Just like books, you can't always tell a house by its cover.

Barons have attended banquets in their grand dining rooms and dukes once wandered the sculpted gardens, but these French castles are still cheaper than a standard Sydney unit.

As Sydney’s property prices have skyrocketed this year, the opposite can be said across “la mer” in France where there are more than 800 castles for sale with owners taking the guillotine to initial prices.

French property specialists are claiming there are now more castles on the market than ever before, with many slipping out of local hands.

“Over the last 12 months there has been a definite trend of increased inquiries from ‘non EU’ buyers, particularly from Australia, USA and Canada,” said Joanna Leggett, director of press and marketing for Leggett Immobilier, a national French real estate agency.

She said the high number of listed castles is a result of French owners seizing the day financially.

“French vendors are looking at the weak euro, and importantly across the channel at the strong UK economy, and are deciding that now might be a good time to sell,” she said.

Ms Leggett said the price bracket with the greatest number of prestige listings is “around €1.25 million” ($1.77 million AUD, which is the median unit price in Point Piper, or house price in Randwick).

“This is seen as a starting point for chateaux in good condition, with 5 to 10ha. With the rate of exchange at the moment, this is within many people’s budget,” Ms Leggett said.

In a complete 180-degree turn from the Sydney market, Ms Leggett said French prestige property prices have actually slashed their prices in recent months.

“There’s no question — this is an excellent time to buy. Vendors are totally realistic with their prices which have dropped considerably,” she said.

And despite a string of reality renovation programs showing clueless homeowners struggling with the upkeep of a “money pit” mansion, Ms Leggett said heritage hiccups can be kept to a minimum if you do you homework.

“The good news is that you have a wide choice of beautifully presented and well-maintained chateaux on the market to choose from, you do not have to buy something that is run down and in need of full renovation to bring it up to current day standards.”

“Choose carefully at the outset (in respect of location, size and condition) and a French chateau will give you many years of enjoyable family holidays or a retirement retreat,” she said.

1.

Higher Normandy — $423,020 (€299,600)

This 13-bedroom 19th century chateau in Higher Normandy is on a rolling 2ha estate and was once home to the Lord and Mayor of Totes, France. Photo: Leggett

Maroubra — $550,000 +

No 19th century castle, this Maroubra building on Anzac Pde has a two-bedroom unit with parking that has just hit the market with a price guide of more than $550,000. Photo: realestate.com.au

2.

Picardie — $597,184 (€422,940)

This picture-perfect five-bedroom mansion in Picardie near the town of Abbeville is less than 200kms from Paris. It is on more than 6000sq m of land and features a billiard room and grand cellar.

Cronulla — $620,000 +

Although there is no romantic exterior, a two-bedroom unit in this Cronulla building on Kurnell Rd, which has a car space on title and an updated kitchen, is expected to fetch more than $620,000.

3.

Bordeaux — $606,150 (€429,300)

Considered a “petit” chateau, this grand residence is on 8000sq m of parkland in Marmande near Bordeaux and has six bedrooms, a grand stone staircase, marble fireplaces, chandeliers and even a tower.

Petersham — $635,000 +

This two-bedroom Petersham flat on New Canterbury Rd has no balcony, but does feature a built-in wardrobe and a car space for “offers over” $635,000.

4.

Poitou — $667,146 (€472,500)

There are nine bedrooms in this grand chateau in the Poitou Charentes region of south western France. It has 1610sq m of landscaped gardens, ceiling medallions, a rotunda dining room, a conservatory and a circular kitchen.

Campsie — $689,000 +

In the heart of Campsie on Sixth Ave, a three-bedroom unit in this plain Jane unit block has parking, built-in wardrobes and two balconies.

5.

Vienne — $732,801 (€519,000)

This elaborate chateau near Vienne has 14 bedrooms, seven reception rooms, a pool, a chapel, a kitchen garden a double-length drawing room and library all on a 1.4ha estate.

Zetland — $760,000 +

There may not be parklike surrounds, but this near-new two-bedroom unit in Zetland on Gadigal Ave has parking and a balcony.

6.

Midi Pyrenees — $737,037 (€522,000)

Straight off the page of a classic novel, this 19th Century chateau in the Midi Pyrenees near Biarritz has just had a whopping price discount of $245,000. It has 14 bedrooms, a pool and a stable all on 3.25ha.

Botany — $750,000 +

There are no turrets but this two-bedroom, two-bathroom and apartment high above Botany on Wilson St has a wraparound balcony and two car spaces for more than $750,000.

7.

Dordogne — $846,534 (€599,550)

Known as a “mansion bourgoise” this pretty six-residence in the Dordogne town of St Astier is built in the Belle Epoque era has an 18m entrance hall, sitting rooms, a gym and a wine cellar.

Sydney CBD — $900,000 +

OK, it might be right in the middle of Sydney’s bustling CBD on Kent St, has flash modern interiors and comes fully furnished, but this one-bedroom unit is no grand residence with just 92sq m of internal living space.

8.

Normandy — $893,764 (€633,000)

It has eight bedrooms, restored wood panelling, walled gardens, a wine store, a separate stone lodge and a barn all on 3.5ha in St Bomer less Forges near the edge of the grand Parc Naturel Regional de Normandie-Maine.

Neutral Bay — $975,000 +

In a historic building dating back to 1904, this Neutral Bay garden apartment on Ben Boyd Rd has 133sq m on title and parking and is hoping to sell for more than $975,000.

9.

Picardie — $972,833 (€689,000)

Just 138kms from Paris, this manor house in La Fere has nine bedrooms, a wine bar, disco, cinema, library and cellar inside, and out the back there is a pool, pool house, sauna, nine-hole golf course and petanque area.

Elizabeth Bay — $999,000 +

With a million-dollar price tag, this one-bedroom apartment, has no parking and no balcony, but the Elizabeth Bay apartment on Onslow Ave is all about location, location, location.

10.

Languedoc Roussillon — $1.256 million (€890,000)

Half an hour from the medieval city of Carcassonne in Languedoc Roussillon, this 1680s resort-style chateau has eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, a pool, terraced gardens and has a vineyard 50m from the front gate.

Redfern — $1.35 million +