Ask experienced brokers about the best castles and châteaux in France and you’ll likely get the same response: the perfect ones withstand the test of time while staying in touch with their heritage.
Uninitiated investors in French estates should remember a distinct difference before buying a castle or château. While both are interchangeable terms, most castles feature a fortified enclosure to protect or conceal the property.
Châteaux in France used to be known as the residences of French nobles such as the lord of a manor.
This kind of property has been a popular choice as the vacation home of the rich. Here are some of the best places to buy a castle or château in France.
The price of this estate, located in the center of Parc Naturel de la Brenne, is a steal for almost EUR 2 million. (Groupe Mercure)
Authentic Medieval Chateau In Brenne
Price: EUR 1.99 million (US $2.26 million)
The price of this estate in the center of Parc Naturel de la Brenne is a steal for almost EUR 2 million. A fully restored yet authentic 515-square-meter chateau comprises two floors with attics.
An elegant wooden staircase catches your attention once you step inside the first floor of the 14th-century-inspired chateau.
A fully restored yet authentic 515-square-meter chateau comprises two floors with attics. (Groupe Mercure)
The large dining room comes with a fireplace and stylish woodwork, which makes for a great conversation starter when entertaining guests.
Key details about the eight-hectare property:
- 18×9-meter heated swimming pool
- 8 bedrooms (including 2 children’s rooms)
- 5 bathrooms
- 3 farmhouses
Formal gardens make up a portion of the large estate. (Groupe Mercure)
The farmhouses complement the other outbuildings in the property with their “five-star” appeal, which implies high-quality infrastructure during the 14th century.
A large barn surrounded by more than 300 square meters of private gardens can accommodate special events such as concerts or weddings.
Read More: Buying A French Chateau Can Cost Less Than A Los Angeles Teardown
This fully renovated 19th-century castle in southern Burgundy is listed for EUR 2.35 million. (Groupe Mercure)
Fully Restored Castle in Burgundy
Price: EUR 2.35 million (US $2.67 million)
If you aren’t keen on living too far away from the metropolis, this fully renovated 19th-century castle in southern Burgundy only takes a 40-minute trip from the business airport.
Autun, which is the nearest city, is just 20 minutes away from the property. A usual trip to Paris also takes only less than two hours.
An elaborately landscaped park on the property features centenary trees, a French garden, an orchard and a pond. (Groupe Mercure)
Key details of the 17.5-hectare property:
- 7 bedrooms
- 7 bathrooms
- 18th-century chapel
- Caretaker’s lodge (approx. 100 square meters)
- Equestrian area with boxes
- Heated greenhouse
- Helipad
An elaborately landscaped park features centenary trees, a French garden, an orchard and a pond. The property ensures utmost privacy and peace with its enclosed landscape, which is an advantage of living in a castle.
The 18th-century chateau set itself apart for having a lake surrounded by meadows and woods. (Groupe Mercure)
A Chateau Just 30 Minutes Away From The Airport
Price: EUR 2.92 million (US $3.31 million)
Here’s another historic property in Belves that promises a shorter trip from the airport. The 18th-century chateau set itself apart for having a lake surrounded by meadows and woods.
According to Groupe Mercure, you’ll find no other similar properties in Dordogne. The uniqueness of the 990-square-meter chateau further became noticeable with its French Historic Monuments classification.
The grand estate features several large formal rooms, six lounges and eight large bedrooms.
Key details of the 188-hectare property:
- 6 lounges
- 8 bedrooms
- 8 bathrooms
- Central courtyard
- Outbuildings
The outbuildings within the property include an ancient priory, a caretaker’s house and a farmhouse. (Groupe Mercure)
You’ll also find a central building with a two-level pavilion on each side, nestled within a wooded park. The outbuildings within the property include an ancient priory, a caretaker’s house and a farmhouse.
If you’re buying another castle or chateau in France, check out Groupe Mercure’s guide about secondary residence taxation rules.
Read More: Buying In France, Portugal And Switzerland: A Guide To A Luxury Home Down Payment
This medieval castle in Savoie allows you to live in luxury while being less than an hour away from Val Thorens.
Medieval Coise-Saint-Jean-Pied-Gauthier Castle In Savoie
Price: EUR 3.99 million (US $4.53 million)
Secondary residences among local or foreign buyers in France often need to be nearby recreational sites. This medieval castle in Savoie allows you to live in luxury while being less than an hour away from Val Thorens.
Val Thorens has joined the top ski resorts in France with its modern developments.
For example, a EUR 40 million (US $45.22 million) lift connection would smoothen the trip between the resort and Orelle in Les Trois Vallées.
The main residence features seven bedroom suites. (Groupe Mercure)
Key details of the 6.36-hectare property:
- 1 master suite
- 7 fully equipped suites
- Bicycle garage and games storage
- Heliport with hangar and storage facility
- Outbuildings
- Professional kitchen
- Sarto annex
The Sarto annex functions as a leisure and relaxation area. (Groupe Mercure)
The bicycle garage and games storage area used to be stables before their reconstruction. The outbuildings include a T3 flat (i.e., a two-bedroom apartment) and three studios that are fully equipped for personnel.
The Sarto annex functions as a leisure and relaxation area. It would indulge future residents with its dedicated fitness, heated outdoor pool, sauna and spa facilities.
Read More: House Hunting: What $3.4 Million Buys In France, Mexico And Spain
Avid golfers would fall in love with the 18-hole course and 19th-century castle in Navarrenx.
Your Own Golf Course And Castle In Navarrenx
Price: EUR 8.947 million (US $10.152 million)
How luxurious would it be to live in an estate with its very own golf course? Avid golfers would fall in love with the 18-hole course and 19th-century castle in Navarrenx.
As if tempting with a come-hither sway, the place teems with diverse species of animals from American minks to roe deer and royal kites.
The nearby seaside town of Biarritz only takes a one-hour trip, which is perfect for a weekend coastal vacation.
The nearby seaside town of Biarritz only takes a one-hour trip, which is perfect for a weekend coastal vacation.
Key details of the 130-hectare property:
- 3 garages
- 3 reception rooms
- 4 bathrooms
- 11 bedrooms
- A loggia and an office
- Farm buildings
Key details of the 18-hole golf course:
- 350-meter practice range with lighted tee line
- Automatic watering system
- Bunkers and water features
- Pitching and putting greens
- Well-maintained drainage
A 14-hole, English-style miniature golf course and a covered driving range are also found within the estate.
You’ll also find a 14-hole, English-style miniature golf course within the estate.
Best of all, the property remains free from farming or lease contracts, which guarantees flexibility for the future owner’s projects.
Read More: What About $8 Million Buys In Real Estate Around The World
Property listings were active as of the publication date.
