Found 14 properties matching your criteria
Chantilly, France
Just 40 minutes from Paris, the magnificent Château de Chantilly offers an opulent setting for fairy-tale weddings and family celebrations. The castle features some of France's finest art collections, spectacular formal gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, and the famous Great Stables which house the Living Museum of the Horse. With its world-renowned Chantilly cream originating from these kitchens, the château provides a perfect blend of cultural heritage, gastronomy, and French aristocratic splendor for unforgettable events.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
Château de Rocabella, the famous setting for Downton Abbey, offers a relaxing holiday combining nature and wellness by the Mediterranean Sea. With three villas accommodating up to 39 people, this estate is ideal for family celebrations and reunions. Set in three hectares of parkland with Mediterranean species extending right down to the sea, guests can enjoy water activities and wellness amenities while taking in breathtaking coastal views.
Carcassonne, France
Villa Jolivet is a stunning 600-year-old restored farmhouse in the heart of Languedoc, offering an idyllic setting for romantic weddings and family gatherings. With a reception capacity for 200 guests outside and sleeping accommodations for 19, this villa combines rustic charm with modern luxury. Featuring a swimming pool, air-conditioned cottages, and pet-friendly amenities, it is perfect for intimate celebrations in authentic French countryside surroundings.
Aix-en-Provence, France
Located just 20 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, Château La Coste is a design-lover's dream combining contemporary art and historic wine estate. The property features several indoor venues from 20m² to 250m² and unique outdoor spaces that can host up to 2,000 people. With its refined, elegant architecture creating perfect harmony between contemporary design and Provençal tradition, this estate offers breathtaking views of vineyards and stunning art installations, making it perfect for weddings and upscale events.
Challain-la-Potherie, France
Experience the magic of a fairytale wedding at Château Challain, one of the grandest private French castles of the 19th century. This neo-Gothic masterpiece in the heart of the Loire Valley offers luxurious accommodations with king-sized canopy beds, elegant en-suite bathrooms, and modern amenities. Perfect for weddings and family gatherings, the castle combines historic charm with exceptional service. Despite its rural setting, it is just 45 minutes from Nantes Airport.
Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Mont Saint-Michel emerges like a mirage from the tidal flats of Normandy's coastline, a pyramidal marvel of medieval architecture that has captivated pilgrims, travelers, and artists for over a millennium. This UNESCO World Heritage site represents one of humanity's most extraordinary architectural achievements—a complete medieval city crowned by a soaring abbey, all constructed on a rocky islet surrounded by Europe's most dramatic tides. Founded in 708 CE when the Archangel Michael reportedly appeared to Bishop Aubert of Avranches, the abbey grew over centuries into a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and French Gothic architecture, with its needle-like spire reaching 155 meters above the sea. The structural ingenuity is remarkable: massive crypts and pillars support the weight of the church above, creating an impression of impossible lightness despite the island's challenging granite foundation. Below the abbey, narrow winding streets form a medieval village that cascades down the mount, protected by formidable ramparts that have successfully repelled invaders since the Hundred Years' War. Mont Saint-Michel's most magical quality may be its relationship with the surrounding bay, where tides can rise up to 15 meters, periodically transforming the mount into a true island—a phenomenon that historically provided both natural defense and spiritual isolation. Today, a contemporary bridge has replaced the tidal causeway, ensuring continuous access while respecting the bay's delicate ecosystem. Whether viewed from afar rising dramatically from misty waters or experienced through its labyrinthine streets and soaring abbey chambers, Mont Saint-Michel stands as a testament to medieval spiritual devotion, architectural genius, and humanity's determination to create transcendent beauty in even the most challenging natural settings.
Chenonceaux, France
Gracefully straddling the River Cher in France's Loire Valley, Château de Chenonceau stands as a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture and one of the most uniquely situated castles in the world. Often called the "Ladies' Château" due to the succession of remarkable women who shaped its design and destiny, Chenonceau embodies feminine refinement in stone, harmoniously integrating with its riverine setting rather than dominating the landscape through military might. The château's most distinctive feature is its spectacular gallery spanning the river—a two-story, 60-meter-long ballroom supported by graceful arches that seems to float above the water, offering enchanting views up and down the Cher. Built between 1515 and 1521 by Thomas Bohier and later expanded by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, the château showcases the evolution of French Renaissance design, from the initial medieval keep to the refined Italianate elements added later. The interior matches this architectural elegance, with rooms featuring original floor tiles, exceptional Flemish tapestries, and an impressive collection of Old Master paintings. Each chamber tells the story of the influential women who called Chenonceau home, from Diane de Poitiers' dignified bedroom to Catherine de Medici's intimate study with its secret cabinets. The château's formal gardens enhance its extraordinary setting, with two distinct gardens designed by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici offering different perspectives on Renaissance landscape design. During World War I, the gallery served as a hospital, and in World War II, it functioned as an escape route between Nazi-occupied and free France, with the Cher River marking the boundary—adding layers of modern historical significance to this architectural treasure. Combining exceptional architecture, a unique riverside setting, remarkable artistic collections, and stories of powerful women who shaped French history, Château de Chenonceau offers visitors a quintessential Loire Valley experience that balances grandeur with intimate human stories.
Caen, France
Château de Caen stands as a monumental testament to Norman military architecture and royal power in the heart of Normandy. Founded around 1060 by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and future King of England, this vast stone fortress occupies a strategic hilltop position overlooking the city of Caen. The castle's imposing curtain walls, punctuated by defensive towers and surrounded by a dry moat, exemplify classic Norman Romanesque military architecture with their robust, practical design prioritizing defense over decoration. As one of Europe's largest medieval enclosures, the castle complex contains several remarkable structures including the 12th-century St. George's Church, the Exchequer Hall where Norman rulers administered justice, and later additions like the Governor's Lodge. Today, the castle houses the Museum of Normandy and the Fine Arts Museum, offering visitors a comprehensive cultural experience. Walking along the castle ramparts provides spectacular panoramic views of Caen and the surrounding Normandy countryside. The fortress played a pivotal role in numerous historical events, from the Norman Conquest of England to the Hundred Years' War and the Battle of Normandy during World War II, when it suffered significant damage before being meticulously restored. As the ancestral seat of William the Conqueror, Château de Caen offers visitors an immersive journey through nearly a millennium of Norman and French history while showcasing the distinctive military architectural style that Norman conquerors would later export throughout their domains in England, Italy, and beyond.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France
La Bastide de Moustiers nestles peacefully among the rolling lavender fields and olive groves of Haute-Provence, offering an authentic glimpse into the refined rustic elegance that defines Provençal living. Dating back to the 17th century, this meticulously restored country house exemplifies traditional Provençal architecture with its honey-colored stone walls, pastel blue shutters, terracotta roof tiles, and charming wrought-iron details that have weathered gracefully with time. Once a simple farmhouse, the bastide was transformed by renowned French chef Alain Ducasse into an intimate luxury retreat that preserves the building's authentic character while offering contemporary comforts. The property features a series of connected structures arranged around a central courtyard where ancient plane trees provide dappled shade over stone tables set for al fresco dining. Inside, the interiors showcase quintessential Provençal décor with exposed wooden beams, natural limestone floors, antique furnishings, and a thoughtful color palette inspired by the surrounding landscape—lavender blues, sunflower yellows, and the soft greens of olive leaves. Surrounding the bastide are magnificent terraced gardens that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, featuring aromatic herb beds, century-old olive trees, and vibrant Mediterranean flowers that attract butterflies and bees. Located near the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon, this hidden gem offers visitors not just accommodation but an immersive experience in the authentic art de vivre of Provence, where time seems to slow and the connection between architecture, cuisine, and landscape becomes palpably harmonious.
Margaux, France
Château Margaux stands as an architectural and viticultural icon in the heart of the prestigious Bordeaux wine region. This magnificent neoclassical château, often referred to as the "Versailles of the Médoc," was built between 1810 and 1816 by the architect Louis Combes and is widely considered one of the most elegant wine estates in the world. The estate's impressive columned façade is complemented by symmetrical wings and surrounded by meticulously maintained French formal gardens, creating a harmonious blend of architectural grandeur and natural beauty. As one of the original four First Growth wine estates designated in the historic 1855 Bordeaux classification, Château Margaux has produced some of the world's most sought-after wines for over four centuries, with vineyards dating back to the 12th century. The estate encompasses 262 hectares, with 82 hectares dedicated to vineyard plantings predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Visitors to the château can explore the historic cellars with their rows of oak barrels, the state-of-the-art winemaking facilities designed by Norman Foster in 2015, and the vineyards that benefit from the estate's unique terroir. Château Margaux represents the perfect marriage of architectural splendor, historical significance, and viticultural excellence, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the aristocratic traditions and meticulous craftsmanship that define the great wine estates of Bordeaux.
Lourmarin, France
Château de Lourmarin stands as an architectural jewel in the heart of Provence's Luberon Valley, distinguished as the region's first Renaissance château. Built in two distinct phases beginning in the 15th century and completed in the 16th century, the château seamlessly blends late Gothic and Italian Renaissance influences, reflecting the cultural evolution of Southern France. The château's elegant façade features symmetrical windows, delicate stonework, and a harmonious proportion that distinguishes it from more defensive medieval structures. Inside, visitors discover beautifully preserved interiors with period furniture, spiral staircases, coffered ceilings, and a remarkable collection of Renaissance art and artifacts. The property surrounds a central courtyard and is nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards typical of the Provençal countryside. After falling into disrepair, the château was rescued and meticulously restored in the early 20th century by industrialist Robert Laurent-Vibert, who bequeathed it to the Raymond and Marie-Louise Laurent-Vibert Foundation to promote arts and literature. Today, the château hosts cultural events, musical performances, and art exhibitions while offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the refined lifestyle of Renaissance Provence, all within walking distance of the charming village of Lourmarin, recognized as one of France's most beautiful villages.
Chambord, France
Standing majestically in the heart of France's largest enclosed forest park, Château de Chambord is the largest and most recognizable château in the Loire Valley. Constructed between 1519 and 1547 for King Francis I, this architectural marvel blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures. The château features 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases, including its iconic double-helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. Despite its grandeur, Chambord was not intended as a permanent residence but as a hunting lodge where Francis I could display his power and wealth. The château's distinctive French Renaissance architecture is showcased in its elaborate roofscape of towers, chimneys, and cupolas that create a skyline reminiscent of a small city. Surrounded by a 13,000-acre wooded park and game reserve, Chambord offers visitors not only architectural splendor but also the chance to explore the natural landscape that has hosted royal hunting parties for centuries.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a seaside palazzo in the Italian Renaissance style situated on the Cap Ferrat peninsula on the French Riviera. Built between 1905 and 1912 by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, this rose-pink villa is surrounded by nine meticulously designed gardens, each with a different theme: French, Spanish, Japanese, Florentine, Provencal, exotic, stone, rose, and Sevres. The interior is a testament to the Baroness's exquisite taste, housing an exceptional collection of porcelain, paintings by Old Masters, furniture, and rare antiques. The villa's unique position on the narrow isthmus of Cap Ferrat offers breathtaking panoramic views of both the Bay of Villefranche and the Bay of Beaulieu. The Baroness, a woman ahead of her time, supervised every detail of the construction and design, creating a harmonious blend of art and nature that continues to enchant visitors today.
Chambord, France
Experience the grandeur of the French Renaissance in this exclusive wing of the magnificent Château de Chambord, the largest château in the Loire Valley.