Make your next holiday a right regal romp, complete with ramparts and luxurious boudoirs: Twenty fairytale French chateaux you can RENT (from as little as £76 per night)
- The spectacular chateaux listed below have all been handpicked by travel firm Sawday’s
- They are havens of unabashed luxury with gracious wood panelling, fine frescoes and ancient fireplaces
- A ‘chat to the owners will set one’s imagination alight with stories of revolution and revelry’, says Sawday’s
If you want your next holiday to be a right regal romp, plan a trip to one of these fairytale French chateaux.
Here we present 20 stunning examples, from Brittany to Burgundy, listed by travel firm Sawday’s – ‘passionate defenders of all that is special’. And these properties, we can confirm, most certainly are special, havens of unabashed luxury with intimate boudoirs, gracious wood panelling, striking sculptures, fine frescoes, ancient fireplaces and spellbinding ramparts.
Nicky deBouille, Sawday’s in-country manager in France, says: ‘We adore chateaux because so much of what we love about France can be found in one, regardless of the era in which it was built. Every chateau is a testament to French design and the skill of the finest craftsmen of the era. History is everywhere too and a chat to the owners will set one’s imagination alight with stories of revolution, royal visits, and revelry.’ Scroll down to gorge on a French feast of beautiful buildings, costing from as little as £76 a night to stay in…
Chateau de Saint Paterne, Sarthe, Loire
Sawday’s describes Chateau de Saint Paterne as ‘a marvellous mix of the Renaissance and the 18th century’
Abandoned for 30 years, the building was rediscovered by an heir who ‘gave up Provence for lovely Perche pastures’
Sawday’s describes this residence in the Pays de la Loire region as ‘a marvellous mix of the Renaissance and the 18th century’. Abandoned for 30 years, the building was rediscovered by an heir who ‘gave up Provence for lovely Perche pastures’.
Sawday’s adds: ‘He and his wife, a charming couple, have redecorated with spirit, respecting the style and history of the building, adding a zest of southern colour to panelled, antique-filled rooms and pretty country furniture.’
A room for two at Chateau de Saint Paterne costs from 145 euros (£124) per night.
Chateau de la Ruche, Sarthe, Loire
‘Your first glimpse of Chateau de la Ruche, in the peaceful isolation of its pretty park, will gladden weary travellers,’ says Sawday’s
The booking platform says: ‘You’re treated to restored 18th-century elegance along with luxurious beds and bathrooms, quirky vintage finds and drawing rooms to retire to’
‘Owner Rebecca loves to cook so do dine in on the best local and seasonal food,’ Sawday’s says
A room for two at Chateau de la Ruche costs from 200 euros (£170) per night
‘Your first glimpse of Chateau de la Ruche, in the peaceful isolation of its pretty park, will gladden weary travellers,’ says Sawday’s of this bed and breakfast in Pays de la Loire.
The booking platform adds: ‘You’re treated to restored 18th-century elegance along with luxurious beds and bathrooms, quirky vintage finds and drawing rooms to retire to. Owner Rebecca loves to cook so do dine in on the best local and seasonal food; French-inspired with English twists, preceded by a friendly cocktail. Breakfasts are generous too with great pastries and preserves.’
A room for two at Chateau de la Ruche costs from 200 euros (£170) per night.
Chateau Les Estournels, Lot, Midi-Pyrenees
‘Come for gorgeous tapestries, sumptuous chandeliers, and a week of total, unabashed luxury,’ Sawday’s says of Chateau Les Estournels
‘Not only do you find a grand salon and a kitchen fit for the Brothers Bocuse, there are a series of peaceful, elegant, intimate boudoirs tucked in between,’ Sawday’s says
Chateau Les Estournels has five bedrooms, sleeps up to 10, and costs from 525 euros (£447) per night
‘Come for gorgeous tapestries, sumptuous chandeliers, and a week of total, unabashed luxury,’ Sawday’s says of this self-catering chateau in the Midi-Pyrenees region.
The travel firm adds: ‘Not only do you find a grand salon and a kitchen fit for the Brothers Bocuse, there are a series of peaceful, elegant, intimate boudoirs tucked in between. Pop into Lauzerte for its twice-weekly market, or lunch at L’Etincelle.’
Chateau Les Estournels has five bedrooms, sleeps up to 10, and costs from 525 euros (£447) per night.
Chateau de Rouffillac, Carlux, Dordogne
Writing about nine-bedroom Chateau de Rouffillac, Sawday’s says: ‘Take cocktails to the terrace as the sun goes down and be dazzled. The view from every rampart and room of this hilltop chateau is as stunning as any in the Perigord Noir’
‘Endless woodland walks are yours’ at Chateau de Rouffillac, says Sawday’s, noting that you’ll ‘return to ginormous medieval fireplaces and gracious 19th-century panelling’
Reception rooms at Chateau de Rouffillac combine ‘opulence and charm’, declares Sawday’s
Writing about this nine-bedroom self-catering chateau, Sawday’s says: ‘Take cocktails to the terrace as the sun goes down and be dazzled. The view from every rampart and room of this hilltop chateau is as stunning as any in the Perigord Noir.’
Sawday’s adds: ‘Endless woodland walks are yours: hike down the forest track to little Carlux. Return to ginormous medieval fireplaces and gracious 19th-century panelling. Reception rooms combine opulence and charm, and bedroom suites (one in the tower) are extremely spoiling.’
Chateau de Rouffillac has nine bedrooms, sleeps up to 18 and costs from 750 euros (£639) per night.
Chateau de la Ballue, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany
‘Artists say 1620s Chateau de la Ballue inspires creativity – you may fall under its spell too,’ Sawday’s writes
The formal gardens, which are listed and open to the public, are described as a ‘French reverie of bosquets and paths sprinkled with sculptures, gazing over Mont St Michel’
‘This is a family home with spirited hosts who are passionate about the place,’ Sawday’s says of this grand pile
‘Artists say this 1620s chateau inspires creativity – you may fall under its spell too,’ Sawday’s says of this bed and breakfast in Bazouges-la-Perouse.
The formal gardens, which are listed and open to the public, are described as a ‘French reverie of bosquets and paths sprinkled with sculptures, gazing over Mont St Michel’. Guests will find a spa, zen garden and pool ‘hidden’ inside, says the travel company.
‘This is no museum, but a family home with spirited hosts who are passionate about the place,’ Sawday’s adds.
A room for two at Chateau de la Ballue costs from 230 euros (£196) per night.
Chateau de la Cote, Brantome, Dordogne
‘This spectacular 15th-century chateau has been owned and run by the same charming family since the last century,’ Sawday’s says of Chateau de la Cote
Chateau de la Cote is ‘a wonderful retreat full of character – come for history, romancing, rambling and exploring the Dordogne’
The interior of Chateau de la Cote ‘oozes aged grandeur – original stonewalls, wood panelling, a suit of armour in the hall, and huge fireplaces in almost all the rooms’
‘This spectacular 15th-century chateau has been owned and run by the same charming family since the last century,’ Sawday’s says of this property. ‘Travel past golden sunflower fields and the chateau emerges regally through a forested hilltop.’
Sawday’s continues: ‘The interior oozes aged grandeur – original stonewalls, wood panelling, a suit of armour in the hall, and huge fireplaces in almost all the rooms. Bedrooms are old-fashioned but impressive with antiques and numerous four-posters to choose from.
‘A wonderful retreat full of character – come for history, romancing, rambling and exploring the Dordogne.’
A room for two at Chateau de la Cote costs from 108 euros (£92) per night.
Domaine de la Tortiniere, Montbazon, Loire
‘It seems unreal, this pepper-pot-towered chateau on a hill above the Indre, the bird-filled woods where wild cyclamen lay a carpet in autumn and daffodils radiate their light in spring,’ Sawday’s says of Domaine de la Tortiniere
Guests can expect ‘soft lighting, panelled reception rooms, deep comfort and discreet friendliness’
‘It seems unreal, this pepper-pot-towered chateau on a hill above the Indre, the bird-filled woods where wild cyclamen lay a carpet in autumn and daffodils radiate their light in spring,’ Sawday’s says of this guest house.
‘Then there’s the view across to the stony keep of Montbazon. This is an exceptional spot with tennis, a heated pool, fishing or rowing on the river, too.’
According to the travel firm, guests can expect ‘soft lighting, panelled reception rooms, deep comfort and discreet friendliness’ in this family-run hotel.
A room for two at Domaine de la Tortiniere costs from 125 euros (£106) per night.
Chateau de Courban, Cote-d’Or, Burgundy
Chateau de Courban is an ‘ambitiously renovated 19th-century mansion – with a 17th-century dovecote bearing witness to an even older heritage’
‘Rooms flaunt a wide variety of styles, from the bold and bright to the floral and cosy, all tastefully harmonised and generously comfortable,’ Sawday’s says
‘This ambitiously renovated 19th-century mansion – with a 17th-century dovecote bearing witness to an even older heritage – was transformed into its present incarnation by Jerome and Frederic’s father, perfectionist Pierre Vandendriessche,’ Sawday’s reveals.
‘Rooms flaunt a wide variety of styles, from the bold and bright to the floral and cosy, all tastefully harmonised and generously comfortable. There are relaxed, formal gardens to one side, and an inviting infinity pool (and thoroughly kitted-out spa) to the other. Take all the time you can.’
A room for two at Chateau de Courban costs from 99 euros (£84) per night.
Chateau d’Alteville, Moselle, Lorraine
Chateau d’Alteville was built in 1698 for one of Napoleon’s generals and the two paintings that hang in the Louis XVI salon were gifts from the Emperor, we’re told
Sawday’s reveals: ‘The house has been in owner David’s family for nearly a century and he’s a genuinely charming and welcoming host’
‘This chateau was built in 1698 for one of Napoleon’s generals and the two paintings that hang in the Louis XVI salon were gifts from the Emperor,’ Sawday’s says of Chateau d’Alteville.
‘The house has been in owner David’s family for nearly a century and he’s a genuinely charming and welcoming host.’
Sawday’s suggests ‘enjoying the peace and quiet on the terrace or in the library’ and getting out and about. ‘Cycling and walking holidays can begin here,’ the travel firm says, ‘and David is happy to supply maps and suggestions.’ It adds: ‘You can drive to Dieuze for shops and restaurants in ten minutes; Nancy, Strasbourg and Metz are within an hour’s drive.’
A room for two at Chateau d’Alteville costs from 91 euros (£77) per night.
Chateau de Bardouly, Dordogne
‘Rural and peaceful with barely the sound of a tractor humming over birdsong – you’re in the depths of the Dordogne and it feels good,’ writes Sawday’s, setting the scene of Chateau de Bardouly in the Dordogne, which features a heated saltwater pool
Chateau de Bardouly has seven bedrooms, sleeps 14 and costs from £700 per night
‘Rural and peaceful with barely the sound of a tractor humming over birdsong – you’re in the depths of the Dordogne and it feels good,’ writes Sawday’s, setting the scene of this seven-bedroom rental in Dordogne.
The travel firm continues: ‘All that surround you are gardens with a touch of the wild-side, rolling pastures and woodlands. Fill your days canoeing in Sainte Foy nature reserve, vineyard visits and hot-air-balloon rides.
‘Back home there are plenty of spaces to escape to: work up a sweat on the outdoor yoga platform, have a game of tennis followed by a massage, relax in the zen garden or heated saltwater pool.’
Chateau de Bardouly has seven bedrooms, sleeps 14 and costs from £700 per night.
Chateau Cote de Nacre, Calvados, Normandy
Chateau Cote de Nacre is a ‘handsome Neoclassical house surrounded by ancient trees’
The garden at Chateau Cote de Nacre has several barbecue areas facing the lake, plus there is a small spa with an indoor pool, a sauna, and a cupboard stocked with toys and games for children, Sawday’s reveals
‘This handsome Neoclassical house is surrounded by ancient trees and feels secluded and peaceful, although the town square and local restaurant is a few minutes’ walk away,’ says Sawday’s of Chateau Cote de Nacre, which has ‘modern, light-filled apartments’.
The travel firm adds: ‘Take the little rowing boat out on the lake, or borrow bikes to explore the town or nearby beach. The garden has several barbecue areas facing the lake, and the small spa has an indoor pool, a sauna, and a cupboard stocked with toys and games for children.’
The apartments at Chateau Cote de Nacre sleep from four to 10 guests. An apartment for four costs from 179 euros (£152) per night.
Chateau de Nazelles, Loire
Chateau de Nazelles is a ‘charming 16th-century manor house… with a shady courtyard and a winding track leading to woodlands and vineyards’
A room for two at Chateau de Nazelles – a 35-minute walk from Amboise and its chateau – costs from 115 euros (£98) per night
‘This charming 16th-century manor house is in the centre of the village with a shady courtyard and a winding track leading to woodlands and vineyards,’ Sawday’s says of this bed and breakfast in Loire.
The travel firm describes the interior as a ‘haven of serenity’, adding: ‘The decor is an exuberant mix of formal and informal, contemporary and traditional with muted tones on the walls running throughout. Plan your day over a great breakfast in the beamy salon. Charming Amboise and its chateau is a 35-minute walk or hire bikes and take a leisurely cycle along the river to Blois.’
A room for two at Chateau de Nazelles costs from 115 euros (£98) per night.
Domaine de Ravenoville, Manche, Normandy
Domaine de Ravenoville has undergone an ‘amazing restoration’, says Sawday’s
The self-catering living quarters are ‘impeccable but homely’ with an ‘effortless blend of modern comfort and period style’
‘Borrow bikes, sail, swim, hike along the coast, bird-watch in the marais, dine out in Sainte Mere Eglise,’ Sawday’s recommends
Domaine de Ravenoville contains two rentals, which sleep from four to eight. The house for four costs from 120 euros (£102) per night
This manor house and dovecot have undergone an ‘amazing restoration’, says Sawday’s, explaining: ‘Both were saved from dereliction by Pierres d’Histoire, an organisation with a passion to preserve the heritage of France.’
According to the travel firm, the self-catering living quarters are ‘impeccable but homely’ with an ‘effortless blend of modern comfort and period style’.
‘Borrow bikes, sail, swim, hike along the coast, bird-watch in the marais, dine out in Sainte Mere Eglise,’ Sawday’s recommends.
Domaine de Ravenoville contains two rentals, which sleep from four to eight. The house for four costs from 120 euros (£102) per night.
Chateau de Sacy, Marne, Champagne
Chateau de Sacy had fallen into disrepair but was saved by a ‘delightful facelift’, says Sawday’s
‘Everything is geared to delight you’, Sawday’s says of Chateau de Sacy, which dates back to the 1850s
This chateau, which dates back to the 1850s, had fallen into disrepair but was saved by a ‘delightful facelift’, says Sawday’s.
The booking platform adds: ‘Everything is geared to delight you, from the fabulous drawing room with its huge windows and views over the vines, many dining areas and the large wooden deck for al fresco meals overlooking the famous Montagne de Reims. The chef includes regional specialities in a seasonally changing menu, three courses or a la carte.’
A room for two at Chateau de Sacy costs from 200 euros (£170) per night.
Chateau de Vaulx, Saone-et-Loire, Burgundy
Idyllic: Chateau de Vaulx sits ‘in the most beautiful position, in deep country, high on a hill with views that stretch to purple mountains’
Chateau de Vaulx’s panelled drawing room
According to Sawday’s, this chateau in Burgundy was described as ‘well-proportioned and elegant in its simplicity’ in 1886.
‘Vaulx is as lovely now as then, and in the most beautiful position, in deep country, high on a hill with views that stretch to distant purple mountains,’ says the travel firm.
The booking platform adds: ‘There’s a panelled drawing room with chandeliers, a dining room with fresh flowers, antiques and strong, exciting colours.
‘Float in the pool, take a book to the sitting room or terrace, sleep in light-filled rooms with views and not a hint of road noise.’
A room for two at Chateau de Vaulx costs from 110 euros (£93) per night.
Le Petit Chateau De Sainte Colombe, Indre, Loire
Le Petit Chateau De Sainte Colombe is imbued with ‘gracious touches of old rural France’
The bedrooms at Le Petit Chateau De Sainte Colombe ‘exude romance and are festooned with antiques’
This 15th-century chateau is imbued with ‘gracious touches of old rural France’, says Sawday’s.
It continues: ‘Bedrooms exude romance and are festooned with antiques and velvet throws, soft quilts and big pillows abound.
‘Breakfast in a sunny room on a long table and dine on regional specialities, or try a plate of charcuterie and cheeses.’
A room for two at Le Petit Chateau De Sainte Colombe costs from 95 euros (£81) per night.
Chateau de Puicheric, Aude, Languedoc
‘There’s a thousand years of history steeped in the tower and walls of Chateau de Puicheric [to the right of the church],’ says Sawday’s
Step inside Chateau de Puicheric and you’ll discover a spectacular 17th-century stone staircase and 18th-century frescoes
‘There’s a thousand years of history steeped in the tower and walls of this chateau but much has been altered and rebuilt since: a spectacular 17th-century stone staircase, 18th century frescoes, Art Deco wallpaper and tiles,’ Sawday’s says of this bed and breakfast in the south of France.
The travel company adds: ‘View-filled bedrooms (one looks over the Corbieres) are simply but well furnished with original furniture, new mattresses, modern bathrooms. Your generous hosts feed you well: continental breakfast on the terrace, join them for a barbecue supper.’
A room for two at Chateau de Puicheric costs from 90 euros (£76) per night.
Chateau d’Agel, Herault, Languedoc
Chateau d’Agel is ‘rock solid, with hefty surrounding walls, yet it is still elegant in its light-brown stone’, says Sawday’s
‘Inside there are great open fireplaces, high ceilings, two sitting rooms and billiards or board games instead of telly,’ Sawday’s reveals
Writing about this eight-bedroom rental in Herault, Sawday’s says: ‘The house is rock solid, with hefty surrounding walls, yet it is still elegant in its light-brown stone. It’s also, in spite of its grandness and history, a relaxed house with outside spaces to suit all: a dining terrace under a wide shady tree, a barbecue to the side, a nicely-hidden pool, paths to stroll along past the lily pond and secret sitting corners.’
The travel firm adds: ‘Inside there are great open fireplaces, high ceilings, two sitting rooms and billiards or board games instead of telly.’
Chateau d’Agel has eight bedrooms, sleeps up to 18 and costs from 700 euros (£594) per night.
Jardin Meurin, Gironde, Acquitaine
Jardin Meurin comes with 20 acres of land and ‘truly gorgeous’ views. A room for two costs rom 195 euros (£166) per night
Guests at Jardin Meurin can stroll beneath umbrella pines and cedars, take breakfast on the lawns, and bask by the pool
Speaking about this bed and breakfast in Gironde, Sawday’s says: ‘This large 18th-century house, a former winery, comes with 20 acres of land, two wings (your host Marine in one, the guests in the other), and truly gorgeous views. Stroll beneath umbrella pines and cedars, take breakfast on the lawns, bask by the pool.’
The booking platform adds: ‘Bordeaux is close; check out the impressive warehouse conversions that line the Garonne and take a tram to the quartier des Chartrons. The old heart of the old city bursts with restaurants, boutiques, galleries and the most exciting wine museum in the world, La Cite du Vin.’
A room for two at Jardin Meurin costs from 195 euros (£166) per night.
Chateau de Minargent, Aulnay de Saintonge, Charente-Maritime
Elegant Chateau de Minargent is found on the fringes of Aulnay, ‘one of the Charente-Maritime’s loveliest towns’, says Sawday’s
Sawday’s says: ‘Enter to a large hallway, a baby grand piano and rooms of sophisticated style with Eastern treasures dotted here and there’
This ‘elegant house’ is found on the fringes of Aulnay, ‘one of the Charente-Maritime’s loveliest towns’, says Sawday’s.
It continues: ‘Enter to a large hallway, a baby grand piano and rooms of sophisticated style with Eastern treasures dotted here and there. You could gather the whole clan here to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary; you might not feel the pull to leave, with a pool, hot tub, boules and jungle gym for sunny days and a big kitchen and cinema room [for] when the weather turns.’
Sawday’s adds: ‘You’re rural but there’s plenty nearby: caves, cognac distilleries, the cobbled streets of Saint-Jean-d’Angely. Borrow the bikes to get you there.’
Chateau de Minargent has nine bedrooms, sleeps up to 20 and costs from £585 per night.
See all of Sawday’s chateaux at www.sawdays.co.uk/chateaux. Other booking platforms for French chateaux are available, such as Oliver’s Travels and Bienvenue au Chateau.
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