Once retreats for summer sojourns or house parties with invitations for the rich and famous only, many of France’s famous castles have now flung their doors wide open to guests to offer the finest castle hotels in France. And with their prime locations and treasure-trove interiors, château hotels in France make extra special places to stay (especially before or after one of the extraordinary hotel barge experiences available on the French waterways).
You’ll find a good selection of château accommodation more or less everywhere in the country, but we’ve selected la crème de la crème. So, whether you’re treating yourself to a romantic weekend à deux in a luxury castle or fancy a get-together with all the family, read on to discover the château hotel for you in France.
Best château hotel in France for foodies – Château Les Oliveries de Salettes
With a lofty position in Drôme in Provence, this elegant château hotel provides the perfect luxury retreat with modern comforts for lovers of fine wining and dining. Hands-off activities include wine tasting and browsing nearby markets for the famous Provençal herbs, while keen cooks can take a lesson or two in the local cuisine. Then, you can relax by the vast pool whose panoramic views are legendary.
You’ll find doubles and suites in the bastide or the castle and families are more than welcome at the family suite.
While you’re there
Try the best Provence food and discover the best Provençal wine
Best château hotel in France for toute la famille – Château Les Carrasses
Even Fido can come too because this 19th-century château welcomes pets as well as families beyond its stone walls. This luxury château is located near Beziers, in the Languedoc region, so good wine is a given. You’ll find plenty to do for everyone. Sporting types can go for game, set and match on the clay courts. Explorers will love the free bikes, and for those who just fancy chilling, the loungers by the heated pool have your name on them. All the luxury trimmings you’d expect at one of the best château hotels in France but laid back at the same time.
Accommodation includes luxury suites and apartments and self-catering properties that sleep up to eight.
While you’re there
Don’t miss the Canal du Midi, the most famous canal in France and a spectacularly beautiful part of France. And if you fall in love with this waterway, treat yourself to a barge cruise – your castle hotel on the canal!
Best château hotel in France for golfers – Château de Maumont
Accommodation doesn’t come more discerning at French castle hotels than the five rooms at this sumptuous 16th-century palace, complete with landscaped gardens and bamboo plantation. Enjoy breakfast on the sunny terrace before you all head out for a round at the 18-hole Golf de l’Hirondelle course nearby. Then return for leisurely relaxation by the pool, perhaps with a massage.
Château de Maumont offers three rooms and two suites, all with private bathrooms and exquisite decoration.
While you’re there
Discover the nearby region of Cognac where you can see for yourself how the perfect après-golf dinner tipple is produced. And then what could be better than a group trip on a self-drive boat down the Charente?
Best château hotel in France for true castle lovers – Hôtel de la Cité
Few fortified towns inspire and fascinate as much as Carcassonne in Provence, perhaps Europe’s quintessential medieval monument. A stay at this Neo-Gothic hotel brings you all of the delights of Carcassonne just outside your door. Gaze over the famous ramparts and 52 turrets from the hotel terrace and for the best views, dine at La Barbacane restaurant. Best of all? Carcassonne is yours to explore in the evenings after all the tourists have gone home.
Hôtel de la Cité has just seven rooms including four suites and is a stunning example of beautiful château hotels. Treat yourself to the Deluxe Suite to be truly the king and queen of the castle.
While you’re there
See Carcassonne and its pretty surrounding scenery from one of our Canal du Midi boating holidays – the approach has probably the best views of the fortified town.
Best château hotel in France for design enthusiasts – Château de Maraval
Of course, all châteaux in France do design well, but this one in the heart of the Dordogne takes things to another level. While the exterior is obviously ancien – the bare bones date back to the 15th century and the fairytale castle turrets are traditional French 18th – the interiors are decidedly contemporary. The décor includes nods to Mondrian and Klimt, uber-comfy seating and sparkling white marble. Outside, guests can stroll around the extensive parkland and then luxuriate in the heated pool, hammam and whirlpool spa facilities, open 24/7.
This château has just four suites and is adults only.
While you’re there
Discover nearby Bordeaux, a paradise for foodies, history buffs and fans of beautiful scenery. Read our free guide to this stunning city.
Best château hotel in France for the beach – Château d’Audrieu
Normandy’s famous Pearl Coast with its miles of sand and pretty seaside resorts is just a short distance from this Relais & Châteaux hotel. The 18th-century residence, with a perfectly symmetrical façade, sits in a 60-acre park whose fine trees make up the views from all the 29 rooms. Inside, you’ll find all the luxury trimmings you’d expect at a true château. Think crystal chandeliers, crested porcelain, open fireplaces and white linen. While outside, a heated pool, spa and yoga classes await.
While you’re there
Take the leisurely route back to Paris via the Seine onboard a river cruise. Starting from Honfleur, the cruise glides through Rouen and Giverny before arriving in style in the City of Light.
Best château hotel in France for wine-loving groups – Château de Pennautier
With Carcassonne on the doorstep, an exquisite 17th century façade and an exception vineyard, a stay at château hotels in France don’t come much better than this. Grapes have been cultivated on the estate for over 400 years and today, it produces some outstanding wine. When you’re not visiting the vineyards and enjoying the vin, you can explore the gardens and chill in the cosy interiors, perfect for family relaxation time.
Accommodation at Château de Pennautier consists of double rooms with minimum bookings of four, making it ideal for that group getaway. Families are welcome too.
While you’re there
This gorgeous château hotel sits right on the route of the luxury hotel barge, Savannah, as she makes her leisurely way along the Canal du Midi. Book your stay on board this 5-star Grand Luxe barge to continue your luxury holiday beyond Pennautier.
Best château hotel in France of all? – Château de Bagnols
When it comes to deluxe, this 13th-century château in the heart of Beaujolais country takes some beating. Its fine original features – dry moat, Renaissance murals and imposing towers – have been fully restored and now provide a beautiful backdrop to modern amenities and finishes, all with 5-star rating. Like so many château hotels in France, this one offers the best of local wining and dining and the on site restaurant has a terrace with stunning views.
The spacious suites range from period-style to ultra-modern and you can choose where to stay – in the castle, outbuildings or cellar.
While you’re there
Visit nearby Lyon. Then explore Beaujolais and its wines in detail from onboard a hotel barge, as every bit as deluxe as Bagnols.
Enjoyed reading this? Pin this post to Pinterest to share it with others:
