6 hotels for château living

From Île-de-France to Burgundy, from the Loire Valley to Provence, we invite you on a journey back in time to the heart of France's most beautiful châteaux-hotels. We'll take you on a journey back in time to the most beautiful châteaux-hotels in France, where you'll experience the great moments of our history, while discovering the charms of a region: its architecture, its landscapes and the delights of its cuisine.

A medieval fortress in Auvergne, Château Saint-Jean

A piece of history, and one of the oldest! This five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel is housed in an impressive château that has preserved its medieval façade and towers, not to mention its 12th-century chapel. Now converted into a restaurant, it offers the rare privilege of savoring Olivier Valade's cuisine while admiring the sumptuous stone vaults that once housed the Knights Templar. Masterfully led by architect Patrick Jouin, the decor blends the imprint of the past with a very contemporary luxury, as evidenced by the 19 bright and cosy rooms and suites, with multiple views over the Parc Saint-Jean and its pond. A rare place that pays tribute to the past without nostalgia, and also offers the delights of a spa with hammam, swimming pool and treatment rooms.

• Double room from 200 euros
• Av. Henri de la Tourfondue, 03100 Montluçon
• www.chat eau-saint-jean.com

Le Château de Mazan, a Renaissance residence in Provence

just a stone's throw from Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Avignon, this house was once owned by the Marquis de Sade, who organized France's first theater festival here in the 1770s. Completely refurbished by architect Claire Annicchiarico, the hotel artfully blends 18th-century spirit and Provencal style, in the salons, the Galerie des Curiosités gallery, the library, or in the 31 rooms and suites, which have retained their Louis XV furniture and antique floor tiles, all with a breathtaking view of the park, its sculptures and swimming pool. A special mention goes to the excellent Provencal cuisine served in the hotel's two restaurants: the Cour du Château, for a bistro feel, or the more gastronomic Salle à manger.

• Double room from 165 euros
• 8 place Napoléon, 84380 Mazan
• www.chat eaudemazan.com

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Château du Vault de Lugny`, a fortified castle in Burgundy

A real château fort, as you'd read in a history book, with its 13th-century keep and moated fortifications. Partially rebuilt in the 16th century, the château offers a superb journey back in time, with its 16 rooms and suites decorated with four-poster beds and coffered ceilings, such as that of the chambre du Roy, adorned with fleur-de-lis. And in keeping with the historic spirit, don't miss the swimming pool, set in an impressive space beneath a vaulted ceiling, or the beautiful dining room, where you can sample the cuisine of chef Franco Bowanee.

• Rooms from 298 euros
• 11 Rue du Château, 89200 Vault-de-Lugny
• https:// lugny.fr/

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A XVIIIᵉ palace in Cheverny, Les Sources de Cheverny

Here, the link between past and present is a natural one, as the rooms and suites of this five-star hotel are spread around the Château du Breuil (a magnificent 17th-century building), its outbuildings and contemporary additions. The whole forms a charming hamlet where you'll also find a Caudalie spa, the two restaurants run by chef Frédéric Calmels, a wine bar where you can sample the finest vintages of the Loire Valley, not forgetting the magnificent Sologne landscape, with its forests and ponds. Reinvented by owners Alice and Jérôme Tourbier and design studio Be-Pôles, this hotel is one of the region's finest châteaux-hotels, just a stone's throw from Cheverny and Chambord.

• Double room from 264 euros
• 23, route de Fougère - 41700 Cheverny
• www.sources-cheverny.com

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Château de Villiers le Mahieu, surrounded by a moat - Les Maisons de Campagne

Surrounded by a 20-hectare park, this 17th-century château has preserved its two majestic towers and high gate, which you pass through after straddling the ancient moat. But here, the past is combined with a charming modernity, as seen in the rooms and suites with their luminous tones and Scandinavian furnishings, divided between the château, the barn and the old farmhouse. The place has been designed as a family home full of memories, where you can laze in front of the fireplace in the living room before joining the library, the spa or the yoga room, while your children take part in the activities offered by the kids club. And last but not least, the hotel's cuisine features local produce from the Île-de-France region, as well as a magnificent Sunday brunch that also attracts local gourmets.

• Double room from 273 euros
• Rue du Ctre, 78770 Villiers-le-Mahieu
• www.lesmaisonsdecampagne.com

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Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, a wine château near Sauternes

Wine lovers swear by the Lalique collection and its addresses in the heart of the finest vineyards. Following on from Villa Lalique and Château Hochberg in Alsace, in 2018 the group inaugurated this 17th-century château, set in the heart of a 35-hectare vineyard, premier grand cru classé de Sauternes. The establishment offers just 13 rooms and suites, as well as a gourmet restaurant run by Jérôme Schilling, guaranteeing an exclusive stay in an atmosphere that combines tradition and modernity.the immense glass roof over the dining room was designed by architect Mario Botta.

• Rooms from 245 euros
• Lieu dit, Peyraguey, 33210 Bommes
• www.chateau-lafaurie-peyraguey.com