Sleep in a medieval castle or mansion

Treat yourself to ‘la vie de château’ in this remarkable family home and immerse yourself in history with a capital H. Situated in the Bessin region, between Bayeux and Isigny-sur-Mer, this 14th century fortified castle is a listed building. It is surrounded by a moat and a romantic park. Three rooms are available: the Louis XVI room (with 18th century furniture and period panelling), the Tower Suite and the Watchman’s Suite (round rooms in the 14th century towers). While you’re there, you’ll meet the Maupeou d’Ableiges family, who own the property.

Bonus: breakfast is served in the large dining room of the castle.

Spend the night on the mythical Mont-Saint-Michel – within its walls – in one of the oldest houses in the village. La Tête Noire, as it is known, dates back to the 14th century. It is thought to have been a former seigneurial house, known since the Middle Ages as ‘la Teste Noire’. Listed as a historic monument, it has a magnificent view of the coast and the abbey across the road. Two guest rooms are available.

Bonus: it’s the perfect place to enjoy the mountain at dusk and the spectacle offered by the bay and the tides.

A unique address: a historical house built in 1636 on a site dating back to the end of the 11th century. Tastefully renovated, combining period and contemporary furnishings, this top-of-the-range gîte (5 épis) has 208 m2 of living space with 5 bedrooms, an open-plan fitted kitchen and a cosy lounge with fireplace.

Bonus: A swimming pool and spa in summer.

You’ll fall in love with this castle, which dates back to the late 13th century. Built in 1290 under Philippe the Fair, this feudal residence in the Ouche region of Normandy features moats, turrets and a drawbridge. Spend one or more nights in the Grande Suite du Donjon, which overlooks the castle grounds. You can also stay in a gîte opposite the castle (sleeps 11).

Bonus: free access to the 5-hectare park and outdoor swimming pool in summer.

Here you are in the magnificent setting of Bricquebec Castle, originally built in the 11th century. The fortified site has, of course, undergone several transformations and reconstructions since then. The Hostellerie du Château (3-star hotel) occupies part of the castle, the main residence. It has fifteen rooms. On 18 August 1857, Queen Victoria of England visited the Château de Bricquebec hotel and restaurant.

Bonus: the terrace in the castle courtyard to enjoy when the weather is fine.

In the Vexin area of Normandy, near Gisors, you can stay in an 11th-century medieval tower in the Bézu-Saint-Eloi fortress, perfectly renovated and decorated by the owner, Jean-François. La Tour de la Reine Blanche, as it is called, will take you back in time with its armoury, fireplace, large round bed and wooden bathroom with barrel bath. Medieval games are also available to help you live the experience to the full.