There are so many beautiful castles in France; it’s hard to know where to start! If you’re looking for an incredible vacation destination with some of the most stunning architecture in the world, look no further than France. Castles have been a part of French culture for centuries, and there are still dozens of them that remain open to the public.
Here is our list of 20 Castles in France that you’ll want to visit!
1. Palace of Versailles
Palace of Versailles is one of the most iconic castles in France, and it’s also one of the largest. The Castle was originally built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII. Later, it was expanded into a full-fledged palace by his son, Louis XIV. The palace is full of incredible artwork and architecture, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
2. Château de Chenonceau
Château de Chenoncea is a French château located in the Loire Valley. The Castle was built in 1513–1521. It is one of the most visited castles in France, with more than 800,000 visitors each year.
The Castle was originally built as a hunting lodge for King Charles VIII. In 1535, it was given to Diane de Poitiers, the king’s mistress. She enlarged and improved the Castle, adding an arched bridge over the river Cher.
Her son, Henri II, later inherited the Castle. It passed to his wife, Catherine de Medici, upon his death. Under her ownership, the Castle became one of the most fashionable places in France. Many critical French figures, including Leonardo da Vinci, lived and worked at the Castle.
In 1792, during the French Revolution, the Castle was seized by the government and sold as a national property. It was later used as a barracks and hospital. In 1864, it was bought by Josephine Butler, an English feminist. She restored the Castle and opened it to the public.
The château is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also listed as a French national monument.
3. Chateau de Chantilly
Chateau de Chantilly is a castle located in the town of Chantilly, France. The castle is home to two museums, the Musée Condé and the Musée de l’Orangerie. The castle grounds include an art gallery, a horse museum, and a large park.
The Castle comprises two main buildings: the Grand Château and the Petit Château; The Grand Château is a French Renaissance-style chateau rebuilt around the 1870s. The Petit Château is a smaller castle that was built in 1560.
The Castle is open to the public, and visitors can explore the art galleries, museums, and gardens. The Castle is also available for private events such as weddings and corporate events. The Chateau de Chantilly is a beautiful French castle worth a visit.
4. Chateau d’Annecy
Chateau d’Annec is a castle located in the town of Annecy, France. The Castle is home to the Museum of Natural History and Fine Arts, and the castle grounds include a large park and gardens.
The Castle was built in the 12th and 16th centuries and renovated several times; the most recent renovation was completed in 2006. The Castle is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination.
The Castle is also used as a venue for weddings and other events.
In 1959, the French Ministry of Culture listed the Castle as a historical monument.
The Castle has been featured in several films, including The Man in the Iron Mask and The Three Musketeers.
5. Château de Chambord
Château de Chambord is a castle located in the Loire Valley of France. The Castle was built by Francis I of France and is one of France’s most popular tourist destinations.
The Castle is noted for its Renaissance architecture, which was very unusual at the time it was built. The design of the Castle has been copied many times since its construction.
The Castle is also home to a large deer park, open to the public. The Castle is surrounded by forest, and visitors can take walks through the forest to get to the Castle.
The Loire Valley is a beautiful area of France that is well worth visiting. Château de Chambord is one of the area’s highlights and is worth visiting. The Castle is very impressive, and the deer park is a lot of fun to explore. Be sure to check out Château de Chambord if you’re in the Loire Valley!
6. Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Château du Haut-Koenigsbour isg a castle located in the Alsace region of France. The Castle was built in the 12th century and is one of France’s most popular tourist destinations.
The Castle is noted for its location, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The Castle is also home to a large museum, which contains many artifacts from the history of the Alsace region.
The Alsace region is a beautiful area of France that is well worth visiting. Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is one of the area’s highlights and worth visiting. The Castle is very impressive, and the museum is full of interesting artifacts.
7. Château des Milandes
Château des Milande iss a castle located in the commune of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, in the Dordogne department in southwestern France.
The Castle was built in the 15th century by the French knight and lord of the manor, Jacques de Milandes.
During the Hundred Years’ War, the Castle changed hands several times between the English and the French.
In 1485, it was seized by Jean I de Foix-Béarn, who made it his residence.
The Castle remained in the hands of the Foix-Béarn family until 1569, when Catherine de Medici acquired it as part of her dowry on her marriage to Henry II of Navarre.
The Castle was then passed down to the kings of France and was used as a royal residence by King Louis XIII and King Louis XIV.
In 1715, the Duke of Bourbon gave the Castle, who added a wing in the Italian style.
The Castle remained in the hands of the Bourbon family until the French Revolution, when it was nationalized.
In 1807, the Castle was sold to a private owner who carried out extensive restoration work on the building.
The Castle is now open to the public and houses a museum dedicated to Joan of Arc.
However, Josephine Baker, a celebrated dancer, and singer born in Saint-Louis, Missouri in 1906 and died in Paris in 1975, is the most famous resident of Château des Milandes.
8. Château De Val
Château De Val is a castle located in the commune of Val-lès-Bains, in the Ardèche department in southeastern France.
The Castle was built in the 15th century by the French knight and lord of the manor, Hugues de Val.
The Castle is surrounded by an artificial lake, which was added in the 18th century.
The Castle has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1971.
The Castle is open to the public, and visitors can tour the interior of the Castle and the grounds and gardens.
9. Chateau de Queribus
Chateau de Queribu is a castle located in the commune of Queribus, in the Aude department in southern France.
The Castle was built in the 11th century and is one of the so-called “Cathar Castles” used as fortresses by the Cathar people during the Albigensian Crusade.
The Castle has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1926.
Many renovations have been made to the Castle over the years, and it is now open to the public for tours.
If you’re ever in south France, be sure to check out Chateau de Queribus! It’s a beautiful piece of history that is definitely worth a visit. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get a chance to see some ghosts.
10. Palais des Papes
Palais des Pape ss, or the Palace of the Popes, is in Avignon, southern France. It was initially built as a fortress in the 14th century and was later used as a papal residence.
The palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to tours. If you’re ever in Avignon, be sure to visit this impressive structure!
The palace is made up of two main parts: the fortified tower and the residential section.
The fortified tower was built in the 13th century as a fortress and is now used as the entrance to the palace. The residential section was added in the 14th century and was used as the papal residence.
The palace is decorated with Gothic and Renaissance architecture and features several beautiful courtyards and gardens. It’s definitely worth a visit.
11. Château des Baux de Provence
Château des Baux de Provence ee is a medieval castle located in the town of Les Baux-de-Provence, in southern France.
The Castle was originally built in the 10th century and has been added to and renovated over the years. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public for tours.
The Castle is famous for its imposing architecture and its stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s also home to several art exhibits and historical displays.
If you’re ever in the area, be sure to visit Château des Baux de Provence—it’s worth it!
12. Château Comtal de Carcassonne
Château Comtal de Carcassonn ee is a castle located in the town of Carcassonne, in the Aude department of southern France. The Castle was built in the 12th century, and it is one of the largest and most well-preserved castles in Europe.
The Castle features a large keep and walls and towers that were all built in the original Romanesque style. Several Gothic additions were made to the Castle in later centuries.
The Castle is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
13. Roquetaillade
Roquetaillade is a commune in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in southwestern France. The Château de Roquetaillade is a castle located in the commune of Roquetaillade.
The Castle was built in the 14th century, and it is now a listed historical monument.
The Castle has been in the same family for over 700 years. The current owner is Jean-Yves de Roquetaillade.
The château is open to visitors from April to September. It is also available for weddings and other events.
14. Chateau de Fontainebleau
Chateau de Fontainebleau, one of the largest French royal chateaux, was the home of many monarchs, including Louis VII, Napoleon I, and Napoleon III. The Castle is located in the town of Fontainebleau, south-east of Paris.
The first records of a castle on the site date back to 1137 when Louis VII built a hunting lodge on the land. In 1225, Louis VIII expanded the lodge into a full-blown castle. Francis I further enlarged the Castle in the 16th century and added Renaissance features to the building.
In 1528, Henry II died at Chateau de Fontainebleau after being injured in a jousting tournament. His death effectively ended the Valois dynasty and ushered in the age of the Bourbon kings.
Many of the Castle’s valuable artworks were looted and destroyed during the French Revolution. The Castle was also used as a prison for noblemen who opposed the revolution. In 1814, Napoleon I abdicated at Fontainebleau and was exiled to Elba.
In 1870, Napoleon III was overthrown, and the French Third Republic was proclaimed from Chateau de Fontainebleau.
The Castle is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open to visitors. It features beautiful gardens, Renaissance architecture, and artworks from some of the most famous artists in history, including Leonardo da Vinci.
If you’re ever in Paris, be sure to add Chateau de Fontainebleau to your list of places to visit! You won’t be disappointed.
15. Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel is a small rocky island located off the coast of Normandy, France. The island is home to a medieval abbey and fortress which sits atop a granite outcrop.
In the early eighth century, the abbey was founded by Saint Aubert, bishop of Avranches. According to legend, the archangel Michael visited Aubert, who instructed him to build a church on the rocky island.
The abbey’s construction began in the eleventh century and was completed in the thirteenth century. The fortress was built in the fourteenth century to protect against attacks from England.
Today, Mont Saint Michel is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the abbey, fortress, and the surrounding village. The island can be reached by a bridge from the mainland or by a boat from the port of Avranches.
This Castle has been home to several groups like the franks and Gallon-Romans. It has been a popular tourist destination for centuries because of its unique location and history. The village on the island is also beautiful and well-preserved. I recommend visiting this place if you’re ever in France!
16. Chateau d’Amboise
Chateau d’Amboise is a castle located in the Loire Valley of France. The Castle was built in the fifteenth century by Louis d’Amboise, and it has been used as a royal residence by French monarchs ever since.
The Castle is situated on a hill overlooking the town of Amboise. It has a rectangular layout with four towers at each corner. The main entrance to the Castle is through a drawbridge over a moat.
The Castle has many exciting features, including the Chapel of St. Hubert, built-in 1491, and is considered one of France’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture.
The Castle is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination. This chateau is designed to welcome tourists from all around the world. The Castle has a lot of rooms that are open to the public, which is one of its main features with Renaissance decorative motifs.
17. Château de Flaugergues
Château de Flaugergues is a castle located in the town of Sérignan, in the Hérault department of southern France.
The Castle was built in the thirteenth century, and the same family has owned it for over seven hundred years.
The Castle is situated on a hilltop overlooking the town of Sérignan. It has a rectangular layout with four towers at each corner. The main entrance to the Castle is through a drawbridge over a moat.
The Castle has many interesting features, including the Chapel of St. Blaise, which was built in the fifteenth century and is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in France.
The Castle is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination.
18. Rocamadour
Rocamadour is a small town in southwest France that is home to the shrine of Saint Amadour. The shrine consists of a chapel and a crypt, which contain the relics of Saint Amadour. Rocamadour was founded in the 12th century by pilgrims traveling to Spain to visit the tomb of Saint James. Rocamadour became a popular pilgrimage site and attracted pilgrims from all over Europe.
The town of Rocamadour is built on a cliff overlooking the River Dordogne. The cliffs are honeycombed with caves, which the inhabitants of Rocamadour used in ancient times. The most famous cave in Rocamadour is the Grotte de Lourdes, which Saint Amadour used as a place of retreat.
Rocamadour is a beautiful town, and its location on the cliffs makes it one of the most picturesque towns in France. The shrine of Saint Amadour is a popular tourist attraction, and Rocamadour is also home to the famous Gouffre de Padirac cave.
19. Chateau de la Roche Courbon
Chateau de la Roche Courbo is a castle located in the town of Saint-Aignan, in the Loir-et-Cher department of central France. The Castle was built in the fourteenth century, and the same family has owned it for over six hundred years.
The Castle is situated on a hill overlooking the town of Saint-Aignan, and a moat surrounds it. The Castle has many rooms, including a great hall, a dining room, a library, and several bedrooms.
The Castle also has a chapel, which is open to the public.
The Chateau de la Roche Courbon is open to the public for tours, and it is also possible to rent the Castle for special events. The Castle has a restaurant, which serves traditional French cuisine. There is also a gift shop on site.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of France, or if you are looking for a unique place to visit, the Chateau de la Roche Courbon is worth a visit.
20. Chateau de Verteuil
Chateau de Verteuil is a castle located in the commune of Verteuil-sur-Charente, in the department of Charente, France. The Castle is situated on a hill overlooking the river Charente.
The first records of the castle date back to 1080, when it was mentioned in a charter of Geoffrey II, Duke of Aquitaine. The Castle was originally built as a defensive fortress, and it has been expanded and renovated over the centuries.
In 1814, the Castle was acquired by the Marquis de la Rochejaquelein, who undertook a significant restoration.
The Castle remained in the Rochejaquelein family until 1944, when the French government confiscated it.
The Castle is now open to the public, and visitors can explore the Castle’s interior, including the grand hall, the kitchens, and the bedrooms. There is also a museum located in the Castle, displaying artifacts from the Rochejaquelein family collection.
Look for the Hunt of the Unicorn tapestries when visiting the Chateau de Verteuil. These six tapestries, dating back to the late 15th century, depict the hunting of a unicorn. They were acquired by the Marquis de la Rochejaquelein in 1814 and are now on display in the castle museum.
Conclusion: Castles are a staple of French history and culture, dotting the landscape from north to south. There are so many amazing castles in France that it can be hard to choose which ones to visit on your next trip- but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
We have listed the top 20 of the most incredible castles in France that will leave you breathless and for you to explore on your next trip.
Castles in France come in all shapes and sizes, from fairytale turrets to imposing fortresses. Some are open to the public, others are privately owned, but all of them will leave you spellbound.
