FEELING ROYAL? HERE ARE THE BEST LUXURY CHATEAUX IN FRANCE!

By: Christian Stan | 28 July, 2015

The kings of France ditched Paris for the Loire Valley during the Renaissance, leaving the region littered with glorious châteaux. And who could blame them? This lush valley is a regal backdrop for elaborate castles, its fertile vineyards and farmlands supplying royal feasts.

When you visit the rural France, it’s not hard to see why, once upon a time, French royalty decided to set up shop here instead of in Paris: the rolling countryside and fertile farmland — ideal for making cheeses, growing pears and harvesting grapes for Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé — provided a perfect backdrop for castles, quaint villages and general pastoral bliss. It’s a fairy tale come to life.

Château des Briottières

Deep in the Loire countryside, this 18th-century chateau has been in the same family for six generations and is now run by the relaxed François de Valbray, his wife and their children. They are rightfully proud of their splendid home, with its handsome interiors decorated in traditional style.

It is a perfect place to stop on your way to Mont St Michel or the beaches of the Normandy Landings. Or perhaps you wish to visit the Loire Valley Chateaux, just an hour away. With its own private tennis court and swimming pool and just fifteen minutes from the Champigné Golf Course, there is plenty to do for all the family.

Doubles from EUR 129. More on www.briottieres.com

Chateau de la Cazine

Set amidst beautiful grounds in the heart of rural France, Château de la Cazine is a French hotel that offers luxury accommodation coupled with a Michelin star restaurant culinary experience.

The historic regional capital of Limoges, an hour’s drive from the Château, shows off all that the region is famous for, particularly its international reputation for porcelain, enamel and stained-glass. The town of Aubusson to the East has been known as the tapestry capital of the world since the 17th Century and is filled with culture.

The sumptuous luxury hotel suites and the dedicated Penthouse suite inside the Château de la Cazine retain their original, traditional feel whilst being modernised with striking design, furnishings and fittings. The 18 stunning, luxury hotel suites in the Chateau have been splendidly created by a team of artistic interior designers to retain the character of the historic building, blended with the inspirational Louis XIV style and all the modern attributes guests expect.

Superb culinary experience is guaranteed in the exclusive and Michelin star restaurant. The venue is open for lunch from midday until 1:30pm and dinner from 7:30-9:00pm. Indulge in French cuisine with the culinary delights of our Head Chef and his team, be it for an elegant breakfast, light lunch or full dining event. With magnificent period décor and unspoilt views, the restaurant and breakfast room will give you a memorable dining experience.

Doubles from EUR 110. More on www.chateaudelacazine.fr

Château Les Oliviers de Salettes

This is a charming hotel and restaurant in the Drôme Provençale. Its site is of exceptional beauty, a place full of history, warm and tranquil at the same time. A Château where everyone feels home in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. After is was left unmaintained since nearly a hundred years, Dominique and Robin fell in love with it and started restoring it in 2010.

The reception is located on the ground floor, vaulted in stone and decorated with care. The lobby, dining room, conference room and bar are all arranged around the glass wine cellar. A lounge has been installed in a lovely ancient chapel. As accomodation, 16 rooms are offered on the first and second floor of the castle and 7 more are located in the castle’s outbuildings, 30 meters from the castle and overlooking it.

The song of the cicadas in the summer and the crackle of the fireplace in the winter make the atmosphere unique and relaxed in all seasons. Guests are served in the castle dining room or on the panoramic terrace.

Doubles from EUR 100. More on www.chateau-lesoliviers.com

Château d’Isenbourg

Located on the Alsatian wine trail, in the heart of the vineyards, several kilometres from Colmar, Chateau d’Isenbourg dominates the old town of Rouffach, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the Vosges foothills, the Rhine Plain and the Black Forest in the distance. Here, you will taste the pleasures of relaxation in a refined setting. It is an ideal place to stay in order to discover Alsace and its gastronomy.

The Château d’Isenbourg has 41 rooms of 6 different categories, from the most elegant apartment to the most delightful room including a suite, junior suite, “Deluxe”, “Superior”, “Traditional” and “Standard” rooms, located in the Château or in the nearby park. All the rooms are elegantly decorated in keeping with their location and enjoy modern comforts. They offer pleasant views over the garden, the park, the vineyard or the Alsace Plain.

Doubles from EUR 139. More on www.grandesetapes.com

Chateau de Bagnols

There are many people who consider the XIIIth century Château de Bagnols, with its five-star rating, to be the most beautiful château-hotel in the world. A haven of peace and comfort, the Château de Bagnols is one of France’s most important listed historic buildings as well as being an architectural treasure. Its moats, surrounding walls, towers and golden stones highlight its majestic soul and transport you on a unique journey through France’s history. Surrounded by vines and set amid splendid French style gardens, the château offers exceptional facilities: a roman pool, a beautiful restaurant and stunning reception rooms.

The Authentic Apartments, real little gems in themselves, will seduce you by their style and by the intimate warmth of their salon. You will instantly be bewitched by their charm.

Doubles from EUR 275. More on www.chateaudebagnols.com

Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa 

Overlooking Vence, between Nice and Cannes, the Château Saint-Martin & Spa, with its fourteen hectare park, boasts exceptional panoramic views of the Mediterranean. This former residence of the Knights Templar, a place steeped in history, provides an awe-inspiring and serene setting.

Discover gourmet cuisine and an exceptional wine cellar, which make for tasty moments to share. An infinity pool and the spa Saint-Martin by La Prairie are perfectly integrated into the landscape and offer absolute relaxation.

Several villages in the surrounding area, which have served as a source of inspiration for talented artists, are now renowned for their museums and art galleries, like the Maeght Foundation. Also worth visiting: the Chapel of Rosary, which owes its fame to the works of Henri Matisse.

Rooms from EUR 770. More on www.chateau-st-martin.com

Chateau de Fere

Château de Fere, is a five star hotel situated in Fere-en Tardenois in the Aisne region, spanning the Champagne land. The beautiful hotel has 29 rooms,  a Spa, a gourmet restaurant and bar, meeting rooms and magnificent 70 hectares grounds. Benefiting from an exceptionally refined environment, historicaly rich, Château de Fere also provides a magical backdrop for weddings and receptions.

All rooms are perfectly equipped in 5* with a flat screen television and a satellite connection, a minibar, a safe, and, of course, free Wi-fi. The 6 Classic Rooms, starting at 22m², boast a classic, non-renovated decoration.They are located on the second floor of the castle. The 6 Superior Rooms, starting at 24 m², have all been recently renovated and will surprise guests with the charm of their decoration.

One Superior Room is equipped with a terrace, with two located on the ground floor, and the other two on the first floor. The 10 Luxury Rooms all boast a delicate decoration with modern undertones and three of them are equipped with private terraces.

Doubles from EUR 280. More on www.chateaudefere.com