Castle Hotels of France
No visit to France is complete without spending a night in a wonderful castle hotel. Depending on the region you're in, the castle will reflect its architecture, traditions, and cuisine.
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The original purposes of castles in France varied widely. S0me were architectural expressions of the noble families who built them. Some were fortresses built in defense against the British, Saracens, or Germans. One was built to protect pilgrims, another was a honeymoon retreat, and another was a pleasure palace for a famous perfumer.
For 100s of years the French monarchy moved at whim from castle to castle, (or château to château, as you will)--hunting, attending tournaments, and dancing at lavish balls. They left a tradition of unsurpassed beauty and elegance. Of course, it is impossible to re-create their world for the modern traveler, but you can catch a glimpse of it by driving in your contemporary carriage, moving as the monarchy did through pastoral countryside from castle hotel to castle hotel. You'll be greeted with warmth and kindness and experience some of the world's finest cuisine and wine.
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Every region of France is fantastique!
Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrénées--The stunning beauty of the Dordogne and the Pyrenees mountains, the mighty fortresses with their turbulent past, and the sublime wines of Bordeaux are all perfect reasons to spend time in two of France's most seductive regions.
Centre and Pays de la Loire--The Loire River flows through a lush valley filled with history and the magnificence of the world's most glorious châteaux.
Languedoc-Roussillon--Roman ruins, craggy castles, and endless vineyards mark a region full of ancient cultures and a youthful spirit.
Limousin and Auvergne--Huge volcanoes, ruins of castles, Romanesque churces, and rich pastures highlight the great Massif Central, which crosses these two fascinating regions.
Normandy--Step in the footsteps of William the Conqueror, stand on the sand of Omaha Beach and imagine the largest amphibious invasion in history, and experience high tide magically encircle the iconic Mont St-Michel.
Poitou-Charentes--Part of ancient Aquitaine, the warfare of the Hundred Years War left a legacy of castle ruins, now lying in peaceful and unspoiled countryside.
Provence-Alpes and Côte d'Azur--Sun-drenched and smiling, brilliant fields of flowers and orchards frame small villages and Roman ruins. Strung like brilliant jewels along the Mediterranean, the charming towns of the Côte d'Azur have attracted seekers of a charmed life for generations.
Rhône-Alpes--Pretty wine villages offering robust Beaujolais wines and the culinary capital of Lyon are just the beginning. Towering to the east, the magnificent Alps entice with their world-class resorts.
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