The castle overlooks the picturesque town of Coppet and the shores of the lac Léman. It is known primarily as the seat of Europe's most prestigious literary and cultural "salon" in the late-18th century. Presided over by the remarkable Madame de Stael, one of the era's few real female intellectuals, the castle became a hotbed of Romantic ideology and a refuge for liberal artists in the post-French-Revolution years.

Famous as a hostess, beauty, muse and author in her own right (her novel Corinne was one of the most talked about in the late-18th century), de Stael created a serious name for herself as European "ambassador", welcoming all nationalities to her home. Illustrious visitors included Lord Byron (who writes of Coppet in his letters and diaries), artist Madame Vigée-Lebrun and author Benjamin Constant, who was also de Stael's lover.

The castle remains in a state near identical to that of the Romantic era, complete with original furniture and (unlike in many museums) the rooms still have a lived-in feel. If you're feeling rich, the building can be booked for conventions or a truly romantic wedding. The poorer visitor must make do with the 35-minute guided tour, although groups of more than 20 can book ahead for special opening times.

A delightful tour of an evocative site, a visit to Coppet is best supplemented by lots of reading of Byron, Sand or Châteaubriand for that real Romantic touch.