Many people dream of staying in a French chateau. Now, that dream could become a reality.
Surprisingly, you won't need a king's ransom to holiday in a royal palace. In fact, you can enjoy the evening in a historic home for less than the cost of a chain hotel.
Many chateaux, manor houses, and country mansions also offer bed and breakfast accommodation where you can enjoy the personal hospitality of the owners, some of whom are French nobility.
Importantly, many of these are private residences, enabling guests to share the intimacy of life in these stately homes, some of which have been in the same families for centuries.
Prices vary per property, but they start at about 50 euros per room per night and go up to 250 euros for luxury suites, with many rooms offered for around 80 to 100 euros.
There is a wide selection of homes to stay in, including 17th century fairytale chateaux with princess turrets, stately ancestral seats of power, a converted 12th century priory, and elegant manoirs.
Therefore, for the same price as some chain hotels, visitors can stay in an incredible palace and have an experience of a lifetime.
You can also benefit from the local expert knowledge of the owners.
If you are interested in visiting local vineyards, historic buildings or the best place for a round of golf, you'll find the chateau proprietors are only too happy to help.
You'll also find a great selection of facilities to choose from at many chateaux. This can include a heated swimming pool, beautiful gardens, hot-air ballooning and cooking classes.
The north-west of France has a magnificent selection of stately homes to holiday in and, being so close to the English Channel ports, are convenient for visitors from Britain and Ireland.
FrenchEntrée has compiled a list of chateaux offering bed and breakfast and where English is spoken. All of the properties are privately owned and offer accommodation of the highest standard. You can also a enjoy a conversation with the owner as all guests will have the opportunity of meeting the proprietor during their stay.
Surely, there is no better way to learn about these fascinating buildings than by a tour given by a member of the family that has, in some cases, owned the chateau for 20 generations. Although breakfast is served at all the historic houses we have featured, many also provide dinners, often by candlelight in an impressive dining room. You're not completely out of touch with the modern world, however, as many chateaux also offer internet access with some even boasting wi-fi in each room.
David Morrison is a journalist with FrenchEntree Loire (http://www.frenchentree.com/france-pays-de-la-loire), the leading English-language website for anyone interested in this stunning part of France. Visit the site for details on property, tourism and more.
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