France is a country with all kinds of castles: from fortified castles dating back to the Middle Ages, to the finest and more refined castles from the Renaissance, there’s something to like for anyone and they’re all majestic.
15) Château du Haut Koenigsbourg
With its red stones and medieval architecture, the Château du Haut Koenigsbourg is quite imposing from the top of its mountain.
The panoramic view offered by the castle is breathtaking, making it worth the climb.
14) Château de Carcassonne
The legendary medieval town of Occitanie, the Château de Carcassonne is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in France.
With its typical medieval towers, imposing fortifications and its vantage point on the hill over the city of Carcassonne, thiscastle is a real masterpiece of human engineering.
13) Château de Rambouillet
Located in the Île-de-France region, the Château de Rambouillet shines with its blend of Renaissance and classical architecture styles, including slate roofs and white and yellow stones.
The gardens, designed by the famous André Le Nôtre, add pleasant vegetation to the building, making it the ideal place to hang out after visiting the castle.
12) Château de Cheverny
He may look familiar, and it’s not a coincidence, because it’s the castle that inspired the Château de Moulinsard, where captain Haddock lives in “The adventures of Tintin “ !
Located in the Loire valley, this castle is characterized by its classical architecture, perfect symmetry and rather elegant style.
The interior is as classy as the exterior. With its well-preserved vintage furniture and tapestries, it’s a truly fascinating place to visit!
11) Château de la Rochefoucauld
A castle which once belonged to the famous French family of the Rochefoucauld, this building perfectly blends medieval architecture and Renaissance-style elements together.
With its towers breaking through the architecture’s straight lines, French formal garden, sculptures and fountains, the Château de Rochefoucauld radiates French charm.
10) Château de Saumur
Located in the Loire valley, the Château de Saumur is a perfect blend of Renaissance style and medieval architecture.
Its large towers, moats and mullioned windows are a particular mix, yet still elegant.
And the gardens around the castle, they have quite the rustic charm!
9) Château de Compiègne
Located in the city of Compiègne, this castle is special because it was home to both Napoléon I and Napoléon III as an imperial residence, this is indeed very unique.
Also, the blend of Neo-Renaissance and classical style offers a truly imposing result, with its main entry and four columns.
The interior also reflects the imperial era, with its sumptuous lounges and bedrooms.
Its French formal gardens contrast with the nearby forest, but overall the result works really well.
8) Château de Valençay
The Château de Valençay, located in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a fascinating blend of classical, neo-classical and Renaissance styles.
Its architecture is highlighted by the French formal gardens, with their geometric flower beds, hedges and statues.
The interior is also worth visiting, with its sumptuous rooms and their vintage furniture, bearing witness to Napoléon I’s time as a resident.
Its orangery and tropical greenhouse adds charm, offering a little break from typical French gardens.
7) Château d’Ussé
Located (again!) in the Loire valley, the Château d’Ussé looks like it came straight out of a fairytale book, with its singular architecture blending medieval structures and Renaissance styles.
The garden’s flower beds are stunning,making it look like we’re in Sleeping Beauty’s castle.
The inside is magnificent, with its original tapestries, furniture and works of arts that fills the castle.
6) Château de Azay le Rideau
With its distinctive Renaissance style, slate roofs, mullioned windows and slender spires, this castle in the Loire valley looks like it’s floating on water.
That’s right, this castle is built on a small island in the middle of the Indre River, which gives it an incredible charm, even more so when night falls and the lights turn on!
Its French formal gardens, coupled with its location, is a majestic blend of natural and human achievement!
5) Château de Fontainebleau
Let’s leave the Loire region a bit to move on to the Île-de-France region, with a castle blending multiple styles: medieval, rococo, Renaissance and classical.
Its interior is filled with vintage furniture, tapestries and paintings, but what’s really interesting is the Galerie François Ier ! Its painted ceiling and frescoes on the walls are a must-see and make this castle a real beauty.
The castle, with its French formal garden, is surrounded by the Fontainebleau forest, adding some gorgeous character to the building.
4) Château de Chantilly
Located in the Hauts-de-France region, the castle blends both Renaissance and medieval styles and gives us a majestic view of the lake surrounding it.
In addition to its meticulous aesthetic, the castle is known for housing some important art collections, like the Galerie des Actions de Monsieur le Prince, the Musée Condé and the castle’s library, a real paradise for art lovers.
3) Château de Chenonceau
Standing in the Loire valley region (that region again!), this castle from the Renaissance is an absolute masterpiece to look at.
With its arches, decorative windows and elegant lines, this castle is simply magnificent.
The gardens surrounding the castle are a work of art in themselves, and the river crossing under the castle offers a phenomenal view..
The Galerie, built on the bridge showcases its massive windows, and proposes a shining backdrop. Formerly used for balls and receptions, we can now visit it and it’s a delight.
2) Château de Chambord
One of the largest castles of the Loire region, the Château de Chambord stands out with its gigantic façade and its beautiful symmetrical Renaissance architecture.
Surrounded by forest parkland, the castle and its gardens blend remarkably well with nature and offer a singular but magnificent backdrop.
The inside of the castle features Leonardo Da Vinci’s double spiral staircase, something new at the time which contributed to the castle’s renown.
1) Palace of Versailles
One of the most famous castles in the world, the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) is a masterpiece of Baroque and classical styles.
The gilding on the roofs, the majestic façade, the gateway to the castle and its overall aesthetic make this castle a jewel of French heritage.
With its French formal gardens, the Hall of Mirrors and its collection of works of art, like sculptures, paintings or tapestries, it’s a never-ending show that’s beautiful and awe-inspiring!
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
