Before now only the rich and famous would have such pleasures in life, however thanks to Simply Chateau, holidaying in such splendor is no longer an impossible dream as a holiday in a luxury French chateau is now more affordable than ever.

Originally built by the aristocracy, many French chateaux are set in stunning rural locations giving panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.  If the view from the chateaux doesn’t tempt you… then there’s the interior décor which will quite simply take your breath away!

Detailed plaster work adorns the ceilings and two hundred year old oak paneling covers the walls.  Marble floors, wide sweeping staircases, long velvet curtains, antique furniture and four poster beds could all be yours for a few days or a few weeks.

Renting a French chateau is ideal for large groups of friends and families, having numerous bedrooms and reception rooms along with extensive private grounds.  Numerous French chateaux are on offer sleeping between 30 and 69 guests, making a French chateau rental ideal for corporate gatherings, seminars or annual general meetings.

Staff can be provided to prepare and serve food throughout your stay in many of the French chateaux which are available for rent.  If the idea of being ‘lord of the manor’ appeals to you then all your needs can be catered for and you wont have to lift a finger for your entire holiday.

If the idea of having a French chateaux or even Luxury Villa France all to yourselves is more appealing… then Simply Chateau are happy to help you find a wide range of French holiday chateaux to choose from.  Many of the larger properties have smaller dwellings or gites within the grounds which cater for smaller groups and can be rented separately if desired.

Most of the French chateaux we rent feature a swimming pool and also tennis courts, giving the more active amongst us to opportunity for a morning swim or an evening knock about on the tennis court. Or for those who like the idea of a simple stroll, many French chateaux have extensive woodland walks right on the doorstep.

With chateaux and castles for rent throughout France, including the stunning Loire Valley, the French alps, the outskirts of Paris and Le Mans makes our range of French chateaux for hire ideal for group outings to the famous Le Mans 24 hour race, the French open, winter skiing trips or simply immersing yourselves in the fine wines of the Loire Valley.

Whether you want to stay in the beautiful rolling hills of Brittany, take a luxury break in the sun on the Mediterranean coast or rent a lakeside chateau in the foot hills of the Alps, Simply Chateau have a choice of over 180 castles and chateaux to rent throughout France.

The region is littered with historic sites and monuments, such as the cemetery and memorial which overlooks Omaha Beach near Bayeux, which is also home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Many of the large manor houses and chateaux which can be found throughout the Normandy region have also played important roles in France’s history over the years and it may come as a surprise that some of these historic chateaux are available for rent!

Oliver Bell of Simply Chateau commented:

“When we began compiling our range of manor houses & chateaux in France we were amazed at the roles some of them have played throughout France’s rich history.  Each and every chateau on our website has its own unique selling point, this coupled with a historical significance makes them all the more desirable for holidays, conferences and weddings.”

For example, Domaine du Pont was used as a safe house for the French aristocracy during the French revolution and was later used as a base for the French resistance during World War II. Chateau Monte Epingle became one of the German communications headquarters during the war and Chateau Montmire was used as a German hospital.

Manoir de la Gauguinier provided the main water supply for all American forces throughout Operation Cobra, an offensive which was pivotal in the fall of German occupied Normandy to the Allied forces, and on the 26th June 1944, the surrender of Cherbourg was signed between American and German Generals in the drawing room of Chateau de Sevigne.

The entire Normandy region is steeped in history and as such has been a popular destination in France for many years.  Oliver Bell further commented, “Its one thing renting a luxury French chateau, but it’s another thing renting a chateau in France which played such an important role in the country’s, and in many cases, Europe’s history.”

For more details about renting a historical chateau in France, visit www.simplychateau.com.

Part of the larger Aquitaine region which stretches west to the Atlantic coast and south to the Spanish border has become a vibrant tourist destination due to it being home to over a thousand French chateaux & castles, stunning scenery, ancient history and its cosmopolitan culture.

One of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century was discovered in the Dordogne region, namely the Lascaux Caves which are home to almost two thousand images of a variety of animals and date back around sixteen thousand years! Making our own prehistoric sites such as Stonehenge and Castlerigg stone circles seem positively modern in comparison.

The river itself offers a wide range of activities such as fishing, swimming, canoeing, sailing, rafting and waterskiing.  And for land lovers there’s a host of golf courses, museums, castles, chateaux & stately homes, parks & gardens which are all open to the public during the summer months.

Here at Simply Chateaux we have a wide range of castles and chateau to rent in Dordogne. Here’s just a few of them:

Maison De Hautefage is located in the south of the Dordogne region. This French holiday rental Sleeps 10 guests in 5 bedrooms, features a fully fitted kitchen, a dining room and a large versatile attic space which boasts exposed original beams and stone walls.

This property sits within five acres of managed garden which is crisscrossed by a myriad of pathways just waiting to be discovered.  The garden also features not only a large private swimming pool but also an outdoor bath which has stunning views of the Dordogne region.

Chateau De Merle is a recently renovated French chateau which dates back to the 14th Century and sleeps 12 guests in a variety of bedrooms on the second and third floors as well as in the converted attic.  There is also a library in the tower and an out door heated swimming pool.

Located close to the small town of Monpazier, which was founded by the King Edward I of England in 1284, is one of the best preserved bastides in the Dordogne region and is well worth a visit. The area is also home the Bergerac wine variety and a number of vineyard tours are also available.

Chateau le Treillac is an enchanting chateau located in the Dordogne and sleeps 17 guests in seven bedrooms.   Situated within 4 acres of grounds, this traditional French chateau also has private access to the Dordogne River where one can fish all year round.

Overlooking the little village of Alles sur Dordogne which is circumnavigated by the Dordogne itself as it meanders ever westward, this picturesque corner of France has inspired artists and poets for centuries, yet manages to appear untouched.

Chateau De Falloye is perfect for lovers of wine as it is located within the grounds of a working wine estate. Dating back to the 15th century, this beautiful French chateau is set within a huge private park and guest have exclusive use of the outdoor heated swimming pool, table tennis, bicycles and also a newly restored private chapel.

Nestled in the heart of Bergerac wine country, close to the town of Saussignac, Chateau De Falloye is perfectly situated for exploring the beautiful rolling hills and quaint little villages this famous wine making region has to offer.

Every corner of France is home to many vineyards, which have contributed not only to France’s economy over the years, but to its history and culture too.  Many of France’s vineyards are open to the public and have proved popular with tourists and locals whose aim is to discover the perfect red, white or rose wine to accompany their meals.

The most famous wine regions in France are of course Burgundy, Champagne & Bordeaux, however there’s plenty of choice throughout France and surprise surprise!… there’s also a luxury French chateau or castle to rent within easy reach of some of the finest vineyard tours available.

Provence is famed for its wines and its warm Mediterranean climate enables the cultivation of a wide variety of grapes including the Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault varieties, amongst others. Famed for its dry & fruity rosé wines, the warm Mediterranean sun and its rich cultural heritage, Provence is a perfect holiday destination with a wide range of luxury French chateaux for rent and some of the finest vineyards in the Mediterranean region.

Further west on France’s Atlantic coast is the world famous Bordeaux wine. The vineyards in the Bordeaux region have been cultivated for over two thousand years and being traditionally made by merchants rather than monks, the wines of the Bordeaux region found themselves being shipped across the globe rather than staying in France. Perfectly placed in this historic wine making region is Chateau du Pre, which is surrounded by vineyards, of which a tour is included in your stay.

Heading north lands us in the Loire Valley which is home to the popular Muscadet, Anjou, Chinon and Sancerre varieties of wine. Unlike the wines of Bordeaux, the wines of the Loire Valley were cultivated by monks whose traditional production methods date back to the fourth century. Perfectly located in the Loire Valley is Chateau Blanc where wine tours and tasting can readily be arranged in the nearby vineyards of the world famous Sancerre and Pouilly wine making areas.

Moving east from the Loire Valley is the famous Burgundy region which is lovingly known as ‘the heart of France’ and is home to two of France’s most popular wines; Beaujolais and Chablis.  Nested in the rolling hills south west of Dijon is Chateau de Fremont which is close to the exceptional vineyards of Cote d’Or, perfectly placed for taking advantage of the many wine tasting tours in the area.

The chateaux for hire in this region come in a wide variety of styles. From the classic renaissance style chateaux, medieval castles, alpine mountain lodges and Romanesque villas. The warm Mediterranean climate and its multi cultural history gives this part of France a very different feel to the northern provinces.

The region of Provence gives easy access to the famous wine making regions of the Rhone Valley, the French Alps and the French Riviera. In fact, in early summer it’s possible to go skiing in the morning and spend the afternoon swimming in the Med!

Provence offers so much variety you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do and see.  To help you get started we’ve hand picked several villas & chateaux for hire in Provence.

Villa Romane sleeps 12 guests in its 6 double bedrooms. The classic Roman influence of this villa is drawn from the abundance of ancient roman architecture which can be found throughout the region.

This villa is situated in the town of Beaucaire, which lies on the banks of the Rhone and is equidistant between the historic towns of Avignon, Nimes & Aries. Villa Roamne also give easy acces to the wine making regions of the Rhone and Languedoc-Roussillion in the South of France.

Chateau de Baloigne is a fabulous self catering chateau for hire with all the character and style of a medieval castle.  The chateau and the surrounding ruins are protected by the state as a historic monument; however, inside the chateau you’ll find the usual modern conveniences such as a fully fitted kitchen, hot and cold running water, modern bathrooms and showers.

Located in the Rhone-Alps region of France, this unique chateau sits quietly in the foot hills of the Alps and gives easy access to many mountain walks and woodland strolls.  This chateau sleeps 15 guests and is particularly suited to lovers of the great outdoors.

Chateau Genoise has been hailed as ‘one of the most beautiful private estates in the South of France’. This magnificent chateau dates from the 17th century and boasts extensive formal gardens with fountains, a tennis court, a chapel dating from 1640 and an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by 11th century roman ruins!

Sleeping 22 guests, Chateau Genois’ charm has not been hindered by the up to date amenities such as the fully fitted kitchen, the video room and even the downstairs discotheque!  This chateau also features a library, a music room, a tennis court, internet access and en suite bathrooms.

Chateau du Taureau is set in the heart of the Rhone Valley and can only be described as ‘enchanting’. Sleeping 32 guests in total, Chateau du Taureau and the adjacent farm have recently been restored to their 18th century glory, with the addition of 21st century plumbing, heating, wiring and internet access in every room.

The grounds of this French chateau leave little to the imagination. The drive leading up to the chateau is lined with mature trees and a moat; complete with an ornate fountain separates the esplanade. It could be argued that the approach to this enchanting French chateau is more appealing than the chateau itself.

Brittany was home to the Celts who fled Britain during the Anglo-Saxon conquest in the seventh century and the Breton language, which is still common in the region, is akin to both Cornish and Welsh. Also common to both Brittany and western Britain are the Neolithic features which litter the landscape, the most famous of these being Carnac, which is home to over 3,000 standing stones.

Home to many traditional French manor houses and chateaux, along with the beautiful rolling hills of the largely rural landscape, Brittany is perfect for a short jaunt across the channel as it is served by a number of ports on Britain’s southern coastline.  To tempt you across the channel we’ve hand picked several French Chateaux to rent in Brittany:

Manoir de Chalandes is a fourteenth century manor house situated within extensive gardens which have been compared to the famous ‘Monet’s Garden’ near Paris. This luxury French chateau sleeps 19 adults in nine double rooms and one single room.  For added finesse, this chateau also features it’s very own heated spa!

Sitting on the edge of Morbihan in southern Brittany, this French chateau is perfect for day trips to the Gulf of Morbihan and the standing stones of Carnac as well as Brittany’s principal city of Rennes.

Manoir de la Haute dates from 1880 and sleeps 12 guests. Located close to Saint-Malo and offering lovely views across the bay, this French manor house is perfect for exploring Brittasny’s northern coastline.  A path leads directly from the garden to a small private beach and a myriad of coastal pathways just waiting to be explored are right on the doorstep.

This French holiday rental is perfectly located with spectacular sea views and a private beach. Plus there’s plenty to do nearby including sailing and yachting, the shops, bars and restaurants in Dinard and nearby Saint-Malo and beatuful fishing villages litter the coastline on both directions.

Manoir De Kervegat is a fantastic fifteenth century manor house set within seven acres of lovely managed gardens. Visually this French chateau has changed very llittle of the last five hundred years, however inside you’ll be pleased to find a fully equipped kitchen, TV & DVD in the large dining room and even a badminton court and table tennis.

The beautiful sandy beaches of Plestin les Greves are a short drive away or a good walk if you’d prefer a woodland stroll through the beautiful countryside which surrounds this French chateau. For a grand day out we recommend a drive around the stunning coastal roads of Finistère (which means ‘end of the world’) to the busy port town of Brest which has plenty of traditional Breton cuisine on offer.

Why travel to France when a corporate event can be hosted here in the UK?

Firstly, many event venues in the UK are costly in comparison to their French alternatives. Also, many people travel from all corners of the UK to attend such meetings and as we all know, it is often far more cost effective to travel to mainland Europe than it is to travel within our own borders.

The overall atmosphere of the venue also has an effect on the success of a meeting, event or seminar.  All too often a highly successful and informative seminar can be blighted by substandard accommodation or poor catering, which unfortunately can affect the effectiveness of the entire meeting.

Simply Chateau offers a wide range of conference venues suitable for large groups throughout France. We’ve highlighted 4 potential venues which we’re sure you’ll find more attractive on cost, facilities, ambiance, and location than any similar sized venue in the UK.

Chateau De Crassane is located near the west coast of France and sleeps 30 guests – This venue comprises of a 14th century French chateau, a keep, a cottage, a pavilion and ‘the pilgrims room’, being the main dining and conference area.  This venue is especially suitable for small to medium sized corporate events.

Chateau Du Campe in the Dordogne region of south west France is a 15th century Chateau set in some 20 acres of grounds. This ‘fairytale’ style French chateau sleeps 37 guests and features a stunning half panelled dining/conference room.  The finest French cuisine is lovingly prepared in the on site restaurant making this event venue ideal for corporate events and seminars you’ll never forget.

Chateau la Monte Epinge sleeps 44 guests in total.  Located close to Cherbourg in Normandy, this French conference venue is ideally located for ferry travel from both Portsmouth and Bournemouth. The accommodation is spread across 3 buildings in the Monte Epingle estate, being the mews, the carriage house and the main chateau, which also accommodates the main conference room.  This French conference venue is ideal for larger groups.

The 13th Century Fortified Village is not so much a large French chateau for hire… but more of a small French village!  This 13th century hill top estate comprises of 12 charming houses, sleeping 69 guests in total, a small chapel, a private swimming pool and an enormous restored stable with an 180sqm reception room, making this enchanting French conference venue ideal for large functions.

In days gone by the French aristocracy simply weren’t content with having a huge town house on the outskirts of Paris and an equally impressive chateau on the banks of the Dordogne, the Loire or the Rhone… they also had their fair share of smaller hunting lodges dotted all over the French countryside.

Many French chateaux, town houses and hunting lodges have been fully restored to their former glory, seamlessly fusing traditional French style with modern conveniences such as fully fitted kitchens, central heating, satellite television, internet access and in many cases, an outdoor heated swimming pool.

Being the former holiday homes of France’s aristocracy, these French  properties castles, chateaux & hunting lodges are by default set amidst some of France’s finest scenery. You’ll find woodland walks on the doorstep, endless panoramic views from the veranda and more often than not, a good hectare or two of private grounds.

We’ve narrowed down our vast selection of castles and chateaux rentals which are particularly suited to small family groups or couples looking for an affordable French holiday chateau:

Manoir Les Ecures Chapel – Set within the grounds of an 18th century French manor house in Normandy, this chateau sleeps 2 guests in one double bedroom and is therefore an ideal choice for a couple.  Located some 30km south-east of Dieppe and around 20 km east of Rouen makes this area an ideal base for sightseeing in Normandy.

There’s a secluded garden as well as the extensive grounds of the main estate which features a covered, heated swimming pool, which is open from April to October, and the grounds also offer table tennis, volleyball and croquet.

Maison Du Parc is a beautiful French cottage situated in the grounds of Chateaux d’Ax.  Formerly a Chapel, this French holiday cottage sleeps 4 guests and features a gated swimming pool, a dining terrace & BBQ area and extensive grounds.

Perfect for a small family, this French holiday cottage, located on the Dordogne border in south-western France is perfect for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.  Woodland walks, riverside strolls and hill side hikes are all with in easy reach of Maison du Parc along with the host of attractions this are of France has to offer.

The Cottage at Manor of Sociondo is nestled in the foot hills of the Pyrenees yet is within easy reach of the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Only a ten minute drive from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, which offers some of the best surfing beaches in Europe.

This beautiful French holiday cottage, which sleeps 4 guests in two bedrooms, is perfect for a small family group and is perfectly located for beach and mountain lovers alike.  And being only a stones throw from the Spanish border means the attractions of Catalonian Spain are also within easy reach.

The many cultural monuments and chateaux reflect the ideals of the French Renaissance, exhibiting exceptional architectural skill and attention to detail.  No longer considered as fortresses, the Chateaux of the Loire Valley were pleasure palaces for the French aristocracy, who constructed over 300 luxury chateaux on the Loire region during the 16th century.

The architectural styling of these French chateaux was borrowed from the Italian Renaissance of the previous century, coupled with the medieval artisan skills which were nurtured half a millennium prior to the construction of these magnificent monuments.  Unfortunately the French Revolution saw a number of the chateaux of the Loire Valley ransacked and destroyed, however, many still remain, making the Loire Valley one of France’s most popular tourist destinations.

Many of the chateaux of the Loire Valley are open to the public during the summer months, however, thanks to Simply Chateau, a number are available for rent all year round, meaning you can spend your entire holiday basking in the splendor of one of our luxury French chateaux.

We currently have around 25 luxury French chateaux for rent in the Loire Valley. We’ve highlighted 4 such chateaux below to wet your appetite.

Chateau De Challagne encompasses all the romance and style of the French renaissance perfectly. This chateau is a ‘fairytale castle’ in the fullest sense of the term.  Its 12 turrets sit atop 150ft pure white limestone walls, which feature some splendid gothic and French renaissance architectural features.

Chateau de Challagne sleeps 30 guests in 14 bedrooms and set within a beautifully laid park on the banks of a large, romantic lake. This French Chateau is perfect for that dream wedding or romantic honeymoon.

Chateau de Cheimeray dates back to the 15th century and is nestled on the banks of the River Creuse in the Loire Valley.  This French Chateau sleeps 28 guests and features a large heated swimming pool with a smaller ‘toddler pool’ at the shallow end.

Set within 10 hectares of grounds, on the edge of Ciron, a small village at the heart of the regional park ‘La Brenne’ makes Chateau de Cheimeray the prefect destination for lovers of flora & fauna and is centrally located for day trips to the many French Chateaux throughout the region which are open to tourists.

Chateau de Lornay is set on the banks of a small lake in 36 arces of secluded grounds. This chateau sleeps 18 guests and features a large swimming pool and an extensive library with books in both French and English in the ground floor and a second secluded library on the first floor, a perfect retreat for the bibliophiles among us.

This French Chateau is within 10 miles of the city of Le Mans and its famous 24 hour race, making this chateau ideal for motor sports enthusiasts wanting to experience the thrill of the race yet being able the relax away from the hustle and bustle of the big city for the rest of their holiday.

Chateau du Clos is a stunning French chateau dating back a thousand years and features a host of period features from the last millennium within its walls. Situated within magnificent parkland, Chateau du Clos overlooks not only the Loire Valley but the famous River Loire itself!

Chateau du Clos sleeps 8 and sits on the edge of a small village called Saint Ay which features a variety of shops and restaurants. 15km away is the historic city of Orléans with its many museums, art galleries and the Catherdral, which is similar in design to Notre Dame in Paris.

These are just a few of the French chateau rentals in the Loire Valley which can be found on the Simply Chateau website.  To view the complete range please click here.

Theoretically for a property to be called a gite the owner must live close by so they can be on hand to assist and welcome their guests. Generally gites are old farm workers’ cottages or properties converted from outbuildings or barns on land within the owner’s grounds or gardens. They used to be regarded as basic accommodation as originally they only had fundamental facilities and were a cheap way to holiday in France. Nowadays gites can be luxurious and you may get top class accommodation and even swimming pools, it is more likely they are now holiday cottages but can still offer good value family accommodation.

The basis of a gite is that it was the barn or outbuilding at the bottom of a French family’s garden so they can tend to be quite small. These days there are more and more extended families going to France on holiday. So you will see more families going with parents, brothers and sisters in tow. This could mean up to 20 people going abroad together so perhaps a gite isn’t quite the right thing and if you want to stay together in the same property you may need something bigger unless you want to reside in separate properties. But having everyone in one place is the favoured way for most families to holiday, then you have the advantage of having babysitters to hand, you can organise all your trips over dinner but most of all you get to spend quality time with your loved ones.

Budget is always an issue but sharing your holiday with your own family or indeed another family is a great way to cut costs. You can afford some really sumptuous places if the cost is shared and may even be able to holiday in a French chateau or even a castle.

It can be surprising to see that a seemingly luxurious holiday chateau in France can work out far cheaper per head than a modest holiday cottage or gite. For this reason, and for the sheer opulence, French chateau hire is increasingly popular but be warned they do book up early so plan well in advance to get the best French chateaux available.

Chateau holidays are ones which invoke powerful memories for families and can linger in the memory for far longer than most holidays, probably because of the surroundings and because you are sharing the times with your loved ones. Some of the advantages of a chateau holiday are:

• The interiors can be old and authentic and you can experience taking a step back in time whilst still maintaining a modern feel with all the facilities you would expect.
• The exteriors are normally lavish with grounds and magnificent gardens which provide a truly striking backdrop for holiday photographs and a great place for the kids to play and explore.
• Many Chateau also have their own private swimming pool so you can relax with your family and enjoy the pool or just unwind by the side for a truly relaxing time.
• Because most chateaux were owned by the richest families in a region they have the best settings and locations and you benefit from having excellent views and good access to which ever French region you choose.

So get you family together and start planning you next French holiday but this time in an impressive French chateau. Let your fairytale dream come true and combine comfort and homeliness with opulence and luxury. This is your chance to enjoy a holiday in a real French Chateau.