the estate’s deep forest, lounging by the outdoor or indoor pools, treating yourself to a treatment its Cour Carrée Spa or teeing off at the golf course. End your day with a delicious dinner at its bistronomic restaurant, which uses ingredients from the estate’s farm.
The Cotentin Manor
This petit 16th-century castle is ideal for a family holiday in Normandy. The fortified home sits on 2.5 hectares and has a tower to add to the charm. The cozy interiors have beamed ceilings, solid wooden furniture and large open fireplaces. There are four bedrooms 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.
Domaine de Primard
Located only an hour west of Paris, this 18th-century noble residence has been beautifully converted into a stylish boutique hotel. 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 once you’ve arrived thanks to its heated swimming pool, heavenly spa and farm-to-table restaurant.
The Finer Things
An excellent venue to gather friends and family for a special occasion, this regal château is found in Normandy, a twenty-minute drive from the seaside and picturesque Honfleur.
The castle exudes opulence thanks to its vast rooms, precious antiques, detailed tapestries, crystal chandeliers, historic paintings and marble busts. Guests can enjoy music around the piano, a game of pool in the billiards room, a round of tennis on the private court or a relaxing sauna. There are six bedrooms (doubles and twins), which have lovely views over the estate and its beautiful gardens. There’s also a jewel-box chapel for small wedding ceremonies.
Château de Rochegude
Dating back to the 12th century, this fairytale fortress overlooks the rolling vineyards of the Rhône Valley. Transformed into an aristocratic summer home in the Renaissance, the building was more recently converted into an elegant hotel with four-poster beds, large open-hearth fireplaces and crystal chandeliers.
Life’s Rich Tapestry
The authenticity of the Dordogne Valley shines through at this rustic four-bedroom château. Wonderfully restored to bring out its historic character, wooden beams and exposed stone walls are accented by top modern amenities, including sumptuous bathrooms, a top quality kitchen and lovely pool. It’s the ideal base for exploring the quintessentially French villages, vineyards and historic sites of the region.
Château De Pray
Set on the banks of the Loire River, this lovely castle is found minutes from the royal Château d’Amboise and is a great choice for travelers without a car. From here, you can easily tour the top historic châteaux of the Loire by train. Surrounded by a five-acre park with a heated pool and lovely sitting areas, the hotel is a relaxing oasis. The interiors have timeless elegance and each of its 19 rooms is uniquely decorated. After your day of castle touring, savor a royal meal at its renowned Michelin-starred restaurant.
Château Palm
Vacation like the stars at this glitzy eight-bedroom castle tucked away in the hills above Cannes. Hidden by palm trees, the opulence is felt as soon as you step foot inside the columned château’s marble entrance. It boasts a formal dining room, a wood-paneled drawing room, a private gym, and spectacular sea views from the terrace and bedrooms. You can have a change of scenery from the pool by venturing down to the Croisette.
Château de Gilly
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 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.
The 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 architecture and crenelated towers, it’s hard to believe that the castle was built in the 19th century. Its 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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