What's in the Name? Do you know a Castle from a Château?

When you’re searching for a property in Britain, the label of a “detached” house can often feel cold and uninspiring, but travel across the water to beautiful France, and properties there fill you with excitement as you imagine their legacy, charming character, fascinating history and original features.

Properties for sale with My-French-House.com are often entitled Château, Maison de Maître, Manoir, Mas, Périgourdine or Charentaise, but what is in a name? When it comes to your home in France, we are here to guide you through knowing your castles from châteaux, and Manoirs from Maisons de Maîtres.

Castles and Châteaux, What’s the Difference?

You don’t have to be a lord of the manor or of nobility or gentry to own your own château in France. At My-French-House.com, we have many castles and chateaux for sale with asking prices starting from around €500,000. Although the French word for ‘château’ is generally translated as castle it is more likely to mean a country house or a manor house.

Without confusing you too much, a typical French château is actually described in English as a palace or country house; for example, the Château de Versailles does not resemble a castle and was located in the countryside, which is why it is known as the Palace of Versailles.

A Wealth of Historic Chateaux

As a result, we are left with a wealth of prestigious Chateaux, Country Houses, Manor Houses and even a few actual castles scattered throughout France available to be your next home.

Owning a château in France may mean that your home was once occupied by French royalty or nobility, labelled the British “stately homes”, your château is more than likely to be filled with history and extravagance.

The Valley of the Kings

The epitome of elegance and classic charm, you will find châteaux scattered throughout France; however, we are lucky to have a small selection of châteaux in the Loire Valley. Home to warm summers and rich in agricultural land, more than 300 chateaux were built in this area between the 10th and the 20th centuries.

Named “The Valley of the Kings” due to its former residents, some of these Châteaux have been lovingly restored for you to enjoy their original features and become king of your own castle. You will encounter sweeping driveways, guest lodges and grand entrance halls, all set in estates that have views as far as your eyes can see.

Looking Further South

In addition, we have Châteaux in the Rhône-Alpes, in the Dordogne in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and in Tarn and Aude in Occitanie, and in Normandy; each of these period properties offers you so much more than just a home; you will own your own piece of history.

Manoirs and Maisons de Maître

The literal translation of a Maison de Maitre is “Master’s House”; therefore, many of these period properties may have been owned by local nobles, perhaps the mayor of Tours or the local doctor in Le Lude. 

These properties may also be called something completely different, as they are often influenced by their region; for example, in Provence, they are called Mas Provençal, and in Charente, you might live in a Charentaise.

Character & Original Features

As you might imagine, your Maison de Maitre would encompass a plethora of original features and boast high ceilings, charming fireplaces and extensive gardens. Some properties that are passed down through the generations may retain much of the property’s original character and charm that you can feel as soon as you enter the gates.

Town and Village Locations

 At My-French-House.com, we offer period properties that cover a variety of these styles, in lively villages and towns. If a château in the Loire Valley isn’t for you, we offer a selection of beautiful properties for you to call home, where you can still experience the breathtaking landscape and vibrant cities. You will find typical French mansions near sought-after villages which boast secret gardens or that have recently undergone renovations to enhance their period charm.

Classic Luxury

Forgetting the age of these properties, you will find that, however traditional in style they may be, many come with their own pool and other modern features. These contemporary pools, private gardens and exclusive guest houses are all captivating luxuries that your property might include.

Classic Maison de Maitres can be found in the heart of national parks or surrounded by picturesque countryside. Gites and lodges can be used for guests rather than servants, as you have the option to share your new home or welcome family members to summer vacations in France.

To learn more about buying a French chateau, visit our buyer’s guide, complete with expert tips and advice.