chateau hotels france

Hotel Auberge de Cassagne

Bungalow bedrooms in spruce grounds are done out in exuberant Provençal style. The auberge itself is a mellow old house and its location a leafy suburb. Chef Philippe Boucher is a protégé of the renowned Paul Bocuse, with his own reputation and Michelin star. 84130 Le Pontet-Avignon, Vaucluse.

Le Maquis

It started life some 50 years ago as a beach café; today it’s a fashionable hotel with elegant rooms, its own beach, two swimming pools (one indoors, one out) and a tennis court which is floodlit at night. The rooms are luxurious and face the sea, and some have their own terraces. 20166 Porticcio, Corse-du-Sud .

Hotel Mas du Langoustier

Set on this unspoilt island, with no cars, the hotel is surrounded by its own extensive pine woods. Their scent wafts up to the original mas and modern building opposite, which houses the best of the bedrooms. There are two restaurants serving first-class food. 83400 Porquerolles, Var.

Hotel Les Loges de l’Aubergade

In a region not noted for its gastronomy, august cook Michel Trama offers outstanding food, wine and cigars in the ancient home of the Counts of Toulouse. Set around a patio, with a swimming pool at its centre, the modern rooms are done up with style. 52 rue Royale, 47270 Puymirol, Lot-et-Garonne.

Hotel La Petite Auberge

A cosy farmhouse run by English in French style. Large grounds and swimming pool. 24500 Razac d’Eymet, Dordogne .

Hotel Les Vieilles Tours

A medieval gentilhommerie with a snug salon in the turret and large, pleasing bedrooms. Lunch on request. Lafage, 46500 Rocamadour, Lot.

Hotel Château de Rochegude

A lavish Relais et Châteaux in a 12th-century fortress: palatial rooms, gourmet cuisine and fine wines. 26790 Rochegude, Drôme.

Hotel Domaine de la Rhue

A skilful conversion of a 19th-century stable block has created a calm B&B with handsome evidence of its origins and flexible accommodation. Some of the country-style bedrooms have kitchenettes and their own garden entrances, making them ideal for families. La Rhue, 46500 Rocamadour, Lot.

Hotel La Pélissaria

A 13th-century house clinging to a hillside in a captivating medieval village. The eccentric layout means that, from streetlevel, stairs lead down to the light bedrooms, many with terrific views over the Lot river. The hotel no longer has a restaurant, but there are several in the village. St-Cirq-Lapopie, 46330 Cabrerets, Lot.

Hotel Auberge et Clos des Cimes

The raison d’être of this unique hotel in an aptly named Auvergne village is its restaurant. Masterminded by talented chef Règis Marcon, it has won plaudits far and wide. His passion for mushrooms is evident in the names of the daringly decorated bedrooms, all boasting spectacular views. 43290 Le Village St-Bonnet-le-Froid, Haute-Loire.

Hôtel Arcé

The Arcé family have been in charge here for five generations, and it is their hospitality that gives the hotel its special charm. In a pretty Basque village at the foot of the Pyrenees, it boasts a fabulous riverside location and a glorious dining terrace shaded by leafy chestnut trees. 64430 St-Etienne-de-Baïgorry, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Hotel Auberge du Colombier

The charm of this low-built white mas lies in its heavenly large garden of tall trees and a pool. 06330 Roquefort-les-Pins, Alpes-Maritimes.

Hotel L’Abbaye

Walls and floors of delicate local stone throughout this enchanting hotel set in lush gardens, with a pool and tidy bedrooms. 24220 St-Cyprien, Dordogne.

Hotel Mas de Garrigon

Modern hotel, built in Provençal style, run on house party lines. Route de St-Saturnin d’Apt, Roussillon, 84220 Gordes, Vaucluse.

Hotel Le Logis des Remparts

Sit beneath a parasol or swim in the pool in the peaceful garden of this ancient stone-built house, now a cosy B&B. 18 rue Guadet, 33330 St-Emilion, Gironde.

Hôtel du Midi-Papillon

Fans of this old rural posting inn have grown so numerous that bookings must be made months in advance. The welcoming Papillons continue a tradition of innkeeping of 150 years’ standing. The food, all home-grown, home-reared or home-baked, is irresistible; prices are low. 12230 St-Jean-du-Bruel, Aveyron

Hotel La Grande Bastide

The restoration of this country house combines new design with original materials such as local wood and stone. The 14 pastel-painted bedrooms are jazzed up with flamboyant Provençal prints. An alluring B&B where guests feel at home. 1350 route de la Colle, 06570 St-Paul-de-Vence, Alpes- Maritimes.

Hostellerie de la Maronne

Beyond a garden of lawns and trees lies the empty rolling countryside of the Auvergne, making this smartly decorated, grey-stone Relais du Silence a true haven. Madame De Cock’s ambitious menu is accompanied by a tantalizing wine list. Le Theil, 15140 St-Martin-Valmeroux, Cantal.

Hotel Le Hameau

A path bordered by orange trees leads to this attractive white 1920s villa with red-tiled roofs. The scented garden of flowers and shrubs is the scene of unmissable breakfasts. Bedrooms are in rustic Provençal style; many have terraces or balconies. New owners have taken over from the Huvelins. 528 route de la Colle, 06570 St-Paul-de-Vence, Alpes- Maritimes.

Hotel Auberge du Poids Public

Michelin-starred restaurant in a village inn, with sublime food, rustic dining room and comfortable rooms. 31540 St-Félix-Lauragais, Haute-Garonne.

Hotel Le Parc Victoria

The 19th-century villa is a model of style and correct housekeeping. 5 rue Cepé, 64500 St-Jean-de-Luz, Pyrénées- Atlantiques.

Hotel Les Orangers

At the edge of the village, overlooking orange groves, is this chic, flowerfilled Provençal farmhouse; impeccably kept. Chemin des Fumerates, 06570 St-Paul-de-Vence, Alpes- Maritimes

Hotel La Colombe d’Or

Elegantly rustic, with garden, pool and a marvellous art collection. Place de Gaulle, 06570 St-Paul-de-Vence, Alpes- Maritimes

Hotel Château des Alpilles

Nothing jars in this refined 19th-century manor house of pale stone, where bay trees flank the front door. The antique-laden salons feature moulded ceilings and mosaic floors; the Provençal bedrooms are spacious. Food can be eaten by the pool in summer. Route Départmentale 31, 13210 St-Rémy-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône.

Hotel Mas de la Fouque

The exclusive Spanish-style ranch has an idyllic location beside a lagoon, where guests can glimpse flamingoes, egrets or the famous white horses of the Camargue. It’s smart and luxurious yet family-run and friendly. Route du Petit Rhône, 13460 Les Stes-Mariesde- la-Mer, Bouches-du-Rhône

Hostellerie St-Jacques

A cheerful ivy-clad village inn, whose exterior gives little hint of what lies beyond: beautiful gardens, sloping down to a pretty pool. The airy bedrooms and large summery bar/dining room have been decorated with care. The cooking doesn’t disappoint. In summer, breakfast can be taken in the garden. 24470 St-Saud-Lacoussière, Dordogne.

Hotel L’Abbaye de Ste-Croix

The highlight at this 12th-century former monastery is the Michelinstarred food, eaten in a charming, rustic dining room. The former cells house the bedrooms, but there’s nothing Spartan about them now. A huge open fireplace warms the vaulted sitting room. Route du Val-de-Cuech, 13300 Salon-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône.

Hotel Domaine de Valmouriane

A farmhouse and lovely garden, stylishly converted to plush hotel. Petite Route des Baux, 13210 St-Rémy-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône.

Hotel La Ponche

In the old town, an arty yet chic hotel in daring colours, where the seafood is superb. Overlooks a small fishing port and beach. 3 rue des Remparts, 83990 St-Tropez, Var.

Hôtel Carayon

People flock from far and wide to sample Pierre Carayon’s excellent cuisine. The riverside hotel offers great value for money. Place du Fort, 12380 St-Sernin-sur-Rance, Aveyron

Hostellerie du Levezou

A warm welcome and fine food await visitors to this 14th-century castle, set in a picturesque hill village. Rue du Château, 12410 Salles-Curan, Aveyron.

Hôtel Arraya

Set on the main square of an archetypal Basque village, the 16th-century house was once a hostel for pilgrims to Santiago. It has an austere and off-putting façade, but inside lies an inn of great character and charm. Every corner and room is filled with polished pieces of fine local furniture. Adventurous cooking is a bonus. 64310 Sare, Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Hôtel des Deux Rocs

A model hotel: an 18th-century house with blue shutters and a civilized air in a ravishing medieval village. The decor varies between the traditional in the public rooms and the dashing in the bedrooms. Breakfast in the cobbled square is a real treat. Recently taken over by French/English couple Bruno and Judy Germanaz. Place Font d’Amont, 83440 Seillans, Var

Hôtel de la Reine Sancie

A spectacular position on medieval arches above the Gave d’Oloron river makes this hotel exquisitely romantic. Rooms are pleasing and light, and a relaxed air prevails. To cap it all, the terrace is floodlit at night. The hotel is under the new ownership of two Irish brothers. Rue du Pont de la Légende, 64390 Sauveterre-de- Béarn, Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Château de Boussac

A chateau with all the accoutrements – moat, lake, park and magnificent rooms filled with Louis XV furniture – but none of the formality. Despite the grand setting, the charming Marquis and Marquise de Longueil welcome guests like old friends. The delectable dinners are eaten en famille. Target, 03140 Chantelle, Allier.

Hostellerie de Meysset

Pine woods surround this long white house in the heart of Périgord Noir. Not surprisingly, the food is regional. 62 Route Argentouleau, 24200 Sarlat, Dordogne.

La Bergerie

A pristine whitewashed house with trim grounds and a restful air; it’s no hardship that the set dinner is obligatory. Avenue du Lac, 40140 Soustons, Landes

Auberge de Cabasse

In rugged country, an appealing Swiss-run inn with its own vineyard. Route de Sablet, 84110 Séguret, Vaucluse.

Les Demeures du Ranquet

The farmhouse restaurant, set in oak woods, is first class. The ten bedrooms are lush. Route de St-Hippolyte, Tornac, 30140 Anduze, Gard

Le Vieux Logis

Wine and pigs once filled the dining room of this complex of farm buildings – a far cry from today’s epitome of country chic, even though it has been home to the Giraudel- Destords for 400 years. Four-poster beds grace the rooms, antiques fill the salon’s every nook, and superb classic-modern cuisine is on offer. 24510 Trémolat, Dordogne.

Hotel Pic

Despite the illustrious reputation of the restaurant, there isn’t a hint of snobbery here. And though the great former owner Jacques Pic is dead, his daughter continues to create original dishes in their classic setting, as well as managing the more modest L’Auberge du Pin. Bedrooms are stunning. 285 avenue Victor-Hugo, 26001 Valence, Drôme.

Château de Trigance

You have to scale 100 rocky steps to gain access to this fabulous 11thcentury castle, perched on a limestone peak. Owned by the Thomases for more than 30 years, it is a painstaking re-creation of the Middle Ages, with stone-vaulted dining room and canopied beds. Breakfast is taken on the battlements. 83840 Trigance, Var.

Château du Domaine St-Martin

A stone’s throw from the Matisse chapel, this former Templar stronghold is one of France’s most expensive hotels. Bills will be extremely large, but devotees claim its sumptuous luxury and faultless service are worth it. Avenue des Templiers, 06140 Vence, Alpes-Maritimes.

L’Auberge St-Pierre

The 16th-century building is a manor rather than an inn, with rooms that have a medieval flavour. Food is fresh from the farm. Tourtour, 83690 Salernes, Var.

Hostellerie Le Beffroi

Old stone, beams and gleaming tiles abound in two hilltop houses. Rue de l’Evêché Haute Ville, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine, Vaucluse.

La Source Bleue

Cluster of old paper mills on the willow-fringed Lot makes a charming, restful, rustic retreat. Moulin de Leygues, Touzac, 46700 Puy-l’Evêque, Lot.

Le Manoir du Raveyron

This rustic village inn offers simple accommodation, a warm welcome and excellent food at a very reasonable price. rue Henri Barbuse, 07150 Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Ardèche.

La Roseraie

A garden of palms, oleander and orange trees envelops this B&B, a belle époque villa of palest pink. Inside it has a lived-in feel, with walls covered in straw hats, dried flowers and old photos. One reader wrote to us of a disappointing experience here, but now under new management; further reports, please. Avenue Henri Giraud, 06140 Vence, Alpes-Maritimes.

Château de Ricard

An immaculate country house with manicured gardens, where even the ivy covering the façade looks perfect. Welcome extras include a library, billiard room and laundry. Interior decoration is the owners’ forte, borne out by the chic rooms. A delicious dinner is served four nights a week. Route de Beaumont, 47210 Villeréal, Lot-et-Garonne.

Hôtel Chantoiseau

In the craggy landscape of the Cévennes, this 17th-century former post house boasts the most exciting restaurant for miles; here, mouthwatering Michelin-starred specialities are created by chef Patrick Pagès. Bedrooms are comfortable and well-kept if a trifle small, with splendid views. 48220 Vialas, Lozère.

Château de Trancis

The miniature Italianate chateau looks as if it has been transported from the banks of the Loire river, but in fact dates only from the 20th century. The interior has been fabulously furnished with antiques and rugs strewn on the polished floors. A charming Dutch couple run the place along house-party lines. 15210 Ydes, Cantal.

Auberge la Fontaine

A classy restaurant with a bistro and five elegantly ‘rustic’ apartments. Place de la Fontaine, Vénasque, 84210 Carpentras, Vaucluse.

La Magnaneraie

Food is among the best of the region at this four star hotel with swimming pool. 37 rue Camp de Bataille, 30401 Villeneuve-les-Avignon, Gard.

Hôtel de l’Atelier

Built in the 16th century for a cardinal, a haven of calm with a delightful shady courtyard just outside the city centre. 5 rue de la Foire, 30400 Villeneuve-les-Avignon, Gard.

Auberge La Tomette

A cheerful village inn among chestnut groves. Rustic panelled dining room, spotless bedrooms. Pool, garden. 15220 Vitrac, Cantal