Chissay Castle (41)
Near Chenonceau, this Renaissance jewel built under Charles VII has become a charming hotel, which offers 32 rooms and 5 suites for a stay in disconnection mode (no TV or wifi in the rooms). The outdoor swimming pool is open from May to September, and dinner is served in the vaulted dining room which hosted Louis XI and Charles de Gaulle.
Most : the 13th century keep houses a duplex suite for a stay in prince and princess mode.
Double room from 130 €. chateaudechissay.com
Crazannes Castle (17)
Located not far from Saintes, it owes its nickname "chateau du Chat Botté" to the Count of Caravaz, owner of the place in the 17th century who inspired Charles Perrault to the Marquis de Carabas. Built in the 14th century on the site of an old fortress, it looks great with its battlements tower and façade adorned with sculptures.
Most : the five bedrooms are furnished in Louis XIII or Empire style.
Double room from 95 €, gîte for 6 p. in the dungeon. crazannes.com
Goulaine Castle (44)
15 minutes from Nantes, this castle has been occupied for over a thousand years by the de Goulaine family. Bordered by formal gardens, the tufa stone building combines a Renaissance main building in flamboyant Gothic style with a moat, a tower and medieval ramparts. History is also present in the 15th century living rooms and kitchen. And you can taste the Muscadet produced by the estate's vines.
Most : for children, costume visit and treasure hunt.
Double room € 115 with breakfast. chateaudegoulaine.fr
Castle of Trigance (83)
In the heart of the Verdon gorges regional park, this 11th century fortified castle, planted on a rocky outcrop, dominates the garrigue. With its crenellated ramparts and towers pierced with loopholes, it is a real fortress, restored in the 1970s. Medieval atmosphere in the rooms furnished with four-poster beds.
Most : the panoramic terrace, ideal for having a drink to the sound of cicadas, while contemplating the magnificent landscape.
Double room from 100 €. chateau-de-trigance.fr
Tennessus Castle (79)
With its massive towers, water moats and drawbridge, it is a true medieval fortified castle. After having restored it for twenty-five years, Philippa and Nicholas guide the visit to the five rooms in the keep and one of the towers: huge fireplaces, exposed beams, four-poster beds …
Most : packed lunches for dinner in the room or in the garden.
Double room from € 135, with breakfast. chateau-medieval.com
Morey Castle (54)
Between Metz and Nancy, this former 16th century residence of the Dukes of Lorraine has five spacious guest rooms, including an 80 m² family suite. Some with four-poster bed and medieval atmosphere. Panoramic view of the Natagne valley.
Most : the dovecote in the park is converted into a gîte.
Double room from € 115, with breakfast. chateaudemorey.fr
Read also :
⋙ Zoom on the castle of Lourmarin, a treasure of Provençal heritage
⋙ Bavaria: life in castles
⋙ Visit Touraine: the land of wines and castles