| Reading time: 7 minutes | By: Megan |

Do you dream of spending the night in a castle in France? From romantic towers to luxurious estates: France is bursting with impressive castles. In this blog, I take you through the most beautiful castles where you can stay overnight. From historic châteaux among the vineyards to iconic residences on the Côte d'Azur. Perfect for a special overnight stay in France full of history, luxury and atmosphere.

France has no fewer than 45,000 castles. Politics, economics and culture all contributed to their construction. The French court regularly moved from castle to castle. Only when Louis XIV had Versailles built did the court get a permanent home. Below are my favourite castles in France to stay in, each unique and special.

1. Chateau de Sacy - Sacy, France

Château de Sacy is an elegant chateau hotel for an overnight stay in France. It is located amidst the vineyards of Champagne. The château is located on a hill and offers views over rolling vineyards. The rooms are each uniquely decorated around historical themes such as Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette. Choose from classic rooms, deluxe rooms or suites overlooking the vineyards. Many rooms have bath, shower and panoramic windows towards the Montagne de Reims.

In the restaurant, you will enjoy refined local dishes with seasonal products and an excellent wine list. The seasonal menu includes delicacies such as crab tartare with avocado and sea bass fillet with miso sauce. The dishes are matched with a selection of champagnes from the region. After dinner, you can enjoy prestige champagnes in the bar. This while a champagne bottle is traditionally opened with a sabre. Later, relax in the spa with sauna and Nordic bath. Who would you like to enjoy this special castle stay in France with?

2. Chateau de Bagnols - Bagnols, France

Château de Bagnols is a beautiful medieval castle in the Beaujolais, France. It is surrounded by French gardens and vineyards. The hotel has 27 unique suites combining historic charm and modern comfort. Rooms range from classically furnished suites to bright, modern rooms with a contemporary feel. The wellness centre offers an indoor pool, hammam, gym and sauna for pure relaxation. You can also opt for massages or beauty treatments by appointment. Outside is a pool designed in Roman style, with a calm, symmetrical shape. Château de Bagnols is a perfect choice for a luxurious, romantic castle stay in France full of history and comfort.

3. Château de Vault-de-Lugny - Vault-de-Lugny, France

Château de Vault-de-Lugny is surrounded by a park of up to 80 hectares. The history of the château dates back to 1120.There are several rooms and suites. Choose elegant rooms overlooking the park or spacious suites with extra comfort. Some suites even have a VIP champagne welcome on arrival.

In the gastronomic restaurant, you will enjoy refined French dishes inspired by local products. For example, enjoy scallops Saint-Jacques with white wine sauce and regional herbs, a classic Burgundian dish. For relaxation, there is a heated indoor pool with jacuzzi. At this castle stay in France, enjoy some much-needed relaxation in the heated indoor pool with jacuzzi.

4. Château de la Treyne - Dordogne Valley, France

Château de la Treyne is a 14th-century castle hotel above the Dordogne River in southwest France. It is set in an extensive park with formal gardens and ancient woods surrounding the château. There are elegant rooms and suites with antique details, modern amenities and views over the river. Some suites even have panoramic views and comfortable marble bathrooms. In chef Stéphane Andrieux's Michelin-starred restaurant, you will taste refined dishes made from local produce. An example dish is lightly cooked duck liver, served with a sweet and sour nectarine chutney. A chef's classic. You dine in a historic dining room or on the terrace overlooking the Dordogne. In the morning, a rich breakfast awaits with freshly baked breads, croissants and fresh juices. For relaxation, there is a heated swimming pool, tennis court and hiking trails through the park.

5. Chateau de Mercuès - Mercuès, France

Château de Mercuès is located high above the valley of the Lot river and overlooks vineyards and the river landscape. The hotel is housed in a historic castle that belongs to Relais & Châteaux. This is a hallmark for exceptional luxury hotels with excellent gastronomy. The rooms and suites are individually decorated with high ceilings, classic furniture, decorative mouldings and luxurious fabrics. You can choose from classic rooms, deluxe rooms or spacious suites. The château has an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and hiking trails through the park. On the estate, you can rent bikes or explore the vineyards with a wine tasting. A stay where good food, tranquillity and the vineyards of the Lot valley come together.

At restaurant La Table de Mercuès, you will enjoy refined French dishes with fresh ingredients. Take, for example, Courgette Flower stuffed with confit duck leg, smoked duck breast and soft apricot. There are also special tastings and wine experiences with the region's famous Malbecs. A special highlight is the 'Table du Chef', an exclusive experience in the middle of the kitchen. Here, the chef serves a tasting menu of nine carefully selected courses for a limited number of guests. During this dining experience, you see the dishes being prepared, finished and served directly.

6. Château la Chenevière - Normandy, France

Château la Chenevière is an elegant five-star castle hotel between Bayeux and the D-Day beaches in Normandy. The hotel is set in a 12-hectare park with ancient trees and beautiful garden avenues. There are 29 spacious rooms and suites, each uniquely decorated with classic details and modern comforts. Many rooms have panoramic views of the gardens, some suites even a private garden. The château has no fewer than two restaurants on the estate. The gourmet restaurant Le Botaniste serves refined dishes. This local produce comes from its own sustainably tended vegetable garden. In the orangery Le Petit Jardin, you can slide in for lunch or dinner. The breakfast buffet includes bread, jam and honey from the garden and local delicacies. On the estate you will find a heated outdoor pool, tennis court and relaxation area for massages.

7. Château de la Ballue - Bazouges-la-Pérouse, France

Château de la Ballue is located in the peaceful, green countryside of Brittany, between Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo. The historic castle is surrounded by extensive gardens that are among the most beautiful in France. There are five unique rooms and one suite. The rooms are decorated with antique furniture, classic paintings and fireplaces. This creates an authentic and warm atmosphere. The rooms have high ceilings, large fireplaces and soft sheets for peace and comfort. In the morning, a French breakfast with local products awaits you in beautiful ambiance. The gardens are a fairytale of Baroque art, with avenues, sculptures and labyrinths to explore. For relaxation, there is a heated swimming pool, a whirlpool spa and a Finnish sauna in the greenery. The lounge and tearoom invite you to read, drink and relax. A wonderful place to spend the night in a castle in France, away from the hustle and bustle.

Spending the night in a castle in France is a special experience. Whether you choose a château among the vineyards or an iconic stay by the sea, these châteaux will let you experience France at its finest. Which château is your favourite?

Love,

Megan

France has castles all over the country. Popular regions include Champagne, Beaujolais, the Dordogne Valley, Normandy and Brittany. Each castle has its own unique setting, from vineyards to historic gardens or river valleys.

The rooms range from classic and historically decorated to modern and luxurious. Many rooms have panoramic views, antique furniture, fireplaces and sometimes extras such as VIP welcome champagne or spacious suites with private gardens.

Most castles offer a restaurant with local and refined dishes, wellness facilities such as sauna, swimming pool and massages, and outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling or wine tasting. Some castles also have tennis courts, gardens to explore and exclusive experiences such as 'Table du Chef'.

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Megan

Megan Pronk is a true adventurer with a love of action and new experiences. For Honeyguide, she loves to set off to push boundaries, from active trips to surprising destinations. In her stories, she takes you on energetic adventures that challenge you to set off on your own discoveries.

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