16 French Chateaux Straight Out of a Storybook

Built in the early 1920s using 18th-century French châteaux as models, the 56-room Château d’Artigny is an upscale hotel set on a hill overlooking the Indre River and Valley. It’s an imposing structure, with stately interiors featuring high ceilings with moldings and trompe-l’oeil paintings, grand dining rooms with period furniture, and huge windows dressed with heavy curtains. Rooms have traditionally elegant decor along with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. But some units are a little disappointing, with worn furnishings, patterned bedspreads, and underwhelming decor that feels more dated than charming. The hotel has a French restaurant, a spa, a small outdoor heated pool, and free parking. The location near Tours and several other famous Loire Valley châteaux is a plus. Those looking for something more contemporary may want to compare rates at stylish Château de Perreux.

The 11-room Château de Perreux is an upscale boutique set in gorgeous gardens a short drive from quaint Amboise. Housed in a grand castle dating back to 1701, the hotel features a stylish and understated combination of old and new that sets it apart from the other château-hotels in the Loire Valley region. Spacious rooms have contemporary decor in neutral shades with a few period elements, good amenities (but no Wi-Fi), and modern bathrooms with rain showers or separate showers and standalone soaking tubs. There is a heated outdoor pool in a quiet walled garden, and free parking in a cave directly in the mountain, but the highlight here is the excellent restaurant, serving a prix-fixe set menu that changes daily.

Formerly the private home of royalty, Chateau d'Isenbourg has been operating as a hotel since the 1970s. Most visitors who stay here are enjoying the Alsatian wine trail, but there's plenty to do on-site; the property is home to a top-notch restaurant and spa, as well as an indoor pool and expansive grounds. Plus, the views over the vineyards and town are the picture of quintessential French country.

Many rooms at this upscale boutique offer views of the Indre valley; considering the romantic setting, it's not surprising that mostly couples check into Domaine de la Tortiniere, but children are welcome as well—and families appreciate the heated outdoor pool and games provided. Additional features include a lovely restaurant, tennis court, and bicycle rentals. There's no full spa, but there is a sauna, and guests can schedule massage treatments.

This mid-range chateau hotel sits less than a 20-minute drive from the beach, but its immediate location—on lovely, lush grounds dotted with chairs and benches—is probably the real draw here. Common areas are cozy spots with large, curtained windows, chandeliers, ornate fireplaces, and tables set with games like chess and backgammon. The on-site restaurant includes a dining room overlooking gardens and a small bar, and the 27 rooms are spread out among the main chateau, a cottage, and several farmhouses.

With a sweeping private entrance surrounded by green lawns and an impressive fountain, the upscale Saint James is a rare find in Paris—in fact, the 19th century manor is considered the only chateau-hotel in the city. It's fitting that the hotel is located in the wealthy 16th arrondissement (and yes, valet parking is included). The 48 rooms and suites are large by Paris standards, and decorated in plush luxurious fabrics. But the common areas are more impressive—especially the black and white grand staircase on the main floor. The terrace is a beautiful spot for lunch on a nice summer day. And there's also a small fitness center, a spa, and a gourmet restaurant. The rates here are steep, but guests who want to experience luxury in Paris (and can afford it) should give the Saint James a look.

The 12-room Yndohotel is a beautiful upscale hotel housed in a renovated 19th-century mansion near Bordeaux's historic center. Period details are mixed with modern designer furniture and art for a sophisticated, quirky look throughout. Each room is individually decorated, but all are sophisticated and romantic—some even have lovely furnished terraces. Public spaces are lavish, and the kitchen will serve up meals at any time—everything from breakfast to 24-hour room service is excellent (though expectedly pricey). Groups of eight to 10 can gather in the meeting room, and larger groups can reserve the entire hotel. For a larger hotel with a livelier vibe and similar rates, travelers could check out the Hotel Burdigala, where rooms are stylish, but plainer than the digs found here.

The four-pearl, 55-room Hotel Les Haras opened its doors in 2013 and has since established itself as one of the city’s most striking and atmospheric design hotels. It's housed in a large 18th-century heritage building that once held the national stables and stud farm near the Petite France district. Rooms have modern decor and gorgeous bathrooms, but some are a bit small. Breakfast is not included and is expensive. Other four-pearl hotels in the area include Hotel Rohan and Hotel Maison Rouge, which offer lower rates but are comparatively less atmospheric.

Le Manoir Des Impressionnistes certainly makes quite an impression upon first sight: the 18th-century manor house surrounded by pretty gardens and ancient woods could easily be the subject of a postcard or a magazine cover. Its setting on a hill overlooking the Seine estuary is quite special, too, and some rooms enjoy lovely sea-view sunsets. The on-site spa in a converted farmhouse is well received, as is the restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients. There's no pool, but rates are nevertheless reasonable for such charming package.