Affordable French Chateau Hotels to Stay In
What comes to mind when you think of France? Is it the romantic city of Paris? The sea-side towns of south coast? Lavender fields in Provence, or the vineyards of Champagne? Or perhaps the hundreds of beautiful castles that dot the countryside? Personally, I’m a sucker for castles so they are always one of the first things I think of when it comes to European destinations. Especially if there are any that I can actually stay in. So, if you’re the same and wondering about the castle hotels in France, or should I say, the French chateau hotels, then this is the post for you. Here are the top castle hotels in France.
Château de Briottiéres
This stunning 18 century castle hotel in France has belonged to the same family for seven generations. Surrounded by forest and parks, it’s the perfect place to find refined peace and quiet. There are 16 bedrooms in the castle with beautiful antique furniture as well as a library and an outdoor pool. This this beautiful French chateau hotel is a perfect base for travellers wishing to explore parts of Brittany, Normandy, and the Pays de la Loire. Those travelling with children will love to hear that this property is also family friendly.
Book your stay at Château de Briottiéres here.
Château de La Ballue
Château de La Ballue is a historic 17th century French chateau hotel with manicured gardens, luxury spa, and a charming landscape that will make you feel like you are living in a real-life fairytale. The service here is impeccable thanks to the friendly, welcoming owners and a top notch breakfast that guests love. This French château hotel is located between Brittany and Normandy making it ideal for exploring the surrounding area as well as the nearby Mont St. Michel and Saint-Malo. Or you can spend your days on the castle grounds exploring the garden, terrace, library, or private pool. With only five rooms, Château de La Ballue is one of the most private French castle hotels.
Book your stay at Château de La Ballue here
Château La Thuiliere
Château La Thuiliere is an elegant property with a romantic history. It was built by a man as a wedding gift for his future wife who decorated it in Tudor Style using the legend of Saint Font as inspiration. Today, this small but beautiful French castle hotel is an elegant haven for visitors looking for a relaxing, romantic getaway. There are five bedrooms available to guests and amenities include on-site restaurant, gin bar, and activities such as horseback riding. This French chateau is located in the Dordogne countryside, east of Bordeaux.
Book your stay at Château La Thuiliere here.
Château de la Bourdaisiére
Another storybook castle to add to the list is Château de la Bourdaisiére. This French chateau hotel dates back to the 14th century. Originally, the site housed a fortress, but the building as seen today was built in the 19th century. This French castle hotel has 29 guest rooms, manicured gardens, a swimming pool, 3 tennis courts, and a 55-hectare park for guests to explore. Château de la Bourdaisiére is located near the city of Tours.
Book your stay at Château de la Bourdaisiére here.
Château des Arpentis
Located on a park of 30 hectares with a surrounding moat, a stay in Château des Arpentis really does feel like staying in a proper castle. Especially when you find out that King Louis XIII dined here in 1619! There are 12 guest rooms, each featuring elegant and refined decor, an outdoor pool, terrace, and garden to enjoy. Plus, this French chateau hotel is in a prime location for exploring the nearby towns and vineyards of the Loire Valley; an ideal setting for any wine enthusiast! A French castle hotel located in a famous wine region? Sounds like a dream vacation to me!
Book your stay at Château des Arpentis here.
Château de Codignat
Château de Codignat is another castle hotel in France that looks like it popped out of the pages of your favourite childhood storybook. Located in the countryside in Auvergne, this French chateau hotel has Rapunzel-esque towers, ornate guest rooms, original antiques, and a restaurant featuring an impressive array of wine labels. Guests may also be interested to know that the property is also pet friendly!
Book your stay at Château de Codignat here.
Château Hotel & Spa Grand Barrail
Less than an hour from Bordeaux, Château Hotel & Spa Grand Barrail is a 19th century French chateau hotel that offers a truly lavish experience in the French countryside. Its one of the largest castle hotels in France, with 46 guest rooms available to book. Amenities include a gourmet restaurant, fine wine selection, and plush spa facilities which make it a popular choice for couples looking for a magical French castle hotel getaway. Plus, the surrounding vineyards make it a great pick for wine enthusiasts as well.
Book your stay at Château Hotel & Spa Grand Barrail here.
So? Which of these French chateau hotels do you want to stay in?
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Don’t forget travel insurance!
Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance here. If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend SafetyWing. For Canadian readers, take a look at SoNomad.
Book your accommodation
I love and recommend booking.com for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save.
Book your tours
My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is GetYourGuide. They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers.
Get connected
If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I have used esims around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA- they are super easy and you don’t risk losing your home sim! There are two brands I have used and recommend so I suggest comparing both.
Airalo: download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase.
Truely: This one is easier in that it’s a one-time download instead of downloading an esim for each country. It also allows you to hotspot and tether- which not all esims do. Check out options here.
Not sure what to pack?
I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my travel essentials and camera gear if you are looking for some ideas.
Looking for a travel buddy?
Check out my group trips!
Just amazing Hannah! Floors me to think you can actually live in these places short term. A castle? Are you serious? Wow. I’ve always dreamed of chilling in a chateau and your post shows its possible. At decent prices too. Inspired. Thanks for sharing.
Ryan
I’ve stayed in a couple now in Ireland and wish I could just move in! I’d looooove the chance to stay in any of these ones as well!
This makes me what to get there right now!! Beautiful photos! Stunning castles!
saaaame! haha
Oh, I can’t tell you how much I am happy I have found this post! I simply adore castles !! <3 have just marked on my Google maps all these castles as reference for my French castles itinerary. Yes, I am going to visit them all! They are all gorgeous !! <3 <3
haha I want to go to them all too!
I am looking for a castle in the champagne region of France for three nights in Nov. Any suggestions?
Hi Lori, take a look at this one. It’s in the Champagne area: https://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/chateaudetoges.en.html?aid=1210268&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1
Excited to discover your site ! My husband and I are planning a retirement trip to Europe . We have never been across the pond (we live in the US) and are hoping you can share some insight and helpful information as we want to see so many things, but are concerned about what is realistically affordable and really don;t have a clue where to start. Thank you kindly for any information and assistance you can offer us.
I have lots of travel guides for Europe on the blog. Pricing will really depend on your travel style. I give multiple ideas for accommodations in my guides based on budgets that should give you an idea depending on where you are looking to go.