Five Reasons to Stay at a French Chateau

If you have never stayed in a French chateauThe premium bedrooms or suites are normally on the
before, here are some reasons why you should bookfirst floor and are usually palatial built for the original
one today.creators of these architectural treasures. Do not be
Locationsurprised if the ensuite is bigger than a whole floor of
French chateaux were usually constructed in enviableyour own residence. The upper floors which usually
locations, with stunning vistas over rural France. Youhave a lower ceiling height were reserved for the
can take in the countryside from your room in aincredible number of full-time staff required to keep a
castle on top of a hill. Historically castles were usuallychateau running like clockwork even at the beginning
built atop hills for obvious strategic defence. Theyof the last century.
provide a retreat where you can wind down, restChateaux normally lord over a domaine which
your weary feet and take advantage of the host'shistorically necessitated wood-cutters, and ground
outstanding local knowledge. The chateau styles varystaff on top of house staff. Remember these gems
depending upon the location in France, and the era inwere built before the invention of lawn mowers and
which they were built.chain-saws. Ten gardeners used to do the work of a
Designgardener today with all of his modern equipment. This
French chateaux have design running through theirratio is pretty typical of the historical staff numbers
core and it is a pleasure to stay somewhere that'srequired in the kitchen and the laundry too.
been designed and decorated with an eye for detailBig is not necessarily better. Huge chateau hotels
and finish. From the fine architectural details, likeoften house their guests in converted outbuildings,
stunning plaster work, sweeping stone staircases,with the coach-house being a favourite. Some
parquet floors, gorgeous tiling, wrought ironchateaux owners reduce the number of rooms
balustrades, beautiful marble and stone fireplaces,available so that they can increase the size of the
trumeau mirrors, trompe l'oeil paintings, magnificentrooms and the public spaces and provide a better
french chandeliers and sconces. Everything in aservice. How many rooms the chateau offers affects
French chateau is typically design-led.the ambience and the service. Do your homework or
French chateaux were built with a fastidious eye foryou could be sharing your lovely intimate chateau
fine detail. Remember that the French under Louisexperience with 60 other couples all of them eager
XIV set the standards of sophistication, style, andto experience the grandeur of life living like royalty in
glamour that still rule our lives today. Remember thata French chateau.
before his reign began, his nation had no particularService
association with elegance, yet by its end the FrenchService is all-important in French chateaux. Hosts
had become accepted all over the world as theensure that guests want for nothing, and yet the
arbiters in matters of taste and style and that Franceservice is discreet, so guests don't feel hassled or
had established a dominance in the luxury trade thatintimidated. The lower number of guests at a French
still continues today.chateau means that the service can be impeccable,
Sizeand it usually is.
By their nature, chateaux are large pieces ofPrice
architect. However the reception rooms on theThe term "chateau" may give the impression that
ground floor are typically huge and wonderful roomsthey are incredibly expensive, but that's not the case.
to relax in and soak up the ambience. FrenchIn fact, you may be surprised by how affordable
chateaux lend themselves perfectly for weddingmany of them are. For the same price or maybe just
venues. Sometimes a reception room may house aa little more than you might pay for a very ordinary
Michelin-starred restaurant. If it does not then usuallychain hotel, you could be staying somewhere with
there is one not too far away.real atmosphere and real service.