Photos courtesy of Hattonchâtel Château
The first fortress to appear on this site was built by Hatto, the bishop of Verdun, in 860. Always under threat of invading armies, the town was burnt by the Swedes in 1636, and the original 11th-century castle was destroyed during WWI. Today’s structure was reconstructed in the 1920s, utilizing parts of the original castle. An American, Belle Skinner, provided the financing. She became the first American woman ever to be awarded France’s Cross of the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor for her sponsorship in rebuilding the village of Hattonchâtel after WWI.
Pamela’s Perspective
Europe is filled with stunning castles that are only open for private weddings and events. Hattonchâtel Château is one of the few that also offers rooms to independent guests. Although the service is personalized and gracious, don’t expect a full-service hotel here.
Hattonchâtel Château
An 11th-century castle
Contact
Rue du Château
55210 Hattonchâtel
Tel: ++33 (0)3 29 89 31 79
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
10 rooms
Double rooms: from 140 euros
Suites: from 195–440 euros
Children’s room: 95 euros
Rates include tax and service;
breakfast extra
Open: all year
Getting there
Hattonchâtel is 33 km west of Metz and off of D908.
What to do
Nearby: golf; hot air ballooning; horseback riding; fishing
Weddings
Yes. Exclusive rental possible. Chapel next to château. Inquire hotel for details.
Tucked away in the hills overlooking the Woüvre Valley, Hattonchâtel Château is a special hideaway—perfect for a romantic weekend or a special event.
Gables, towers, and chimneys cast a medieval ambiance both inside and out, while tapestries and stone fireplaces make guest rooms snug and inviting. All have views of the garden or terrace. Six of the eleven guest rooms have large, en suite, Victorian-style bathrooms feature free-standing bathtubs. Four double rooms and a children’s room in the Tower share two bathrooms, as well as a fully equipped kitchen.
Historically noteworthy, the “La Salle de Burgraves” dining hall, with its original stone pillars and church-style windows, attract visitors in its own right. Unfortunately, it is only open for special functions, but you can certainly have a look.
The château doesn’t have a regular restaurant, but you can order a highly recommended, candlelight, gourmet dinner in advance, and enjoy it in front of the castle’s open fireplace.
Breakfast is served at the château. For other meals, you can either stroll into the village and find a restaurant there or take advantage of the château’s self-catering kitchen.
Something special
Listed as a monument historique