Chateau holidays are ones which invoke powerful images which are never forgotten and often linger in the foreground when the memories of more ordinary holiday experiences are long gone. Here we have selected five of the best and explain some of our holiday clients thoughts and experiences.

Chateau Perigourdin is located in the Dordogne region of the south of France which proudly boasts the largest number of chateaux in the whole of the country. The architecture is striking and has prompted some of our clients to describe it as a fairytale chateau. This 18th century property can sleep up to 22 people and has an appropriately large swimming pool measuring 15 metres in length. The interior is old and authentic and you do experience taking a step back in time whilst the exterior and the grounds provide a truly striking backdrop for holiday photographs. Located near the charming town of Le Bugue, nestling on the banks of the meandering river Dordogne, Chateau Perigourdin is often used for a combination of holiday and special occasion.

Chateau Martini is probably the most suitable chateau for families with younger children who love to play games such as hide and seek in the numerous rooms and take picnics in the vast grounds all in a safe, practical, unfussy environment. It’s great value and sleeps up to 17. Martini is nearly always taken by a number of families who are friends, as the adults can switch off and enjoy the barbecues on the terrace overlooking the pool whilst the children do their thing often evoking the Arthur Ransome era of Swallows and Amazons. There is something about the ancient chateau and the grounds backed by woodland that lifts children’s imagination here and prompt them to really enjoy themselves. Chateau Martini is located near to the market town of Riberac and the river Drone which is fantastic for canoe trips and swimming.

Chateau de Clerbise has a more manorial look about it as is typical of the style of chateau found in the Poitou Charente region of France which is found north of Bordeaux, inland from the coast at Royan. Sleeping 16 Clerbise is very popular with three or four families sharing, however there are two other entirely independent outbuildings, the old stables and the old mill house, also with their own private swimming pool, which can raise the overall capacity to 38. Consequently chateau Clerbise is also ideal for very large groups and has been successfully used for weddings, special occasions and even small business conferences. The on site facilities and personnel are fully geared up for such events.

Les Calpres is in many ways the cream of the chateau available in the Dordogne without spending silly money. It has the highest percentage of repeat clients and its easy to see why as the facilities are exceptional, there is a super modern kitchen, gym equipment, under-floor heating, private tennis court as well as a 14 metre swimming pool. Les Calpres which sleeps 14 appears more like a manor house and its lush grounds are supremely relaxing. Nearby is the beautiful, historic market town of Sarlat renowned for its medieval architecture and honey coloured stone buildings.

Lamotte Beuvron is a splendid property which oozes history from its old stone walls, majestic stone log fire and traditional tapestries, nestling in acres of beautiful land surrounded by woods and dotted with lakes. Sleeping 18 and located in the Loire to the east of Tours, south of Paris this refined country retreat has plenty to entertain its residents with a private tennis court, billiards table and piano.

For a further selection of chateau in France and Castel in Spain click here Chateau holidays. To reserve a stay during school holiday periods you often need to book neary a year ahead if you want to stay in one of the 5 best self catering chateaux.