The picturesque Chateau de Courtomer in Normandy is utterly grandiose and a show of the kind of creamy architecture you’ve been dreaming of; it’s essentially everything you could want from a fairytale French experience.

Whether you imagine renting this French chateau for your wedding, or planning a big trip away with friends, we’re convinced (and this from personal experience) that all of your needs will be well and truly served here. After climbing the majestic steps you’ll find several huge rooms on the ground floor, all ideal for entertaining. The light-strewn dining room, which has white washed walls and delicate ceiling cornicing, is heavenly in the morning to enjoy croissants and coffee and gaze out across the 350-acres of land. While the cosy library, packed from floor to ceiling with old, gold-spined tomes, couldn’t be a better place to sip on an old-fashioned and make each other giggle until the early hours.

Upstairs there’s room for 15 people (more at an additional price) in rooms decorated in boutique, Marie Antoinette-esque style, all of which have carefully chosen, unique curtains, feature walls and well-stocked en suites. In the basement there’s a games room and lounge with plenty of space to play cards and watch TV, while outside there’s bikes, ping pong tables and badminton to keep you entertained.

The chateau comes with lots of options including the help of house manager Heather who can organise local food tours, a trip in a hot air balloon, a private chef to come and whip up delicious dinners and explore the rest of the grounds which includes a charming Orangerie, an idyllic wedding reception spot.

How much? To stay with 15 friends for two nights is a flat rate of €3950.

3 gorgeous French chateaux you can rent this summer