Buying a château in France

The different types of châteaux for sale

There are many prestigious châteaux and residences for sale in France. Each has its own history, architecture and location.

A castle for every era

Initially designed to protect the lord and the surrounding village, the fortified castles of the Middle Ages gave way to more comfortable châteaux from the Renaissance onwards. After the Hundred Years' War, protection was no longer the priority.

Castle or manor house for sale

It is also important to distinguish between a château and a manor house. The former was the residence of a king or lord and was generally located close to the town. The manor house, on the other hand, was the home of a nobleman, often located in the countryside and attached to farmland.

How many châteaux are there in France?

Buying a château in France is often a dream, but it is possible.

More and more châteaux for sale

According to the association Adopte un château, there are almost 30,000 châteaux in France. And according to Les Echos investir, around 400 châteaux change hands every year. As more and more châteaux come up for sale each year, the buyer is in a position to negotiate the price. The room for negotiation is even greater where major renovation work is involved.

Which regions are best suited to châteaux for sale?

Loire châteaux, properties near the sea or close to Paris are highly sought-after, and therefore rare. It's easier to find a château for sale in the Aquitaine, Poitou-Charentes or Midi-Pyrénées regions.

Why buy a château?

Buying a château is first and foremost a way of adding a precious stone to your property portfolio.

Boosting a region by buying a château

Buying a château for sale means preserving an exceptional heritage. But beyond treating yourself to a bit of history, it's also possible to bring a castle to life. Tourism, hotels, catering, wedding organisation, film shoots... Your castle can become a real tool for enhancing the region.

Investing in an easily accessible château for sale

If you want to buy a château and make a living from it through tourism, invest in a location that's easy to get to. A station, airport or motorway should be nearby. Similarly, a beautiful exterior, a well-kept wood or a pond can make all the difference if you want to hold private receptions in your château