France boasts hundreds of stunning châteaux, but few allow the exclusive and exclusive opportunity to spend a night in their medieval structures. If you've ever wanted to live like royalty, these top 10 French castles you can sleep in guarantee history, sophistication, and memories to last a lifetime. Below is our carefully researched list — with nightly rates — for the ultimate French castle retreat.
1. Château de Bagnols – Rhône-Alpes (From €350/night)
13th-century fortress-hotel Château de Bagnols is situated in the Beaujolais vineyards. This magnificent château boasts original medieval architecture, frescoed ceilings, and imperial suites with antique furniture.
Highlights: Michelin-starred restaurant, vineyard views, outdoor heated pool
Room Style: Renaissance and Medieval suites with fireplaces
Best For: Romantic getaways, wine lovers
2. Château de la Treyne – Dordogne Valley (From €280/night)
Overlooking the River Dordogne, this 14th-century castle is a UNESCO-listed historical monument. Château de la Treyne combines traditional grandeur with world-class cuisine.
Highlights: Michelin-starred restaurant, riverside patio, landscaped gardens
Room Style: Grand period style with river or woodland views
Best For: Heritage tourists and foodies
3. Château Saint-Martin & Spa – French Riviera (From €450/night)
A former Knights Templar fortress, this castle close to Nice boasts views over the Mediterranean, complete with a spa of luxury and refined Provencal charm.
Highlights: Sisley Spa, two-star Michelin restaurant, helicopter landing site
Room Style: Refined suites and villas with ocean views
Best For: Luxury travelers, wellness retreats
4. Château de Mercuès – Occitanie (From €230/night)
Constructed in the 13th century, Château de Mercuès sits atop the Lot River and serves as a boutique hotel and functional vineyard that grows excellent Cahors wines.
Highlights: Cellar tours, wine tastings, ancient chapel
Room Style: Castle-like rooms with stone and tapestries
Best For: Wine culture and wine tourism enthusiasts
5. Château des Briottières – Loire Valley (From €195/night)
This 18th-century chateau near Angers provides classic French elegance within 100 acres of private parkland.
Highlights: Family-run warmth, period furniture, orangerie events
Room Style: Authentic Louis XVI furnishings, luxurious bed linens
Best For: History enthusiasts, family vacations
6. Château de Gudanes – Midi-Pyrénées (From €400/night, limited availability)
A viral internet favorite, Château de Gudanes is an incomplete restoration of a 18th-century castle in the French Pyrenees. With limited bookings available, it's exclusive and immersive.
Highlights: Historical tours, artist residencies, mountain scenery
Room Style: Rustic-chic rooms with hand-restored furnishings
Best For: Artists, off-the-beaten-path travelers
7. Château d'Etoges – Champagne (From €170/night)
A royal waystation for King Louis XIV, Château d'Étoges is a 17th-century moated château providing budget luxury in the heart of Champagne.
Highlights: Historic salons, spa treatments, champagne tasting
Room Style: Refined countryside style with garden or moat views
Best For: Wine country getaways, historical atmosphere
8. Château de Boucéel – Normandy (From €180/night)
Noble beauty and warm hospitality blend in this 18th-century castle close to Mont-Saint-Michel. It belongs to and is run by a French count, and Château de Boucéel is cozy and atmospheric.
Highlights: Family heritage, medieval chapel, peaceful countryside
Room Style: Old-fashioned French countryside with four-poster beds
Best For: Peaceful escapes, Normandy travelers
9. Château de Berne – Provence (From €390/night)
Located on a 1,200-acre estate in the very heart of Provence, Château de Berne is both a Relais & Châteaux property and a leading wine estate.
Highlights: Fine dining, vineyard walks, upscale spa
Room Style: Elegant Provençal style with modern touches
Best For: Wine aficionados and well-being seekers
10. Château de Chantilly – Hauts-de-France (Special Experiences Only, Inquire for Rates)
Although not an all-year-round hotel, Château de Chantilly provides VIP overnight stays and exclusive overnight stays for private events. Sleeping in the very same halls where dukes and queens once slept is the ultimate fairy-tale getaway.
Highlights: Exclusive use of the château, world-renowned art collection
Room Style: Tailor-made interiors available only to privileged guests
Best For: Private events, royal experiences
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are castle stays in France worth it
Yes, staying in a château in France offers a unique blend of luxury, history, and culture. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers seeking more than just accommodation.
Do French castles offer modern amenities?
Most of the castles listed provide modern comforts like Wi-Fi, spas, gourmet dining, and room service, all while preserving their historic charm.
How can I book a stay in a French castle?
Several châteaux even have their own booking pages or are featured on sites such as Relais & Châteaux, Booking.com, and Château & Hôtels Collection.
Tips for Staying in a French Castle
Book early, particularly during summer season.
Opt for half-board packages if you wish to enjoy on-site Michelin-starred restaurants.
Pack wisely: luxury is expected, yet châteaux are often found in rural areas — pack appropriate shoes for venturing around.
Don't miss the wine tastings or historical strolls, usually conducted by the owners themselves.
Spending a night at a French château is not just accommodation — it's an odyssey into history, refinement, and ageless French heritage. Whether you are sipping champagne in a moated mansion or relaxing at a Provençal winery, these magical getaways provide memories worth every euro.
