Some of the most magnificent castles and palaces can be found in France and Italy, and if you have $100 million, you might even consider purchasing one.

Some of the most magnificent castles and palaces can be found in France and Italy, and if you have $100 million, you might even consider purchasing one.
Some of the most magnificent castles and palaces can be found in France and Italy, and if you have $100 million, you might even consider purchasing one.
  • French palaces and Italian castles can be rented, visited, or purchased, at a multimillion dollar cost.
  • The Piazza Agostino Pennisi, on the Italian island of Sicily, was used as a filming location for some scenes of "The Godfather Part III" and is currently being sold for $6.8 million.
  • In the Loire Valley, France, visitors can stay in "arguably the most luxurious suite in Europe," the Hotel Chateau du Grand-Luce.
The Chateau de Chambord, in the Loire Valley region of France.
The Chateau de Chambord, in the Loire Valley region of France. (DEA / C. SAPPA | De Agostini | Getty Images)

Some of the world's most renowned castles, palaces, and grand homes can be found in France and Italy, including Loire Valley chateaux, Sicilian strongholds, and French Riviera mansions. These properties offer various services such as wedding and party rentals, overnight stays, and wine tastings. Additionally, some of these properties can be purchased for a budget that extends into the millions.

Some of the most magnificent French and Italian castles and palaces have been chosen by CNBC.

To buy:

The Godfather’s castle

If you're interested in owning a piece of movie history, the 22-bedroom neo-Gothic Piazza Agostino Pennisi, which was featured in “The Godfather Part III,” is currently up for sale. Located on the Italian island of Sicily, the castle boasts an asking price of $6.8 million and includes 12 reception halls, a private park, grotto, and a separate caretaker's home. With a total area of approximately 43,000 square feet, the property also features a chapel adorned with frescoes by 19th-century artist Giuseppe Sciuti. Sotheby's International Realty is currently marketing the property as a "single family home."

Castello nel Chianti

If you're interested in starting a winemaking hobby, you may want to consider purchasing this historic Italian castle in Tuscany's Chianti region. For 20 million euros ($22.3 million), you can own this grand castle, which is listed by Christie's International Real Estate. Built over 1,000 years ago, it was restored in the 1980s by its current owner. The castle boasts around 30 acres of vineyards that can produce up to 150,000 bottles of wine annually, as well as olive groves and countryside. With 25 bedrooms and 33 bathrooms, the castle has plenty of room for guests. Additionally, it's located between Florence and Siena, providing ample opportunities for sightseeing.

A Cannes palace

Le Palais Venitien, a luxurious 32,300 square foot home in Cannes, France, is currently on the market for an astounding $136.9 million. Constructed in 1990, the property boasts nine "residential suites," in addition to a cinema, nightclub, hammam, and wine cellar. Sotheby's has listed this magnificent estate, which is situated on six acres of land, including a woodland, tennis court, and lake, all with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

To rent:

Sleeping beauty

If purchasing a palace seems unattainable, consider renting a castle. Chateau Des Joyaux in France's Loire Valley, with its spires, lake, and 22 bedrooms, resembles a Disney movie. A two-night midweek stay costs approximately 33,000 euros for the entire castle. Constructed in 1854, it is often referred to as "Petit Chambord" due to its similarity to the 16th-century Chateau de Chambord in the area. The castle also features a neighboring 600-person capacity Catholic church for those hosting weddings. Chateau Des Joyaux can be rented through Oliver's Travels.

Lake Como luxury

SopranoVillas offers luxurious villa rentals across Italy, including an Art Nouveau-style villa overlooking Lake Como, a region renowned for celebrity homes. This former medieval lookout point boasts stunning views of the lake and mountains and comes equipped with a chef and concierge. The villa features eight suites that can accommodate 14 guests, an entertainment floor with two roof terraces, an island bar, viewing platform, and music system. Weeklong stays start at 41,250 euros.

To stay:

Hotel Chateau du Grand-Luce

The Hotel Chateau du Grand-Luce, located a two-hour drive from Paris, is a grandiose 18th-century property in the Loire Valley. The hotel boasts that its Baron’s Suite, priced at 7,502 euros per night, is "quite possibly the most extravagant suite in Europe." The suite features 17-foot high ceilings, garden views, and two reception rooms, including the Salon Chinois, which has walls hand-painted by 18th-century artist Jean-Baptiste Pillement.

Hotel de Crillon, Paris

The Hotel de Crillon, a historic hotel in Paris, is considered the epitome of luxury hotels. It was renovated in 2017 by architect Richard Martinet, which added an underground spa and two suites designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Each room comes with butler service, and prices start at 1,070 euros for a double room.

To visit:

Castello di Ama

If you don't have the budget for a castle rental, Italy offers various wine-tasting and day tour options. The 18th-century Castello di Ama, located near Siena, combines contemporary art with wine tours and features works by Louise Bourgeois, Anish Kapoor, and Roni Horn, both indoors and in the surrounding grounds. Tours start at 65 euros, which includes tasting two Chianti Classico wines. There are five suites available.

Palais des Papes

The 14th-century palace in Avignon, France, which served as the residence of the Pope, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was described by medieval writer Jean Froissart as "the most well-fortified house in the world." This Gothic palace, located in southeast France, is Europe's largest and is made up of two buildings: the Palais Neuf (new palace) and the Palais Vieux (old palace). The old palace includes private papal apartments, massive halls, and the 52m Trouillas Tower, while the new palace houses the Great Chapel. Visitors can explore the palace for a price of 12 euros per day.

by Lucy Handley

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