There’s nothing like the feeling of getting on an aeroplane or a ferry and going abroad. Despite having travelled quite a lot, a sense of pure excitement is still evoked in me at the trivial details upon arrival in a different country. The smell, the change of language, driving on the other side of the road or seeing the same food products packaged in a slightly different way!

Celtic Castles provides some fantastic opportunities to get away from the UK and go and enjoy beautiful châteaux in France.

Château de Bagnols

Château de Bagnols sits upon a typical rustic French hillside; outside the château walls is the village square and surrounding the village are extensive vineyards. An experience at Château de Bagnols is one of luxury, each bedroom providing uniquely beautiful accommodation. The suites contain a separate sitting area with a fireplace and are all decorated with stunning original wall paintings from the 17th century. Just 30 km away is the city of Lyon, the third biggest city in France, boasting rich culture, phenomenal cuisine, spectacular history and extensive shopping opportunities.

www.celticcastles.com/chateaux/chateau-de-bagnols

Château de Mercuès

Château de Mercuès has its past seeded amongst one of the most famous Anglo-French conflicts in history, the Hundred Years War. Situated in Aquitaine, this château was hugely contested during the militant activity within this region. Following Henry V’s 1417 invasion and occupation of France, the English maintained Château de Mercuès as a defensive stronghold near Cahors. French troops continually laid siege to the château, hoping to gain a foothold to launch an attack on Cahors. The château changed hands a large number of times, causing a lot of pillage and bloodshed after each successful siege. In 1427 the château was sold to the Church and, due to Henry V’s strict rule that no English soldier was to attack or steal from any church property, the château was removed the from the conflict of the 100 Years War. The bedrooms offer comfort and serenity and each one possesses the charm of a real château: wooden beams, dressed stone, French-style parquet flooring and solid wooden furniture.

www.celticcastles.com/chateaux/chateau-de-mercues

Château de Pomiro

Château de Pomiro is situated within the region of Armagnac and enjoys the tranquillity of the French countryside, but yet is just 12km away from the region’s capital, Eauze. The city has a distinguished market every Thursday, selling fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, cheese, bread as well as all else that you’d expect to be part of an authentic continental market. One of the main features of this château is its mature and well-nurtured gardens. There are some magnificent large trees in the parkland to the front of the château, which provide welcoming shade in the height of summer, as well as being home to the resident red squirrels, deer and abundant birdlife. Rooms at the property vary with a mix of antique and traditional rooms as well as more modern rooms.

www.celticcastles.com/chateaux/chateau-de-pomiro

So why not take a trip across the channel to visit our oldest rivals and experience some fantastic food, culture, history and amazing châteaux?