If you’d like your subsequent vacation to be a proper regal romp, plan a visit to considered one of these fairytale French chateaux.

Right here we current 20 beautiful examples, from Brittany to Burgundy, listed by journey agency Sawday’s – ‘passionate defenders of all that’s particular’. And these properties, we are able to verify, most actually are particular, havens of unabashed luxurious with intimate boudoirs, gracious wooden panelling, putting sculptures, nice frescoes, historic fireplaces and spellbinding ramparts.

Nicky deBouille, Sawday’s in-country supervisor in France, says: ‘We love chateaux as a result of a lot of what we love about France could be present in one, whatever the period through which it was constructed. Each chateau is a testomony to French design and the talent of the best craftsmen of the period. Historical past is in all places too and a chat to the house owners will set one’s creativeness alight with tales of revolution, royal visits, and revelry.’ Scroll all the way down to gorge on a French feast of lovely buildings, costing from as little as £76 an evening to remain in… 

Chateau de Saint Paterne, Sarthe, Loire 

Sawday’s describes this residence within the Pays de la Loire area as ‘a marvellous mixture of the Renaissance and the 18th century’. Deserted for 30 years, the constructing was rediscovered by an inheritor who ‘gave up Provence for pretty Perche pastures’. 

Sawday’s provides: ‘He and his spouse, a captivating couple, have redecorated with spirit, respecting the type and historical past of the constructing, including a zest of southern color to panelled, antique-filled rooms and fairly nation furnishings.’

A room for 2 at Chateau de Saint Paterne prices from 145 euros (£124) per evening.

Chateau de la Ruche, Sarthe, Loire

‘Your first glimpse of Chateau de la Ruche, within the peaceable isolation of its fairly park, will gladden weary travellers,’ says Sawday’s of this mattress and breakfast in Pays de la Loire.  

The reserving platform provides: ‘You’re handled to restored 18th-century class together with luxurious beds and bogs, quirky classic finds and drawing rooms to retire to. Proprietor Rebecca likes to cook dinner so do dine in on the perfect native and seasonal meals; French-inspired with English twists, preceded by a pleasant cocktail. Breakfasts are beneficiant too with nice pastries and preserves.’

A room for 2 at Chateau de la Ruche prices from 200 euros (£170) per evening.

Chateau Les Estournels, Lot, Midi-Pyrenees

‘Come for beautiful tapestries, luxurious chandeliers, and every week of whole, unabashed luxurious,’ Sawday’s says of this self-catering chateau within the Midi-Pyrenees area. 

The journey agency provides: ‘Not solely do you discover a grand salon and a kitchen match for Bocuse, there are a collection of peaceable, elegant, intimate boudoirs tucked in between. Pop into Lauzerte for its twice-weekly market, or lunch at L’Etincelle.’

Chateau Les Estournels has 5 bedrooms, sleeps as much as 10, and prices from 525 euros (£447) per evening. 

Chateau de Rouffillac, Carlux, Dordogne

Writing about this nine-bedroom self-catering chateau, Sawday’s says: ‘Take cocktails to the terrace because the solar goes down and be dazzled. The view from each rampart and room of this hilltop chateau is as beautiful as any within the Perigord Noir.’ 

Sawday’s provides: ‘Infinite woodland walks are yours: hike down the forest monitor to little Carlux. Return to ginormous medieval fireplaces and gracious Nineteenth-century panelling. Reception rooms mix opulence and allure, and bed room suites (one within the tower) are extraordinarily spoiling.’

Chateau de Rouffillac has 9 bedrooms, sleeps as much as 18 and prices from 750 euros (£639) per evening. 

Chateau de la Ballue, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany

‘Artists say this 1620s chateau evokes creativity – it’s possible you’ll fall below its spell too,’ Sawday’s says of this mattress and breakfast in Bazouges-la-Perouse. 

The formal gardens, that are listed and open to the general public, are described as a ‘French reverie of bosquets and paths sprinkled with sculptures, gazing over Mont St Michel’. Company will discover a spa, zen backyard and pool ‘hidden’ inside, says the journey firm. 

‘That is no museum, however a household dwelling with spirited hosts who’re passionate concerning the place,’ Sawday’s provides.

A room for 2 at Chateau de la Ballue prices from 230 euros (£196) per evening.

Chateau de la Cote, Brantome, Dordogne

‘This spectacular Fifteenth-century chateau has been owned and run by the identical charming household because the final century,’ Sawday’s says of this property. ‘Journey previous golden sunflower fields and the chateau emerges regally by way of a forested hilltop.’

Sawday’s continues: ‘The inside oozes aged grandeur – unique stonewalls, wooden panelling, a go well with of armour within the corridor, and big fireplaces in virtually all of the rooms. Bedrooms are old school however spectacular with antiques and quite a few four-posters to select from. 

‘A beautiful retreat filled with character – come for historical past, romancing, rambling and exploring the Dordogne.’

A room for 2 at Chateau de la Cote prices from 108 euros (£92) per evening.

Domaine de la Tortiniere, Montbazon, Loire

‘It appears unreal, this pepper-pot-towered chateau on a hill above the Indre, the bird-filled woods the place wild cyclamen lay a carpet in autumn and daffodils radiate their gentle in spring,’ Sawday’s says of this visitor home. 

‘Then there’s the view throughout to the stony hold of Montbazon. That is an distinctive spot with tennis, a heated pool, fishing or rowing on the river, too.’ 

In response to the journey agency, company can count on ‘gentle lighting, panelled reception rooms, deep consolation and discreet friendliness’ on this family-run lodge.

A room for 2 at Domaine de la Tortiniere prices from 125 euros (£106) per evening.

Chateau de Courban, Cote-d’Or, Burgundy

‘This ambitiously renovated Nineteenth-century mansion – with a Seventeenth-century dovecote bearing witness to a fair older heritage – was remodeled into its current incarnation by Jerome and Frederic’s father, perfectionist Pierre Vandendriessche,’ Sawday’s reveals.

‘Rooms flaunt all kinds of kinds, from the daring and shiny to the floral and cosy, all tastefully harmonised and generously snug. There are relaxed, formal gardens to at least one aspect, and an inviting infinity pool (and completely kitted-out spa) to the opposite. Take on a regular basis you possibly can.’ 

A room for 2 at Chateau de Courban prices from 99 euros (£84) per evening.

Chateau d’Alteville, Moselle, Lorraine

‘This chateau was inbuilt 1698 for considered one of Napoleon’s generals and the 2 work that grasp within the Louis XVI salon have been presents from the Emperor,’ Sawday’s says of Chateau d’Alteville.  

‘The home has been in proprietor David’s household for practically a century and he’s a genuinely charming and welcoming host.’

Sawday’s suggests ‘having fun with the peace and quiet on the terrace or within the library’ and getting out and about. ‘Biking and strolling holidays can start right here,’ the journey agency says, ‘and David is completely happy to provide maps and solutions.’ It provides: ‘You may drive to Dieuze for retailers and eating places in ten minutes; Nancy, Strasbourg and Metz are inside an hour’s drive.’

A room for 2 at Chateau d’Alteville prices from 91 euros (£77) per evening.

Chateau de Bardouly, Dordogne

‘Rural and peaceable with barely the sound of a tractor buzzing over birdsong – you’re within the depths of the Dordogne and it feels good,’ writes Sawday’s, setting the scene of this seven-bedroom rental in Dordogne. 

The journey agency continues: ‘All that encompass you might be gardens with a contact of the wild-side, rolling pastures and woodlands. Fill your days canoeing in Sainte Foy nature reserve, winery visits and hot-air-balloon rides.

‘Again dwelling there are many areas to flee to: work up a sweat on the out of doors yoga platform, have a recreation of tennis adopted by a therapeutic massage, calm down within the zen backyard or heated saltwater pool.’

Chateau de Bardouly has seven bedrooms, sleeps 14 and prices from £700 per evening. 

Chateau Cote de Nacre, Calvados, Normandy

‘This good-looking Neoclassical home is surrounded by historic timber and feels secluded and peaceable, though the city sq. and native restaurant is a couple of minutes’ stroll away,’ says Sawday’s of Chateau Cote de Nacre, which has ‘fashionable, light-filled flats’.

The journey agency provides: ‘Take the little rowing boat out on the lake, or borrow bikes to discover the city or close by seashore. The backyard has a number of barbecue areas going through the lake, and the small spa has an indoor pool, a sauna, and a cabinet stocked with toys and video games for youngsters.’ 

The flats at Chateau Cote de Nacre sleep from 4 to 10 company. An residence for 4 prices from 179 euros (£152) per evening. 

Chateau de Nazelles, Loire

‘This charming Sixteenth-century manor home is within the centre of the village with a shady courtyard and a winding monitor resulting in woodlands and vineyards,’ Sawday’s says of this mattress and breakfast in Loire.

The journey agency describes the inside as a ‘haven of serenity’, including: ‘The decor is an exuberant mixture of formal and casual, modern and conventional with muted tones on the partitions working all through. Plan your day over an awesome breakfast within the beamy salon. Charming Amboise and its chateau is a 35-minute stroll or rent bikes and take a leisurely cycle alongside the river to Blois.’ 

A room for 2 at Chateau de Nazelles prices from 115 euros (£98) per evening.

Domaine de Ravenoville, Manche, Normandy

This manor home and dovecot have undergone an ‘superb restoration’, says Sawday’s, explaining: ‘Each have been saved from dereliction by Pierres d’Histoire, an organisation with a ardour to protect the heritage of France.’

In response to the journey agency, the self-catering dwelling quarters are ‘impeccable however homely’ with an ‘easy mix of contemporary consolation and interval type’. 

‘Borrow bikes, sail, swim, hike alongside the coast, bird-watch within the marais, dine out in Sainte Mere Eglise,’ Sawday’s recommends. 

Domaine de Ravenoville accommodates two leases, which sleep from 4 to eight. The home for 4 prices from 120 euros (£102) per evening. 

Chateau de Sacy, Marne, Champagne

This chateau, which dates again to the 1850s, had fallen into disrepair however was saved by a ‘pleasant facelift’, says Sawday’s. 

The reserving platform provides: ‘Every part is geared to please you, from the fabulous drawing room with its enormous home windows and views over the vines, many eating areas and the massive picket deck for al fresco meals overlooking the well-known Montagne de Reims. The chef consists of regional specialities in a seasonally altering menu, three programs or a la carte.’ 

A room for 2 at Chateau de Sacy prices from 200 euros (£170) per evening. 

Chateau de Vaulx, Saone-et-Loire, Burgundy

In response to Sawday’s, this chateau in Burgundy was described as ‘well-proportioned and stylish in its simplicity’ in 1886. 

‘Vaulx is as pretty now as then, and in essentially the most lovely place, in deep nation, excessive on a hill with views that stretch to distant purple mountains,’ says the journey agency. 

The reserving platform provides: ‘There’s a panelled drawing room with chandeliers, a eating room with recent flowers, antiques and robust, thrilling colors. 

‘Float within the pool, take a e book to the sitting room or terrace, sleep in light-filled rooms with views and never a touch of street noise.’

A room for 2 at Chateau de Vaulx prices from 110 euros (£93) per evening. 

Le Petit Chateau De Sainte Colombe, Indre, Loire

This Fifteenth-century chateau is imbued with ‘gracious touches of outdated rural France’, says Sawday’s. 

It continues: ‘Bedrooms exude romance and are festooned with antiques and velvet throws, gentle quilts and large pillows abound. 

‘Breakfast in a sunny room on an extended desk and dine on regional specialities, or strive a plate of charcuterie and cheeses.’

A room for 2 at Le Petit Chateau De Sainte Colombe prices from 95 euros (£81) per evening. 

Chateau de Puicheric, Aude, Languedoc

‘There’s a thousand years of historical past steeped within the tower and partitions of this chateau however a lot has been altered and rebuilt since: a spectacular Seventeenth-century stone staircase, 18th century frescoes, Artwork Deco wallpaper and tiles,’ Sawday’s says of this mattress and breakfast within the south of France. 

The journey firm provides: ‘View-filled bedrooms (one appears to be like over the Corbieres) are merely however nicely furnished with unique furnishings, new mattresses, fashionable bogs. Your beneficiant hosts feed you nicely: continental breakfast on the terrace, be part of them for a barbecue supper.’

A room for 2 at Chateau de Puicheric prices from 90 euros (£76) per evening. 

Chateau d’Agel, Herault, Languedoc

Writing about this eight-bedroom rental in Herault, Sawday’s says: ‘The home is rock strong, with hefty surrounding partitions, but it’s nonetheless elegant in its light-brown stone. It’s additionally, regardless of its grandness and historical past, a relaxed home with exterior areas to go well with all: a eating terrace below a large shady tree, a barbecue to the aspect, a nicely-hidden pool, paths to walk alongside previous the lily pond and secret sitting corners.’ 

The journey agency provides: ‘Inside there are nice open fireplaces, excessive ceilings, two sitting rooms and billiards or board video games as a substitute of telly.’ 

Chateau d’Agel has eight bedrooms, sleeps as much as 18 and prices from 700 euros (£594) per evening. 

Jardin Meurin, Gironde, Acquitaine

Talking about this mattress and breakfast in Gironde, Sawday’s says: ‘This huge 18th-century home, a former vineyard, comes with 20 acres of land, two wings (your host Marine in a single, the company within the different), and really beautiful views. Stroll beneath umbrella pines and cedars, take breakfast on the lawns, bask by the pool.’

The reserving platform provides: ‘Bordeaux is shut; try the spectacular warehouse conversions that line the Garonne and take a tram to the quartier des Chartrons. The outdated coronary heart of the outdated metropolis bursts with eating places, boutiques, galleries and essentially the most thrilling wine museum on this planet, La Cite du Vin.’

A room for 2 at Jardin Meurin prices from 195 euros (£166) per evening.

Chateau de Minargent, Aulnay de Saintonge, Charente-Maritime 

This ‘elegant home’ is discovered on the fringes of Aulnay, ‘one of many Charente-Maritime’s loveliest cities’, says Sawday’s.

It continues: ‘Enter to a big hallway, a child grand piano and rooms of subtle type with Jap treasures dotted right here and there. You can collect the entire clan right here to rejoice a particular birthday or anniversary; you won’t really feel the pull to depart, with a pool, sizzling tub, boules and jungle health club for sunny days and an enormous kitchen and cinema room [for] when the climate turns.’ 

Sawday’s provides: ‘You’re rural however there’s lots close by: caves, cognac distilleries, the cobbled streets of Saint-Jean-d’Angely. Borrow the bikes to get you there.’

Chateau de Minargent has 9 bedrooms, sleeps as much as 20 and prices from £585 per evening. 

See all of Sawday’s chateaux at www.sawdays.co.uk/chateaux. Different reserving platforms for French chateaux can be found, equivalent to Oliver’s Travels and Bienvenue au Chateau.