Thinking about taking a trip across the Channel for a holiday in France? It’s worth knowing that Chateaus in France are an easy way to sample a taste of French history on your next holiday. These grand properties are prime examples of this country’s magnificent architecture and were used by French royalty for hunting, sport and leisure.
Channel 4’s Escape to the Chateau gave Brits a first-hand look at the experience of bringing a French property back to its former glory and our guide includes some properties featured in the show! In lots of chateaus in France to stay in you will be surrounded by elegant history so take a look at some of our top destinations for your trip back into this European nation’s heritage.
Chateau D’Etoges
Many of the best chateaus in France operate today as boutique hotels and the Chateau D’Etoges is a prime example. For a true taste of medieval luxury, this chateau features stunning grounds with a moat. If waking up to the sight of swans and classical décor while you visit the Champagne region appeals, Le Chateau D’Etoges in France may be your ideal destination!
It’s worth knowing however that for anyone planning a pampered family holiday, this may not be the ideal choice as kids under the age of sixteen are not allowed to use the spa. Getting to this site from our port on the P&O Ferries Dover to Calais route takes around three and a half hours via the A26 and the average cost to stay in this destination is around £120 a night for two guests.
Le Chateau de Rill
Found just a few miles away from Reims, our next pick of chateaus in France to stay in is a converted wine house from the end of the 18th century. For a relaxing break, this is an ideal pick thanks to its wellness area. It’s also great for food lovers thanks to its onsite restaurant!
If you’re planning to explore the champagne region on your trip with P&O, you can get to this historic estate in under three hours from Calais via the A26. For a weekend trip to France, its convenient location makes seeing the best the country has to offer a speedy getaway. A room for two in this stunning destination comes at an average cost of £200, placing it in the higher price range – this one’s for luxury seekers!
Abbaye de la Bussière
The Abbaye de la Bussière luxury chateau is located in the heart of Burgundy just between Dijon and Beaune. This region is famous for its world-renowned vineyards and network of canals so it makes a great starting point for your French tour. You can be sure to eat well in their Michelin star restaurant in the hotel which serves food from the Burgundy region.
For anyone craving a long weekend on the continent, you can also easily get to the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune for stunning sea views. Remember if you’re driving on board with P&O you simply need to book a space for your car with your ticket and remember to check out our guide to rules for driving in France which differ slightly from the UK.
Driving to this destination in close to 6 hours via the A1 and A6 from Calais takes you deeper into the heart of France for your very own escape to the chateau experience.
Chateau de La Ruche
Our next magnificent French destination is Chateau de La Ruche in the Loire Valley region. Nearby attractions include the ZooParc de Beauval which is home to a whole host of exotic animals from white tigers to pandas, giraffes and rhinos.
This estate itself was built in the 18th century and a stay here makes for an unforgettable French chateau holiday. This location is closer to a French B&B chateau than a hotel-style experience as it features just three renovated bedrooms.
Staying in any of their guestrooms you will be sleeping on an antique bed, making every part of your getaway a step back in time. The average cost for a night here is around £200 making it an ideal spot for anyone craving a taste of comfortable travel.
At just over four hours away from Calais on the A16 and A28, this lovingly restored example which was featured on Escape to the Chateau DIY in 2019 is an easy to reach spot for European travellers.
Chateau de Thuries
For a holiday in the South of France, at just an hour’s drive from Toulouse and Carcassonne, this boutique chateau has five suites to take your pick from. Each room has distinct styling and you’ll rest easy on their super-king size beds.
The owners of this property also featured on Escape to the Chateau DIY so any fans of the show can take a look behind the scenes. There’s also plenty to do onsite at Chateau de Thuries with a salon, swimming pool and manicured grounds to wander. You can also relax in its library and bar or enjoy some games nights on their pool table!
Driving from Calais is at least a full day on the road at ten hours via the A16 and A71. This is our most far-flung option for chateau hotels in France but the best choice for experiencing what the South of France has to offer.
