The key to the châteaux for less than 100 euros

Do you dream of four-poster beds, romantic candlelit dinners and a reception worthy of a prince and his princess? Well, your dream could easily turn into reality, with our selection from the five départements of Aquitaine.

It’s harvest time. If you feel like spending a day like no other, take a look at our proposals for harvest days and other winegrowing experiences .

L’Ombrière
We are situated just 3 km from Sarlat in the charming village of Montfort, famous for its château and the "cingle", that is, the meander in the Dordogne which offers a magnificent view. L’Ombrière is a manor house which dates back to the 18th century, set back a little way from the road which separates it from a nut grove. This is the place where Barbara and Andrea, who often came here on holiday from Turin, eventually decided to settle. They contracted the renovation work, except for the finishing touches, to local traders. Antique furniture, slate floors, whitewashed walls, sentimental paintings... The furnishings will bring pleasure to those who stay here. There is also a table d’hôte option, available by reservation only, that will make your mouth water.
(Photo credit: Andréa Polato)

>> Prices start from 72 euros per double room and €25 per person for the table d’hôte (wine and coffee included).
>> Monfort, Dordogne (24)
>> www.lombriere.com
 
Château Carbonneau, an enchanting break amongst the vines
Right at the end of a majestic alley of plane trees, the Gîtes de France-accredited Château Carbonneau stands at the heart of the vines, between Saint-Émilion and Bergerac.
Start the day with breakfast served in the magnificent Napoléon III sun lounge, then make the most of the large swimming pool to cool off. After a stroll around Saint-Émilion, rejoin your hosts for a tour of the wineries and tasting of wines produced at the château. Then take your place in the elegant dining room to enjoy a dinner created using local produce, before retiring to your room with its unobstructed view of the château grounds.   
(Photo credit: Jacquie Franc de Ferrière)

>> Prices start from 80 euros per double room.
>> Pessac-sur-Dordogne, Gironde (33)
>> www.chateau-carbonneau.com

Château Benauge, devoted to authenticity
Just a stone’s throw from Eugénie-les-Bains and Aire-sur-l’Adour, travel back in time at this 15th century fortified commandery. The Tourisme et Handicap-certified Château Benauge has been carefully restored and offers five guest rooms rated as 3-star by Clévacances. Each one offers a personalised decor and an under floor air-conditioning system which uses geothermal energy, that is both ecological and comfortable.   
During your stay at this dwelling boasting a colourful past, the owners will be happy to tell you about the history of Benauge, around the table d’hôtes where you can verify that the reputation of the gastronomy of Landes is unsurpassable, far from it!
(Photo credit: Priscille Ancel)
 
>> Prices start from 60 euros per double room.
>> Renung, Landes (40)
>> www.benauge.com
 
Château de Rodié, a fortified château equipped with an organic farm
Relive the era of knights and damsels at the Château de Rodié, a fortified Quercy château dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Fitted with antique furniture, the rooms are protected by thick walls and large beams. From the bartizans on top of the square tower, the view stretches over the château rooftops and the surrounding countryside. Outside the main wall, there is a large swimming pool available for use in good weather.   
The owners also offer the opportunity to get involved in daily life on the organic farm and the 54-hectare nature reserve.

>> Prices start from €78 per double room.
>> Coubriac-de-Tournon, Lot-et-Garonne (47)
>> www.chateauderodie.com

Château de Porthos, sleep in the home of a musketeer
At the entrance to the village of Lanne-en-Barétous stands a proud mansion, with two square towers characteristic of Béarn architecture. This is the dwelling place of Isaac de Portau, aka Porthos, the most extravagant of the four musketeers from the novel by Alexandre Dumas.   
Built at the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century, the Château de Porthos was entirely renovated in 2005. The four guest rooms bear the names of characters from the novel: Aramis, Milady, Athos and Porthos. You can also take some time out for a spot of relaxation, with the choice of the outdoor spa overlooking the grounds or the pool room housed in the former underground kitchens.   

>> Prices start from €75 per double room.
>> Lanne-en-Barétous, Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64)
>> www.chateau-de-porthos.com