Simon Cowell’s Judges’ Houses will be held at a French palace.
The 55-year-old music mogul – who has previously hosted the next stage of ‘The X Factor’ from his home in Los Angeles and a villa in Marbella – reportedly ordered staff to find a venue "fit for a king".
A source said: "Simon’s judges’ house has often been in the US or further afield, but logistics meant it was better to stay in Europe this year.
"After Simon told them he wanted a lavish, regal-style castle in France they found a location that seems to be perfect."
Simon – who is usually joined by Sinitta at Judges’ Houses – is said to have asked One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson to help him decide which contestants from the over 25 category to put through to the live shows.
The insider told the The Sun newspaper: "It has a fantastic outside performance space and luxurious accommodation for Simon and Louis to relax in between filming. Simon is over the moon about it."
Elsewhere, BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw will be taking the boys category to his hometown Manchester while Rita Ora has decided on Beverly Hills for the girls and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini will take the groups to Rome.
Simon Cowell heads to france for Judges’ Houses
