Ten of the Most Enchanting French Châteaux to Visit with European Waterways
The grandiose country château – the French equivalent of the British ‘stately home’ – is a common sight in rural France. As you make your way slowly through the French countryside on a hotel barge cruise, you are certain to spot some of these enchanting French châteaux. Some have stony fortifications, others preside over acres of vineyards. All with its own unique heritage and history.
They are all beautiful, but if you are cruising with European Waterways through Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace & Lorraine, Gascony or the Loire Valley, you will also get to visit some of these magnificent French châteaux.
Did you know, the word châteaux is the plural of château in French? It comes from medieval times when a combination of a ‘u’ and then a ‘s’ was written with a sign that looked like a ‘x’. Et voilà!
Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
Only eight kilometres from Château Commarin is the Château at Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. Originally owned as a weekend retreat by the Vienne family at Commarin, it has been declared a historic monument and is owned by the regional government who have restored it for visitors, as well as for students learning the history of architecture.
This fairytale castle sits up on a rock promontory, overlooking the valley and Burgundy Canal below. With its towering turrets, it is a truly magical sight. A sight you can enjoy during a visit whilst aboard L’Impressioniste both first-hand as you wander the castle’s rooms, buildings and courtyard, and sat on the deck of your moored barge below, enjoying a glass of Burgundy wine.
Château de Commarin
In the same family for nearly 900 years, Château Commarin is still lived in by the Count de Vogüé. This family can trace its history right back to the middle ages, through and surviving the French revolution and World War Two, into its present day.
You can visit this chateau whilst on board either La Belle Epoque or L’Impressionniste where you will have the opportunity to meet current owner, Count Bertrand de Vogüé. He will regale you with his history and tales from different generations of his family. A real insight into what it is like to live and look after a château today.
Château d'Ancy-le-Franc
A visit to Château d’Ancy-le-Franc is an unforgettable journey into the splendor of Renaissance France, offering guests aboard the hotel barge La Belle Epoque a captivating glimpse into Burgundy’s rich cultural heritage. Situated in the quaint village of Ancy-le-Franc, this majestic château is a masterpiece of 16th-century Italian Renaissance architecture.
Designed by the renowned architect Sebastiano Serlio, the château boasts an impeccably symmetrical layout and exquisite interiors that reflect the opulence of its era. Inside, visitors are treated to one of France’s largest collections of Renaissance murals, stunning frescoes, and elaborately decorated ceilings, each telling stories of art, myth, and history.
The grounds of Château d’Ancy-le-Franc are equally enchanting. Wander through beautifully manicured gardens, serene courtyards, and tree-lined paths that seem to transport you back in time. The château’s serene setting amidst the Burgundy countryside completes this enriching experience, leaving you with a lasting appreciation for its historical and artistic significance.
Château de la Bussière
A visit to Château de la Bussière, often referred to as the “Fishermen’s Château,” is a highlight for those cruising through the Burgundy region aboard the hotel barge Renaissance. Nestled amidst serene woodlands and picturesque gardens, this enchanting château dates back to the 12th century and is steeped in history. Originally a medieval fortress, Château de la Bussière has evolved over the centuries, now blending Renaissance elegance with rustic charm.
Inside, the château houses a fascinating collection of artifacts dedicated to freshwater fishing, a tribute to its unique identity. As you wander through the beautifully furnished rooms, you’ll be captivated by its timeless atmosphere, from antique furnishings to the breathtaking views of its moat and surrounding parklands. A stroll through the estate’s lush gardens, designed by the famed landscape architect Le Nôtre, offers a tranquil end to your visit – a perfect moment to soak in the beauty and history of this Burgundy gem.
Château de Ratilly
Château de Ratilly is the personification of adapting and moving with the times. It was once an imposing medieval fortress that transformed itself into a Renaissance château and then on to a modern day pottery artist’s workshop. This château has witnessed war and peace through its long history. It has passed through many hands, most recently being purchased by Jeanne and Norbert Pierlot in 1951.
The Pierlot’s decided to open their château as a cultural centre, offering pottery classes, as well as concerts, shows and art exhibitions of contemporary artists. Join our flagship hotel barge Renaissance along the upper reaches of the Loire and Western Burgundy, and you will enjoy your own pottery session at this very French château.
Château de Germolles
Southern Burgundy plays host to many enchanting French châteaux, and the Château de Germolles is one of the most interesting. It’s a uniquely surviving example of a residence belonging to one of the Dukes of Burgundy. In the 14th century, Duke Philip the Bold gave the château to his wife Margaret III of Flanders who then proceeded to create a beautiful and luxurious home for herself and children.
The painted wall artwork in the private apartments of Margaret is incredibly rare and special, with visitors able to glimpse first-hand at the style and symbolism of medieval home fashion. A cruise aboard hotel barge Finesse provides a private tour of this château with its current owner, who offers a very personal insight into this truly unique place.
Château de Bazoches
In Burgundy, aboard L’Art de Vivre, you will be treated to a visit to this feudal French château which dates back to 1180. With its four cylindrical towers and keep surrounding a central courtyard, Château de Bazoches has a definite fortified look and feel.
Inside, in contrast you will find a much softer environment of elegant salons, beautiful wood-panelled libraries, elaborately painted ceilings and fine furniture. The château’s most famous resident was Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, a Marshal of France and a famous military engineer in his day. Vauban acquired Château de Bazoches in 1675, and his ancestors still own this historical and architectural gem today.
Château de Ricey-Bas
A visit to Château de Ricey-Bas is a journey into the heart of Burgundy’s rich history, a treat for guests aboard the hotel barge La Belle Epoque. Tucked away in the charming village of Les Riceys, this privately-owned château exudes an air of timeless elegance, with its origins tracing back to the 12th century.
This picturesque estate showcases classic French architecture, blending medieval fortifications with later Renaissance influences. Inside, you’ll discover tastefully preserved interiors featuring period furnishings, intricate woodwork, and a sense of intimate grandeur. The château is surrounded by idyllic gardens and a serene countryside, offering a peaceful retreat steeped in charm and sophistication. Château de Ricey-Bas is not just a feast for the eyes; its location in the heart of the Champagne wine region adds an extra layer of allure, inviting you to savor the delights of one of Burgundy’s hidden treasures.
Château Haut-Barr
The ‘Eye of Alsace’, Château Haut-Barr sits on a promontory overlooking the city of Saverne and the plain of Alsace below. With towering rock formations, it is an amazing castle to behold from below. Built during the 12th century, it has continuously transformed from being lived in, to ruined; restored to abandoned, and finally designated and preserved as a historic monument.
The Bishops of Strasbourg made use of it in its first 300 years. After the Thirty Years’ War ended, the castle was torn down as part of the Peace of Westphalia. It was restored at the beginning of the Spanish Succession in 1701. Then it was abandoned in the 1770s. Today you can visit it with us on a cruise aboard hotel barge Panache to enjoy its splendour, history and views between Marc and December.
Château Haut-Barr and vistas
Château de Lamotte-Bardigues
Also known as Chateau La Motte, Château de Lamotte-Bardigues, is a beautiful castle with a long though varied family history in the Tarn et Garonne area of France. Originally built in the 14th century by the Goth family, it passed through successive families via marriage, initially with the intent that the Goth name be added to their surnames.
The current château was built on the previous castle’s foundations in 1802 and transitions from the Lussan de Goth name to simply Lussan. From here the château continues to pass through the family, but via women so the name continues to change, until 1922 to the Labelotterie de Boisséson family name, who are still the current owners today.
Declared a historic monument in 1973, a visit here is to see history in the making. Those onboard our hotel barge Rosa will enjoy a private tour of the apartments and the opportunity to take tea with the resident Countess as she regales you with family stories linked with the Kings of France.
Enchanting French Châteaux with European Waterways
Enchanting French châteaux are one of the defining features of rural France. No journey through the countryside would be complete without paying a visit to at least one of these sumptuous and intriguing castles.
Join us on a luxury barge cruise through Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace & Lorraine, or the Loire Valley, and you will have these real châteaux superstars to look forward to!
French
English
Spanish
German
Norwegian
Portuguese
Swedish
Italian
Russian
Simplified Chinese
Japanese
