Spooky Hotels and Haunted Inns That Keep the Legends Alive

14. Château de Brissac – The Green Lady’s Eternal Lament

Standing as one of the tallest castles in France, Château de Brissac is an awe-inspiring yet ominous sight. Known as the "Giant of the Loire Valley," this magnificent estate boasts seven stories, over 200 rooms, and a history steeped in tragedy. Though the castle today operates as a luxury hotel, its grandeur is overshadowed by the chilling legend of La Dame Verte (The Green Lady)—one of Europe’s most famous ghosts. The ghost is said to be Charlotte de Brézé, the illegitimate daughter of King Charles VII. According to legend, Charlotte met a gruesome fate at the hands of her husband, Jacques de Brézé, who discovered her affair with another man. In a fit of jealous rage, Jacques brutally murdered her in their chamber, stabbing her multiple times. Ever since, her tormented spirit is said to haunt the halls of Château de Brissac, forever wandering its vast corridors, unable to find peace. Guests and staff have reported eerie encounters with Charlotte’s ghastly apparition, describing her as a shadowy female figure draped in a green gown, with hollow, blackened eyes and an agonized expression. Even more terrifying, her mournful cries are said to echo through the castle, particularly in the dead of night. Some visitors have awakened to the sound of a soft whisper in their ears, only to find their room empty. Despite its ghostly reputation, Château de Brissac remains a stunning and historically rich destination, offering tours that blend its elegant Renaissance architecture with chilling ghost stories. Whether you come for the fine wine and luxury or to seek out the Green Lady yourself, this castle promises a hauntingly unforgettable stay.