The Best Chateaux on the Market in 2011

A guide to chateaux ( castles ) in France with details of ten of the best

Chateaux in France - the crème de la crème of French property

If you think of a grand home in France, the first image that comes to mind is a chateau. A French chateau has to be the ultimate dream, your very own castle in the land of great castles (Owning a chateau in France). Of course, not everyone has a budget that would normally stretch to purchasing a castle, but if you take a look at the selection of chateaux for sale in 2011, you might find it isn't out of the question after all.

Is a chateau the same as a castle?

Although the literal translation of chateau is castle, it isn't really a correct or accurate definition. Some chateaux are certainly well described as castles, if they were built to have defensive qualities and were fortified, as many were, but others were simply built to house the nobility or important families of the town at the time. Hence, not all chateaux are the same, far from it. The variety is infinite, and chateaux can range from relatively unassuming (although always a little special) country houses to being impossibly grand, opulent and enormous!

Buying a chateau in France - the advantages

If your chateau is a listed historical monument, it comes along with certain advantages as well as restrictions. On the positive side, there are tax breaks and grants available for restoration works in addition to maintenance grants (Property grants available in France). France is well known to care deeply for its monuments and so this help is offered to preserve the heritage.

Consider the disadvantages too

However, to every upside there is a downside. Any alterations you may wish to make have to be approved, and this can take a long time. The authorities may also insist that you use only certain traditional materials, again, at extra expense. Owning a listed chateau may also cause a few problems with the neighbours, as if their properties are within 500 metres of yours, any alterations they wish to make also must be approved in the same way! A further point to watch out for could be the infamous Wealth Tax (French Wealth Tax). After all, if you live in a castle, you can hardly claim to be impoverished!

Costs of a chateau in France

Finally, remember that, availability (or not) of maintenance grants notwithstanding, a chateau is always old. A bit like the old adage of land being a commodity in increasingly short supply, nobody makes chateaux any more. While this is good in investment terms, as you are never going to suffer from a sudden oversupply of this type of property flooding the market so the value should always hold good, it also means that, as with any old property, there will be a never ending stream of work to be done to keep it in tip top condition.

Choosing your chateau

Like horses for courses, there are chateaux and there are chateaux, each type and individual property fulfilling varying requirements. When it comes to price, the sky is the limit, but there are cheaper options too. Location is another story, as is the style of the chateau you choose. Below is a selection of ten of the best (and most varied) chateaux that have come onto the market in 2011, at the time of writing. Work out your budget, and take your pick!

 

	Languedoc-Roussillon Absolute elegance set in 6.5 acres with stunning views 1,200,000 Euros  If absolute elegance and classical features are the watchword for you, this gorgeous chateau in Languedoc-Roussillon could be just the bag. It will set you back a cool 1,200,000 Euros, but offers all the features a chateau lover yearns for. A grand staircase, a classical library, a stunning frontage with sweeping double steps up to the door... this is the stuff of lottery winners' dreams. More details
	Rhône-Alpes A grand alternative to a ski chalet 2,250,000 Euros  If your passion is the snowy slopes of the Alps, but you don't fancy a wooden chalet or an apartment in a cold, concrete block, this could be the answer. When it comes to grand living in the Alps, you can't beat a genuine 17th century chateau! Its eight bedrooms and additional three bedroom apartment will allow you to entertain all your friends in style. The location, close to the ski resort of Samoens, is perfect for enjoying skiing in winter and the beauty of the mountains in their summer greenery. The only downside is that it is far from cheap, at a price of 2,250,000 Euros. More details
	Pays de la Loire 11th century restored chateau at a bargain price 259,000 Euros  If the price tag on the last property had you gasping for breath, this one should make you breathe more easily again. It isn't quite as grand, of course, but it is still an authentic 11th century chateau, fully restored and ready to live in. It sits in the very popular Vendée department, which has a lovely coast and an enviable sunshine record. The price, just 259,000 Euros, puts it firmly within the range of many budgets. More details
	Languedoc-Roussillon Delightful apartment in a 9th century chateau 184,000 Euros  Perhaps you dream of chateau life, but really can't stretch the budget so far? Or maybe you are looking for a holiday home and haven't the time to dedicate to the maintenance required of a large property? There is an option, and one which could be a very good choice for a holiday property with a difference. For only 184,000 Euros you could take possession of this beautiful apartment in a 9th century chateau in the south of France. Great views and a shared pool complete the picture. More details
	Limousin A business opportunity in the Creuse 699,500 Euros  There is another way to ensure that you can afford the chateau lifestyle, and that is to use your fabulous property to generate money. This mediaeval chateau in the green countryside of the Limousin region is ripe for transforming into a variety of money spinning possibilities. It has been used as an equestrian centre, but could also be an hotel, an outdoor sports base, a health resort or anything that takes your fancy. A little restoration is needed, reflected in the price of just 699,500 Euros, but the condition is fine for immediately moving in. More details
	Poitou-Charentes Fairytale beauty in the Deux-Sèvres 899,000 Euros  This 12th century Deux-Sèvres chateau is a stunner. Its elegant proportions and classical features leave nothing to be desired, and it is offered for sale in excellent condition. To go with the grand lifestyle, there is a swimming pool and a tennis court, and even a wine press room! The cost of this splendour is a quite reasonable 899,000 Euros. Hardly cheap, but a lot of house for the money. More details
	Midi-Pyrénées Offering 19th century charm in a great location 1,166,000 Euros  The large and diverse region of the Midi-Pyrénées is a great place to live, offering access to the Pyrénéan Mountains for winter and summer sports, being set within reach of both the Med and the Atlantic, and also being home to the great city of Toulouse as well as many delightful towns and villages. This beautiful 19th century chateau is set near Toulouse in the southern Tarn, and at 1,166,000 Euros, offers space and comfort for a good number of people. If you have a mind to run an events business combined with hotel accommodation, this could be the perfect find. More details
	Languedoc-Roussillon An idyllic spot on the Canal du Midi 561,600 Euros  From one lovely location to another, this next possibility is set right on the wonderful Canal du Midi, in the sunny south of France. For the not terribly large sum of 561,600 Euros you get not quite a whole castle, but a very generous portion of a truly stunning 17th century chateau in an idyllic spot. With views of both the canal and the Pyrénées, who could resist? More details
	Brittany Neo Gothic glory set amidst woodland and meadows 890,000 Euros  Perhaps you are hoping to find a chateau that breaks the mould, something a little different in style from the fairytale turrets and classical lines of the popular image of these lovely old properties. If so, this impressive Neo Gothic chateau in the ever popular region of Brittany could be perfect. Packed with original features, the darker, Gothic aspect gives it a distinctive air, and makes it a home in a million. Currently divided into apartments, it could easily be converted to a single home. The price is just 890,000 Euros. More details
	Auvergne Luxury B&B with Loire valley views 680,000 Euros  Finally, if you are in love with grand old French buildings, you really can't afford to ignore the historic home of chateaux, the Loire Valley. This one gazes coolly out over the land of castles, the Loire Valley, and features a beautiful orangerie and pigeonnier as well as an eight bedroom house to renovate should the seven bedroom chateau not be quite large enough for you! The orangerie also offers an additional three bedrooms, so there really is no excuse not to entertain. Of course, it is also possible to use all this space as a business, as the current owners are doing, by running a luxury, top of the range B&B. The existing business is also on offer with the property if required. More details

Additional articles which may be of interest:

Canal du Midi Property - From the Languedoc to the Med
Leisure Lakes of the Languedoc - Perfect Property Location?
The Sale of State Owned Property in France
House Renovations in France
Owning Gites and Chambres d'Hotes (B&Bs) in France

About the author

Joanna Simm moved to the Languedoc area of south-west France in October 2004 having found her property through French Property Links.

Do you have photos relevant to this article?

Please send them in via email by clicking the link below (don't forget to mention the location!):

Do you know this subject better than we do?

Spotted something we've got wrong? Or like to see more information added? Please enter in your comments and click "GO".