Historic Hotels in Rhone Alpes and Lyon: Luxury Chateaux, Traditional Inns, Period Boutique

Chateau de Bagnols. Bagnols

Château de Bagnols. If only it were possible to win the lottery and make the owners an offer they couldn’t refuse.

This magnificent castle – little more than half an hour from Lyon by car - is a truly breathtaking piece of French heritage set right at the heart of the Beaujolais wine region. A place for the romantic, the historian, and the hedonist alike, it must surely be one of only a handful of hotels anywhere in Europe with a genuine drawbridge.

Anyone interested in period architecture will find plenty to study here, but one of its most notable features must surely be the gigantic gothic fireplace (thought to be the largest in France) above which is the royal coat of arms of Charles VIII – a visitor in 1490 when the building was the home of his advisor, Geoffroy de Balzac.

Guest rooms are located both within the castle and the adjacent “Residence” (centuries old itself) and are furnished in such a style that could only disappoint the most pretentious of modernists. LateRooms | Expedia

Abbaye de Talloires. Talloires

Some say that Lac d’Annecy is the purest in France, and this 17th century Benedictine monastery is situated right upon its shores. The actor Jean Reno is part-owner of this renowned Hotel-Restaurant, and it has welcomed many other notable figures during its time as an inn: Paul Cezannes, Winston Churchill and Richard Nixon among them.

More information, images, directions and secure online booking is available with Expedia

More Historic Hotels and Chateaux throughout Rhone Alpes

Belleville

Chateau de Pizay. Right at the heart of Beaujolais country, the vineyards of Chateau de Pizay have been producing wine for centuries. Stay here and you’ll certainly want to bring dinner jackets and evening dresses (there’s dress code for the 17th century restaurant) as well as attire suitable for its spa. As such, it should come as no surprise that the hotel is rated as four-star. www.lastminute.com

Challes Les Eaux

Chateau des Comtes de Challes. An imposing fifteenth century castle, once the home of the Counts of Challes. Chambery is only a few miles away. LateRooms | Expedia

Chambery

Château de Candie. A four star hotel at the heart of Savoy (Savoie), Chateau de Candie is a ‘strong house’ whose origins go back almost 700 years. The 28 rooms are geared for the requirements of the 21st century traveller, but there are plenty of antiques and period furnishings which compliment the building’s heritage. LateRooms | Expedia

Coise-Saint-Jean-Pied-Gauthier

Château de la Tour du Puits. Much of this wonderfully unpretentious-looking chateau was built in the eighteenth century, although parts are far, far older. A perfect place to stay if you’re travelling between Turin and Lyon, towns such as Grenoble and Chambery are only a short journey by car. Romantic and classical it certainly is. LateRooms | Expedia

Divonne-les-Bains

Château de Divonne. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of The World club, Chateau de Divonne is a pretty 1800’s rural property set amid more than 50 acres of its own parkland. Right on the Swiss border, Geneva is only a few miles to the south. Expedia

Eybens

Chateau de la Commanderie. With views of the alps, this particular chateau dates from the XVIIIth century. Expedia

Gresy sur Isere

La Tour de Pacoret. Part of the Relais du Silence group, this 14th century hotel-restaurant was once a watchtower. With views of alpine mountains and the Combe de Savoie, de Pacoret offers only nine rooms. Expedia

Lapeyrouse-Mornay

Chateau de Joyeuse. Heading south towards the sunny shores of the French Riviera, or travelling north via Lyon, this 18th century country house may well suit the itinerary. TripAdvisor

Lyon

Hotel Cour des Loges. Providing contemporary chic in a former Jesuit college, the heritage of Cour des Loges is rightfully valued. Expedia

Villa Florentine. A four-star luxury hotel, this Lyon residence was once a convent and some of its original frescoes are still be to be seen. Part seventeenth century (although the swimming pool and fitness centre are a tad more recent) it is rightfully considered a national historic monument. Expedia

Montagnole

Les Saint-Peres Hotel. Located only a mile or so from the town of Chambery, this classic country house hotel will appeal to those who love period furnishings and a timeless ambience. Expedia

Rochgude

Chateau de Rochegude. A medieval castle surrounded by famous vineyards. LateRooms | Expedia

Sciez

Château de Coudrée. Lake Geneva or Lac Leman? Whatever you prefer to call it, this beautiful castle possesses some fine views of its waters. Dating from the 12th century, it offers 19 guest rooms, many furnished with antiques. Expedia

Vals les Bains

Chateau Clement. Period features and furnishings a-plenty at this visually-pleasing castle. TripAdvisor

Poitou Charentes & Limousin | Provence and Riviera | Rhone Alpes

Getting there... Air France special offers | | Ferrycheap.com

Not found what you’re looking for? View all hotels available in Rhone Alpes with www.lastminute.com | Expedia | LateRooms

Nights In The Past is a clean site and therefore extremely proud to be an approved affiliate of many of the internet’s most trusted online reservation and booking services. We therefore greatly appreciate anyone using them via us as this helps ensure that we can improve and expand the site in years to come. Thank you.