Bagnols, Beaujolais, France
Restored medieval château in the Beaujolais vineyards featuring Michelin‑starred dining, historic suites and a tranquil spa retreat
Our review
If you have always dreamed of staying in a French castle, this is one for you.
Dating from the 13th century, the chateau has a moat (now grassed over) and drawbridge. A former stable block houses the modern spa. The hotel sits in extensive grounds of five hectares with formal gardens set around fruit trees and enjoys views over the countryside.
We stayed in a junior suite Gaspard Dugue in the main part of the castle. Gaspard Dugue is one of the castle’s former owners. He bought it with his wife in the 17th century and this room was their private chapel. The bed is positioned at the former altar. The couple ordered the frescoes soon after they moved in.
Stripped wooden floors were covered with antique rugs and the walls were left plain. There was plenty of space with two sofas, a coffee table, desk and chair. Windows had wooden shutters and our room overlooked the garden. Our half-poster bed had carved and painted wooden posts with an original fresco behind it dating from the 15th century. The bathroom had an old style bath in a dark wooden frame to match the inset sink. Best of all, was the toilet, also set in a wooden frame and resembling a throne. Towels were placed on a 19th century clotheshorse and toiletries were Bulgari.
There was a separate dressing room with ample space for our luggage.
A bottle of wine from the local region was waiting for us with two glasses.
We had dinner in the Atrium. As the name suggests this is a high ceilinged room and in the past would have been open to the elements. There is a room off this with a wonderful antique chimney that is used during busier times and off this is outside seating for use in fine weather.
Breakfast was also served in the Atrium. From a large selection, we could have had food from the hot buffet but there was so much cold choice – fresh pastries, local bread, hams, cheeses, fresh fruit, freshly squeezed juice and yoghurt, that we had plenty to eat and drink from there. Service was efficient and friendly.
The hotel has a low-beamed library, where you can while away a few hours and there are also plenty of places to sit outside with the newspaper or a book if the weather allows. The modern spa is located just off the drawbridge. This has an indoor pool. There is also an outdoor pool that is heated during the summer months.
We had a very good night’s sleep with only the birds in the orchard and a distant church bell waking us.
This is a wonderful place to stay for a couple of nights coming from or going to somewhere more hectic. I loved the authenticity of the place and appreciated the history. Although there is good wifi and all the other trappings, I did feel for just one night, I was going back in time.
Rooms
Château de Bagnols offers approximately 27 suites, set within the castle and its adjoining buildings. Each suite is individually designed, blending original medieval features such as vaulted ceilings, frescoes, stone fireplaces and antique furnishings with modern comforts. Suite categories range from castle suites to garden and contemporary cellar suites, many with garden or vineyard views.
Food and Drink
Restaurant 1217 holds a Michelin star and is led by Chef Jean‑Alexandre Ouaratta. The restaurant presents refined French cuisine inspired by regional Beaujolais produce, served in a dramatic dining room featuring one of the largest Gothic fireplaces in Europe. In warmer months, meals can be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.
Café du Château provides lighter meals, snacks and drinks in a relaxed courtyard setting, while the bar offers fine wines and cocktails throughout the day.
Wellness
The château’s spa features an indoor swimming pool, hammam, fitness room and treatment cabins offering massages and beauty therapies. In summer, guests can also enjoy the Roman‑style outdoor swimming pool set within the gardens. Treatments use Sothys products, complemented by calm, historic surroundings.
Facilities
- Michelin‑starred restaurant
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Spa and wellness facilities
- Fitness room
- Landscaped French gardens and terraces
- Wine tastings and cellar experiences
- Bar and café
- Meeting and private event spaces
- Free parking and Wi‑Fi
Location
Château de Bagnols is located in the village of Bagnols in the heart of the Beaujolais region, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. Nearby attractions include the Beaujolais Wine Route, medieval villages built of golden stone and easy access to Lyon, approximately one hour away.
Getting there
Address: 69620 Bagnols France
Arriving by air: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport – 40 miles (64km) – 50 minutes by car
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.