This New Hotel Will Make You Feel Like French Royalty in an 18th-century Chateau

A brand new luxury hotel is the perfect destination for anyone who’s ever dreamed about living like an 18th-century French noble — and it’s less than an hour away from Paris.

Hotel Château — located in the French Loire Valley — is a 45,000-square-foot hotel and the former home of Baron Jacques Pineau de Viennay, who entertained some of the greatest figures in European history at the time, including Voltaire, Mozart, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The gorgeous country home was built in the French neoclassical style and includes replicas of statues that can be found at the Palace at Versailles.

Over the years, the French chateau has passed down through the Viennay family, the French government, and private owners, at times serving as a hospital and shelter for valuable artwork. In 2017, it was sold to Pilot Hotels to become Hotel Château.

Inspired by the home’s original style, Paul and Shannon Wehsener of Paul Allen Design, created opulent living spaces reminiscent of the 18th century while still retaining modern elegance. The hotel features authentic limestone and white oak floors and well as original boiserie (wood paneling) walls, crystal chandeliers, sconces, Persian rugs, and traditional French fabrics. Outside, guests can wander lush gardens, greenhouses, traditional orangery, courtyards, a lake, a bocce ball court, and more.

In total, the hotel has 17 rooms, including two apartment-style suites that have private kitchens and living rooms. In addition to the beautiful furnishings, guests can enjoy French luxury bath and beauty products by Buly 1803. The hotel has a capacity of 36 to 42 guests in total.

And if you’re really looking for a decadent getaway, you can book the most opulent suite of them all: the Baron’s Suite. This luxury booking offers 17-foot tall ceilings, a king size bed, marble bathroom, private library, three separate entrances (including a private entrance), sitting room, gold antiques throughout, Versailles-patterned oak floors, gigantic windows with stunning views of the hotel grounds, and it’s own salon. The Salon Chinois, in particular, is a particular treat with its canvas-covered walls, which are painted in the Rococo-era, Chinoiserie style.

In addition to its marvelous rooms, the hotel also offers a bar, spa and fitness salon, a ballroom, an outdoor pool, and authentic French restaurant, Le Lucé. The 80-acre property is also an excellent spot for weddings and events.

Hotel Château is located in the Loire Valley, near the small village of Le Grand-Lucé, which is not only a convenient 55-minute drive from Paris, but also just far enough to be a nice, quiet getaway for people who want to get into the countryside. It’s an especially wonderful place for history buffs, foodies, and wine aficionados since the area is well known for its vineyards.

The hotel is officially open and is now accepting reservations. For more information or to make a booking, visit the Hotel Château website.