Live like true royalty during your next visit to France. This country, with its rich history of elegant architecture and magestic castles, features several great castles that are open for overnight guests. As elegant as that sounds, some of these chateau hotels aren't insanely expensive. All the chateaux on this list of top French castle hotels bring guests a taste of the good life in old fashioned style and atmosphere.
1. Chateau d'Esclimont
A stay at the Chateau d'Esclimont is liking taking a step back in time to the days royalty romped about the Loire Valley. This hotel, about an hour from Paris, is a luxurious oasis. Nestled on 150 acres, the chateau has rooms that are finely decorated. During your stay, be sure to eat dinner in the restaurant for an out-of-this-world experience.2. Chateau de Candie
This castle has stood since the 14th century, when it was built by knights returning from the Crusades. The rooms are like something right out of history books, with dated and delicate antique furniture and lovely linens. Each room has its own unique decor and atmosphere. The restaurant has fabulous prix fixe menus. The chateau is in the lovely Savoie village of Chambery.
3. Chateau de Pray
Situated smack dab in the heart of the Loire Valley chateau country, this stunning chateau hotel is just a few minutes from lovely Amboise (Da Vinci's former stomping grounds). Dating back to the 1200s, this hotel is a true step into glorious French history. This also happens to be one of the first French chateaux to be converted into overnight accommodations. The rooms are appointed in period style, and the rates are even quite reasonable (starting under 100 euros in the low season).4. Chateau de Bagnols
This breathtaking chateau hotel is nestled in the Beaujolais area of France, making it a fine choice for wine lovers. The chateau is nestled in the midst of vineyards, yet it's just 12 miles from the thriving city of Lyon. The hotel can arrange for horseback riding adventures in the nearby countryside.5. Chateau d'Etoges
This chateau, listed as a national historic building, is blessed with a fine location in the heart of the Champagne region. Its most remarkable feature, on first site, is the extensive moat surrounding the castle. The hotel has paddle boats on hand for circling the moat. The rooms are reasonably priced, starting at 120 euros nightly. Bicycles and croquet are free for guests to use, and the hotel offers Champagne tastings.6. Chateau de Vigiers
This self-proclaimed "Versailles of the Dordogne," this chateau is lovely and enchanting. This 16th-century chateau also features a diverse mix of accommodation types and rates, ranging from 145-euro rooms to 750-euro lakefront chalets. A major allure of this chateau has to be the location. The bustling city of Bordeaux is nearby, as are numerous sites and attractions such as prehistoric cave paintings. The Dordogne is easily one of the most striking territories in all of France.7. Chateau de L'Ile
If you prefer your castles of the fairy-tale type, this Alsatian 19th-century mansion with its chocolate brown timbering is the chateau hotel for you. The chateau is close to vibrant and continental Strasbourg, it's in the heart of the romantic Alsace region and a short distance from Germany. The chateau itself sits on 10 lush acres, and is ideal for strolls.