The Loire Valley is steeped in history and home to beautiful countryside, filled with remarkable villas and chateaux at every turn. Travellers of all ages can enjoy the region’s many charms, with abundant sporting activities, cultural sites, and sleepy towns to explore.
We’ve picked our top 10 chateaux in the Loire Valley so you get a glimpse of what this spellbinding region in France has to offer. It wasn’t an easy list to narrow down, but read on for our selection of French beauties and discover why they’re our top contenders…
What is a Chateau?
Firstly, what is a chateau? A chateau is a large country house or estate. Found across the French countryside, particularly in regions like the Loire Valley, these stately homes were once the lavish residences of nobility and royalty. Often surrounded by sprawling gardens, vineyards, or woodland, chateaux come in all shapes and sizes – from turreted fairy-tale manors to Renaissance masterpieces.
Unlike smaller homes or farmhouses, chateaux tend to have more rooms and architectural features that reflect the period in which they were built. Inside, you’ll often find grand staircases, ornate fireplaces, and rooms brimming with antique charm. Some are centuries old and have been updated over time, while others have been preserved to show their original style. Today, many chateaux are used as private residences, hotels, or holiday rentals.
Chateau vs Castle
Though the word chateau translates directly to ‘castle’ in French, the two aren’t quite the same. In English, a ‘castle’ usually means a fortified building, designed to protect against attacks with features like drawbridges, moats, and thick stone walls built for defence. A chateau, on the other hand, is usually more about style, status, and architectural flair than defense.
In short: every chateau can be called a castle, but not every castle qualifies as a chateau. So, if you’re dreaming of a romantic escape filled with charm and history (and perhaps a glass of local wine on the terrace), a stay in a chateau in the Loire Valley might just be your perfect fairytale come true.
Our Top Chateaux in the Loire Valley:
1. Chateau de la Chance
On the banks of the river Layon, the magical Chateau de la Chance is a fabulous place to call home during your Loire Valley holiday. The interior is classically French, with grand fireplaces, four-poster beds, and a stone staircase, but outside in the grounds is likely where you’ll spend most of your time. The fabulous pool is ideal for lazy sunny days, and the gardens are lush and expansive. This could be the destination wedding venue of your dreams! Good job there’s space on site for up to 40 guests; the main château can sleep 10-15, and 25 extra guests can be accommodated in the surrounding apartments and studios owned by the estate.
Sleeps: 10-40
Prices from: £82pppn
2. Chateau Granite
Nestled in the idyllic Anjou and Loire valleys, Château Granite is a 16th-century gem that effortlessly blends Renaissance elegance with modern comforts. With its grand salons, antique-filled rooms, and picturesque moat, this historical monument invites up to ten guests to experience a slice of French history, complete with a pool, summer kitchen, and stunning countryside views. Ideally situated for exploring nearby castles, museums, and vineyards, this château makes every moment feel like a scene from a fairy tale—just don’t forget your glass of wine on the terrace.
Sleeps: 10
Prices from: £299pppn
3. Chateau Seiguier
Situated between Chambord and Sancerre, this chateau in the Loire Valley is in the perfect location for visiting the royal castles or the world-famous vineyards of the region. A picturesque village on one side of the chateau is home to a local butcher who provides excellent catering and delivery service for the holiday home. Here at Chateau Seiguier, you won’t have to lift a finger during your stay, especially with complimentary daily maid service!
Sleeps: 12
Prices From: £34pppn
4. Chateau des Marquis
Step back in time to the glamorous era of France and its fabulous décor and architecture. The impressive entrance hall and grand staircase will make an everlasting impression on those who visit. Able to sleep 45 guests, Chateau des Marquis is perfect for those who wish to fulfil their fairy-tale dream weddings – the French gardens surrounding the chateau and the 22-acre wood offer the perfect backdrops for photos!
Sleeps: 16-45
Prices From: £104pppn
5. Chateau Les Bains
Stay at Château Les Bains, a romantic Belle Époque château on a vast riverside estate near a spa town famed for its healing waters. With elegant interiors, a heated pool, Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards and space for 20 guests, it’s an idyllic Loire Valley retreat. Enjoy countryside walks, local markets and day trips to iconic châteaux like Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau.
Sleeps: 20
Prices from: £57pppn
6. Chateau Roussignol
Hailing from the 15th Century and overlooking the Creuse River, Chateau Roussignol could be straight out of the pages of a fairy tale, with its ivy-clad turret and twisting staircase. Ideal for up to 28 guests, visitors can enjoy a heated pool, games for children, a river flowing through the garden, and a nearby tennis court. Located in the historic Pays de la Loire region, the chateau is close to renowned castles like Azay-le-Rideau, Loches, and Chenonceaux.
Sleeps: 28
Prices From: £27pppn
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7. Chateau Des Poetes Keep
Stunningly unique both inside and out, the historic wing of the 900-year-old Chateau des Poetes Keep features ornate wallpaper, antique furnishings, and five lavish bedrooms with valley views. Enjoy special dinners in the medieval dining room, with its Gothic fireplace, or relax in the sumptuous library with its grand piano and billiard table. The surrounding 15 hectares of parkland, private pond, shared pool, and French garden complete the experience.
Sleeps: 10
Prices from: £50pppn
8. The Secret Hamlet
One of our most stunning chateaux in the Loire Valley, The Secret Hamlet truly has it all! Featured in The Guardian’s Top 10 Best Foodie Retreats in Rural France, the nearby towns of Ingrandes (2km), Le Blanc, and Saint-Savin (8km away) all feature countless delicious restaurants. The more adventurous types can canoe, kayak or fish on the property, while horse-riding and golf are also available nearby. This truly magical and stunning property is ideal for large families on friendly voyages – one more thing: it also does weddings!
Sleeps: 24
Prices from: £56pppn
9. Manoir Anoir
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped through a time warp when you enter Manoir Anoir. Buried in 52 acres of countryside, this wonderfully French and wonderfully quirky chateau allows you to escape everyday life and watch the clouds go by. The interior has stuck to its 15th-century origins and is extravagantly decorated with antiques, custom sofas and chairs, and a gigantic working 15th-century fireplace. Bikes are provided, and tennis courts are only 2km away to entertain everyone’s needs, so you can sit back and soak in the calm and carefree atmosphere of Manior Anoir.
Sleeps: 6
Prices from: £52pppn
10. Chateau De Flora
This incredibly lavish final addition to our list of chateaux in the Loire Valley is steeped in beauty and history. And the owners will fill you in on everything, as this property has been in their family for years. Included amongst the 70 acres of grounds are badminton, a new heated swimming pool, a tennis court and even horse and pony rides at your disposal. However, if you’d prefer to unwind, there are plenty of tranquil spots to relax; read your book by the pond, where you can also fish, or stroll through the grand chateau, enjoying the elegant and antique furnishings.
Sleeps: 13
Prices From: £49pppn
Dreaming of a fairy-tale escape in the heart of France? The Loire Valley, with its rolling vineyards, charming villages and awe-inspiring architecture, is home to some of the most stunning châteaux in the country. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a grand family gathering, or even a storybook wedding venue, hopefully our handpicked selection of the best châteaux in the Loire Valley has given you some inspiration.
From turreted towers and Renaissance interiors to private pools and riverside estates, each offers its own unique blend of luxury, history and rustic French charm. Learn the difference between a château and a castle, discover what makes these stately homes so special, and explore our expert recommendations for where to stay in this enchanting region. With options for all group sizes and budgets, your perfect Loire Valley getaway starts here.
Looking for more? We have even more chateaux in the Loire Valley for you to choose from. We also have a trusty Loire Valley travel guide so you can learn more about the region and what it offers. Check out the whole portfolio on Oliver’s Travels, then when you’ve picked your fairytale getaway, contact our friendly concierge team who can help to book all sorts of fabulous extras for the ultimate getaway experience!
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