France

Top 10 Quirkiest Chateaux in France

We love a bit of quirkiness – that’s what’s fun about our collection… all our villas and chateaux have been handpicked for their style, character and odd quirk. Our range of luxury chateaux and villas in France includes some of the most stylish and memorable holiday homes you can find, and that’s saying something…! Whether you’re looking for Sun King-style opulence or something a little bit chic and sexy, you’ll find it in our tempting portfolio – but to start you off, we’ve picked the quirkiest chateaux for you to enjoy below!

1. Chateau Des Dragons

Location: Aquitaine

Sleeps: 15

Prices from: £38pppn

While legend says that Queen Victoria had this beautiful chateau built for her dressmaker, this has never been confirmed. However, Cheateu Des Dragons won’t make you feel anything less than a king or queen. The outdoor pool and surrounding 7.5-acre park are perfect for soaking in the fresh air and unwinding, while the interior is great for dinners and gatherings with the whole family in richly colourful settings!

2. The Secret Hamlet

Location: Loire Valley

Sleeps: 24

Prices from: £59pppn

With two swimming pools, paths to River L’Anglin, and 6 additional buildings around the main building, The Secret Hamlet is a real luxury retreat on 35 acres. Covered in creeping vines and located on a woody hill in Loire Valley’s countryside, this chateau is the real deal for relaxing and having a great time with the entire family. 

3. Chateau Des Joyaux

Location: Loire Valley

Sleeps: Up to 50

Prices from: £POA

If you’ve ever fancied sleeping in your very own fairytale castle, a trip to Chateau des Joyaux is just the ticket! The interior features impressive rooms with large ceilings, accessories such as vintage rugs, and charming furniture that will make you feel like royalty. The stunning outdoor grounds are just the cherry on top.

4. Chateau de St Louis Keep

Location: Loire Valley

Sleeps: 16

Prices from: £62pppn

This chateau keep makes an incredible wedding and event venue with its luxury bedrooms and impressive outdoor site. Every bedroom has a fireplace, which immediately creates a cosy and familiar atmosphere. Here, you can truly live like imperials!

5. Chateau du Campe

Location: Dordogne 

Sleeps: 34

Prices from: £67pppn

Chateau du Campe is usually run as a small hotel, but if you can gather together 34 of your nearest and dearest then you can take over the whole thing! This gorgeous, pepper-pot-tower-flanked palace is sure to impress as you drive up to it. Inside you’ll love the grand wood panelling of the various chambers and salons and outside the gang will adore sunning themselves around the lawn-edged pool. The chateau also serves as an impressive wedding venue – imagine tying the knot here! Bliss!

6. Chateau Lignol

Location: Brittany

Sleeps: 10

Prices from: £31pppn

With exposed wooden beams running through the interior and ornate 14th-century stylings outside, this miniature castle in the middle of the countryside is perfect for kicking back and feeling like the lord or lady of the manor! With rural bliss in every direction and plenty to explore, Chateau Lignol is the perfect mix of style and sophistication that still lets you feel like you’re getting away from it all.

7. Manoir Anoir

Location: Loire Valley

Sleeps: 6

Prices from: £52pppn

Enjoy the feeling of living the medieval life at Manoir Anoir! Inside you’ll find plush décor reminiscent of days gone by, and the fact that the home is partly surrounded by a moat only adds to the ambience! In summer you can enjoy the beautiful grounds, but in the cooler months you’ll be hard-pressed not to light the lounge’s impressive main fireplace and just sit around, enjoying the flickering firelight and a glass of some of the fantastic local wine.

8. Chateau Chamborigaud

Location: Languedoc

Sleeps: 18

Prices from: £74pppn

Enchanting Chateau Chamborigaud will captivate you as soon as you arrive. You will feel as though you are living in a Disney film. A wonderful traditional interior with quirky paintings and even an outdoor kitchen for the summer months! The chateau is moments away from great outdoor activities, such as skiing, walking, or water sports on the reservoir.

9. Chateau Saint Jean

Location: Loire Valley

Sleeps: 13

Prices from: £43pppn

This gorgeous home was built in 1820 and is still in the family of the original owner. The architecture is classically beautiful with fairytale-like turrets and elegant interiors that include a magnificent staircase. There is the added touch of a fabulous swimming pool on the grounds to bring you back into the 21st century, though. Up to 13 guests will love spending time at this chateau so much that they might not even find the time to explore the pretty nearby towns… but we recommend that you do!

10. Chateau Du Malbec

Location: Midi-Pyrenees

Sleeps: 37

Prices from: £135pppn

Nestled near Cahors, Château Du Malbec offers an exquisite blend of art, heritage, wine, and gastronomy. This 15th-century castle, once owned by a renowned jeweller, boasts medieval architecture and Renaissance style, earning it the prestigious Monument historique designation. The owner, a Parisian Art Foundation founder, adorned the château with contemporary art, including sculptures by César Baldaccini and a chapel decorated by Gérard Garouste. Notably, the colonnaded, 17th-century Pigeonnier features frescoes by Figuration Libre artists, and serves as one of the fifteen stunning bedrooms.

This is just a summary of our favourite and quirkiest chateaux in France… but we’ve got so much more to offer! Find your perfect holiday rental anywhere around the world with Oliver’s Travels. For any inquiries or questions, please contact our concierge team.

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