If you’re looking for a spectacular holiday for you and your family, these beautiful French chateaux would be hard to compete with. With fairy-tale features like turrets and towers, huge dining rooms and stately four-poster beds these holiday homes are likely to spark your kids’ imaginations and intrigue touchy teens. The grounds have just as much to offer, enjoy private pools, huge grounds and tennis courts as well as extra luxury services like catering, a maid, spa and babysitting services.
1/10 Chateau Alarie, Loire Valley
Chateau Alarie is an elegant and ancient chateau, with all modern conveniences. Its old-world charm is firmly in tact with original fireplaces, library and vaulted ceilings. Kids will love the outdoor pool and table tennis table, and parents can relax knowing that they are running wild in safely gated grounds. It’s in the heart of the Loire Valley, surrounded by vineyards, historic chateaux and quaint villages for wonderful days out with the family.
Sleeps: 12
Price per week: From $1,600
2/10 Chateau Chamborigaud, Languedoc
Chateau Chamborigaud is perfect for a large family getaway. The Disney-esque beauty will take your breath away, as will the amazing views it offers over the grounds, private pool and Cevennes mountains. A great base for adventurous and outdoorsy families, there aremany activities to enjoy in the surrounding area – skiing in winter, hiking, climbing and water sports in the summertime. There are even tennis courts on the grounds for days you don’t want to venture far, and the village is just a five-minute walk away.
Sleeps: 18
Price per week: From $10,600
3/10 Manoir de Trebuchet, Vendee-Charente
Enjoy total privacy and peace on a family holiday to Manoir de Trebuchet. Thirty-two private acres full of flowers and wildlife are yours to explore, as well as the sunbathing area and lovely secluded pool. Prehistoric caves are common in the area, and there are plenty of medieval towns and villages to visit, so there’s plenty of family-friendly things to do during the day.
Sleeps: 8
Price per week: From $2,300
4/10 Chateau de Lauzel, Dordogne
The Dordogne is fantastic for families, with history-laden villages, chateaux and prehistoric caves to explore around every corner. Chateau de Lauzel is an ancient castle, set on the banks of the Beune River. Opposite the chateau is an intriguing troglodyte pigeonnier set into the cliff face, which is fascinating fun for kids. The multi-level layout of this unique chateau will surprise and delight, as well as offer loads of options for views, swimming, sunbathing and dining al fresco.
Sleeps: 10
Price per week: From $3,500
5/10 Chateau de la Cheine, Dordogne
Five minutes from the bustling town of Bergerac, this beautiful and elegant chateau provides a taste of cosmopolitan French life. A private outdoor pool and gated grounds provide safe and fun places to play, as does the dedicated indoors games room! There are riding stables within walking distance if you and your family would like a guided riding excursion to explore the wonderful woodland and countryside on the doorstep.
Sleeps: 20
Price per week: From $2,800
6/10 Chateau de Jonquier, Normandy
Well-placed to get kids interested in World War 2, this heavenly chateau is close to the D-Day beaches, and has Paris on the other side. For artsy families, the famous gardens of Monet at Giverny are only 40 minutes away. In the house is some truly spectacular décor, that has graced the pages of Elle Décor and Maison Normandes. Families are well catered for too, with games, bikes, a pool and video games all on hand.
Sleeps: 16
Price per week: From $7,500
7/10 Water Lily House, Provence-Alpes
This luxurious and opulent classic French manor house is sure to impress everyone in the family – it even has its own treehouse! It’s ideal for a holiday with one or more families, as the kids will love sharing the quirky attic dormitory in the eaves, and the adults will love luxuriating in the double bedrooms, many with ensuites. Every amenity you could need for a family holiday has been thought of and provided, from baby monitors and booster seats to swings and a slide. If you can tear yourself away from this beautiful house and its themed gardens, the charm and character of Provence is on your doorstep, with plenty to see and do within easy reach.
Sleeps: 14
Price per week: From $17,000
8/10 Villa Occitane, Languedoc
The view of the stunning blue ocean and Corniche beach is absolutely jaw-dropping. This modern villa has a cool vibe, with its expansive glass windows and infinity pool. All modern gadgets and conveniences are provided, like a cinema room, as well as a gym and sauna. The nanny ensuite bedroom in the basement is perfect for offering a little privacy, or as a lair for the teenagers! There are a huge range of watersports available from the villa, or you can simply spend your days strolling along the beach and soaking up the sun.
Sleeps: 10
Price per week: From $9,200
9/10 Le Mas de Saint Paul
Perfect for a family holiday at any time of year, Le Mas de Saint Paul is equally lovely in summer and winter. The snowy winter months can be spent visiting the famous Christmas market nearby, and snuggling up in front of the fireplace for quality family time. There are plenty of summer activities, with a beautiful swimming pool and tennis courts, and endless options for exploring the region around.
Sleeps: 16
Price per week: From $4,700
10/10 Treybo Farmhouse, Midi-Pyrenees
This cozy farmhouse is perfect for a family holiday. Explore the nearby lake and the Pyrenee mountains, or simply enjoy the views of them from the house. A lovely hideaway for bookworms, there’s plenty of room to stretch out with a book in the library or enjoy the games, toys, movies and PlayStation. In the enclosed garden, the kids will love the playhouse and zoom around on the bikes or in the pool.
Sleeps: 8
Price per week: From $2,600