Castle Vacation: Château de Bagnols

A few months ago I blogged about French castle hotels. These centuries-old châteaux offer a unique vacation experience and you find them all over France. As we just mentioned Beaujolais Nouveau Day, I couldn't resist telling you about another French castle you can stay in: Château de Bagnols. Built in the 13th century, it overlooks the Beaujolais valley and it's one of the grandest 5 star French castle hotels, with stunning interiors.

A vineyard was added to Château de Bagnols in 1820 and it's still surrounded by vines and gorgeous formal French gardens. Over the centuries, different owners have added to Château de Bagnols, but it was in pretty poor shape until a 1987 renovation. The English Lady Hamlyn spent more than $16 million restoring it to its glory! It boasts medieval towers, a moat, original frescoes, an outdoor heated Roman swimming pool, and a 100-year old lime tree terrace.

The rooms are furnished with original antiques, like many other French castle hotels. And as you can see from the photos, the Château de Bagnols offers luxury all the way! Not many of us have a living room with such exceptional architecture, but we can all take inspiration from the decor style. The welcoming nature of this room is enhanced by warm red upholstery and dark wood furniture. Just a lamp, vase of flowers, a decorative bowl, and a few favorite books on the table create a pleasing vignette.

This bedroom makes great use of an arched alcove.  Imagine how cozy it would be, nestled into that bed under the crimson velvet bedspread! This is actually a former chapel dedicated to St. Hieronymus, and the wall paintings were created in the 1620s. Up-lighting adds to the atmosphere. You could recreate that intimate mood with wall sconces or Dale Tiffany torchiere lamps.

This delightful boudoir was once the command point for the 15th century drawbridge! The yellow damask hangings on the Louis XVI style bed adds to the glow of the fireplace. This bedroom is also furnished with a 19th century carved Henry II style chair, similar to some of the Henry II French Renaissance chairs in our gallery.

Château de Bagnols has 22 rooms and suites and the listed historic castle is about a 30-minute drive from Lyon. Previous guests at the castle include King Charles VIII, who stayed in 1490. The Treasurer of France lived there during the 17th Century. Madame de Sévigné, famous for her witty letters, visited in 1673. So if you take a trip to Beaujolais and stay at Château de Bagnols, you'll be in good company!