To some people, it doesn’t matter if you call it a castle, château or palace, but it’s still good to be aware of the differences to avoid confusion when you’re visiting châteaux, palaces, and castles in France. With such a rich history, Château de Ripaille is considered part of France’s political and religious heritage. But what do you expect from a château that was gifted to a mistress of a king? Click here to book your day trip to Mont Saint Michel from Paris. This list of the most beautiful castles in France may look short to those who know about the long history of this country. Chateaus of France. Top France Castles: See reviews and photos of castles in France, Europe on Tripadvisor. This means that should you click on certain links, and then Besides the abbey complex, the grounds of Saint Michel include charming gardens, stunning panoramic views, historic sites, and artist studios. Fouquet was imprisoned for life, his wife was exiled, and Colbert sold everything within the castle’s estate. Due to its beauty, it was often disputed between powerful French women like Queen Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. The château was utterly lavish and became an object of jealousy. Now part of Institute of France, the castle belonged for many decades to Duke Aumale, a passionate art lover who donated his collections on the condition they would remain in the castle. Where: Saint-PorchaireWhen: 15th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. It was demolished in the 15th century to make way for the present building.Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Where: Rue du Château,  SullyWhen: 14th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Château de Val is one of the most beautiful castles in central France. WORK WITH US But don’t, there are extraordinary gardens just beyond the castle walls. Required fields are marked *. When WWII began, the castle became a sort of holding center for the national treasures of Paris and the North of France. Now a UNESCO heritage site, the castle is surrounded by charming landscaped gardens which visitors can freely explore. Built in the 14th-century, the castle has belonged to the same family ever since. A mix of Renaissance and Gothic style features, the castle has beautifully decorated interiors where one can find medieval tapestries and armor, artworks, and period furniture. From then on, the Renaissance-style castle remained unchanged, with 19th-century additions to the interiors. Boasting 17 shale and limestone towers to ward off enemies, it overlooks the Maine River and has two distinct architectural components: St. Louis’ fortress and the dynastic court. The Loire Valley is a lush and verdant river valley which is well known for its splendorous castles. Middle-Ages = Moyen Âge (m) 10. Over the centuries, the Château de Chenonceau was designed by a long list of women. Castles and chateau for sale in France Sotheby's International Realty France - Monaco is the ideal partner for your luxury real estate project. Besides the intriguing history, the castle has stunning apartments filled with period furniture, medieval tapestries, and artworks. Additionally, the English style garden is a perfect place to relax and admire the beautiful nature and the interesting architecture of the castle. Originally a 12th-century castle built on a rocky hillside above Alsace, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg has suffered many transformations over the centuries. The final owner and art collector, Henri d’Orléans, bequeathed Château de Chantilly to the Institut of France in 1886. This estate is two castles in one – the Petit Château, built in 1560, and the Grande Château, which was destroyed in the French Revolution and has since been rebuilt. He led the king to believe that the château was built using misappropriated public funds. Where: ChevernyWhen: 14th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Several art galleries also function on the grounds. Most tourists visit at least one of them! Click here to buy your skip the line tickets to Château de Vincennes. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com/Vivvi Smak. The bridge that Diane built is the reason the château is still standing today. France is home to thousands of castles and if you want to see some of the best French castles that France has to offer, you’ve come to the right place. Click here to buy fast track tickets to Château de Pierrefonds. There are hundreds of castles in France, many of which were built in the Middle Ages. Please, please keep up the videos! Due to being privately owned, the castle can only be visited on a guided tour. Where: Verteuil-sur-CharenteWhen: It dates back to 1080 and has since been extensively rebuiltOpen for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. Drinking iced coffee when it’s cold out. Where: Loire ValleyWhen: 10th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. The estate has as much land mass as Paris! Only 60 kilometers away from Paris, it’s an amazing day trip choice. Today, however, it is a beautiful museum with a rich history worth exploring. In 1793, the National Convention, a new revolutionary government, forced everything within the palace to be sold at auction. Where: Saint-Geniez-ô-MerleWhen: 12th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. A mix of Classicism and Renaissance styles, the castle is famous for its opulent interiors and large, unique gardens. Do the French still go to the bakery and pick up breads and pastries? So, walking through this French castle is like stepping back in time. Click here to book your fast track ticket to Château d’Angers. After Fouquet was out of the way, three different families bought and sold the palace. Click here to book your tickets to Fort de Salses. I can’t believe it took me until this fall to go see it in person! Letting your hair down. << In need of a Loire Valley hotel while there? Castles for sale in France. Once measuring 140 meters long (100 meters of which are on display), this tapestry tells the story of the apocalypse from the Book of Revelation by Saint John. It was enlarged in the 15th-century with a grand tower and a drawbridge, and new additions transformed it into a residence for its owners of noble descent. Most recent renovations date from the 1990s. I have visited the Palace of Versailles. Spectacular renovations have brought it to its former glory, and today it is home to the Museum of Medieval Warfare and its large collections of weapons and armor. They hired the now homeless villagers, all 18,000 of them, to maintain the gardens. The region has plenty of places to visit, namely a huge quantity of medieval buildings, including numerous Romanesque and Gothic churches, castles, and the iconic half-timbered houses visible in many villages, towns, and cities. Where: FontainebleauWhen: The first building was constructed between 1528 and 1540Open for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. Plus get my FREE GUIDE with 24 DOs & DON'Ts to keep in mind when visiting France! Where: Dordogne regionWhen: 15th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Set in the south of France, near Montpellier and the Mediterranean coast, Flaugergues is a charming castle with striking interiors. Thank you again and best regards, Leigh. Château de Bonaguil is a fortified structure from the early 17th-century, now mostly in ruins. Château Comtal is a must-see for lovers of historic beauty and romantic settings, especially as it is a UNESCO heritage site. The château looks as it was, and the layout of the collections has remained unchanged over the centuries. Where: Mazères near BordeauxWhen: 18th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Château de Verteuil was built in 1080 to serve as a private residence for the La Rochefoucauld family, and it has been owned by the same family for a bit less than a millennium. Add these and more to your travel plan They sold off the art, the mirrors, the baths, kitchen equipment, and the furniture in 17,000 different lots. Where: Chantilly, (about 50 kilometres north of Paris)When: 1560Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Now the castle is a vast museum of armor, weapons and medieval artifacts. Being comfortable but finding a way to push yourself. Besides visiting to see the Château de Chantilly’s grandeur, the Musée Conde holds the second-largest collection of artwork in France, outside of the Louvre. France Castles for Sale - Castles in France. The castle retains the look of how it was in the 14th and 15th centuries. Where: 3 Rue Principale, VillandryWhen: 16th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Where: Les Fontilles, LanobreWhen: 1514–1522Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information. We occasionally have "off-market" chateaux and domaines, most sell before they come to the market, so feel free to email our experts about your chateau project. Château de la Roche Courbon is still a private residence, and inner access is only allowed by guided tour. May 19, 2015 - Explore Pia Bondesson's board "Castles in France", followed by 142 people on Pinterest. Its largest collections focus on paintings and sculptures. Traveling to places that intrigue you. Originally a wood structure built in the 11th-century, Château de Joux was gradually extended into a powerful fort complex three centuries later. The long history of Château de Vitre begins in the 11th-century when the castle was built as a massive stone fortress. Or nothing? Beautifully renovated, the stunning castle and its romantic location amid the vines attract many visitors. Haut-Koenigsbourg is a great day trip choice from Strasbourg. To reach the castle, visitors must follow a series of steep stairs up on the hillside. The initial Château des Ducs de Bretagne was built in the 13th-century but was demolished two centuries later when the current ducal castle was built to replace it. The castle underwent significant restoration in the 19th-century under the supervisions of Gothic expert Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. This 12th-century castle has had a tumultuous history, being burned to the ground in the Middle Ages by King Charles VII. The following kings and royals lived off and on in the palace, but it started to fall into disrepair during the Revolution. It’s incredible with all kinds of restaurants and shops to visit, not to mention a busy Sunday morning market along the river. Only 55 kilometers away from Paris, Fontainebleau is one of the most visited French castles. France is home to thousands of castles and if you want to see some of the best French castles that France has to offer, you’ve come to the right place. Visitors can find today a striking structure which houses a large collection of arms, ammunition, instruments of war, and other military artifacts. Thank you again, Diane! These are some of the top options! After reconstruction, the castle suffered few other modifications. Here are our choices for, and reviews of, the very best castles, manor houses & chateaux to rent in France in 2021! Since 1642, it belongs to France. POLICIES • TERMS AND PRIVACY, CONTACT US Angers is just 185 miles from Paris in the Maine-et-Loire department and our castle is worth a visit. The beautiful château sits in the heart of the Loire Valley with spectacular views over the Cher River. Where: Les AndelysWhen: 12th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. I enjoyed reading it as well as other parts of your website. Offering amazing views over the Dordogne Valley, Château de Castelnaud is a beautiful example of a medieval fortress. Because it was only built as a hunting lodge for short stays, there was no thought given to heating the rooms to make them livable for long periods. Nicolas Fouquet (King Louis XIV’s superintendent of finances) built this Baroque French Château from 1658-1661 as a dedication to the king. During the 17th century, much of it started to decay and a restoration project fixed much of this in the 19th century. ), how do you know narrow down which ones are worth a visit?Here are our picks for the top 15 castles in France that you absolutely must visit. Head inside and you’ll see it also houses the renowned Apocalypse Tapestry, which Louis I the Duke of Anjou commissioned near the end of the 14th century. Now considered a historic monument, Montresor surprises with its picturesque location and classic architecture. What comes to mind when you think of France? Built between 1526 and 1530, the castle was owned by several noble families and important political figures until the French Revolution. One of the most famous castles in the world and the largest castle in the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord is a quintessential part of France history and heritage. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com/HUANG Zheng. All of the castles on my list of fairytale castles in France have been used at some point in time for defending purposes. But, of course, more affordable and cheaper castles on the luxury real estate market of France also appear with prices under US$500K. I enjoyed every word! Château d’Annecy is a gorgeous castle located at the heart of Annecy, a small town on the shore of Lake Annecy in southern France. In 1892, it was purchased by Frédéric Engel-Gros, a French businessman and art lover who used it as a country house. Although the interiors lack furniture and decorations, the exterior has a charming configuration. Best Castle Hotels in France, Europe: See traveler reviews, candid photos and great deals on castle hotels in France on Tripadvisor. Where: La Cluse-et-MijouxWhen: 11th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Click here to book your tickets to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. Where: Near MontpellierWhen: 1696Open for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. affiliate links. One of the most renowned features is the three-story, double-helix staircase in the center of the keep. In turn, Colbert evicted Fouquet and had him arrested by D’Artagnan, captain of the King’s Musketeers (as in Three Musketeers). Chateau de Chenonceau Bienvenue! However, the king was rarely there. You get an interactive tablet on the self-guided tour that shows all kinds of information as you enter each room including what it looked like back in the day. With more than fifty towers that offer views over the Aude River, the castle is straight out of a storybook. This led to a mix of styles and features, which makes Château de Verteuil a unique and interesting sight. Getting excited about life’s simple pleasures. Speaking of how many castles are listed for sale in France in 2020-2021 overall, JamesEdition offers 412 chateaus with prices up to US$141M. Whether you prefer medieval fortresses, charming châteaux or opulent palaces, France has it all. Click here to buy your skip the line tickets to the Palace of Versailles (there is also an option with transfer from Paris). France is the most visited country in the world, which is not surprising given its diversity. In the 16th-century, this historic monument was owned by Maximiliano de Béthune, the first Duke of Sully, who developed the fortress into a more refined residence, adding important features and creating a park. 2021's top castles in France include Palais des Papes, Chateau de Chambord + Chateau de Castelnaud. The Carcassonne castle is one of France’s oldest castles and for over 5,000 years it has been occupied. Palace of the Popes is the largest Gothic structure in Europe and one of the most significant constructions from the Middle Ages. Click here to book your tickets to Château de Chambord. Where: AvignonWhen: 14th CenturyOpen for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. Today, the castle is still one of the prettiest French châteaux. Built in the 12th-century on a rocky hill, the castle went through several transformations, being captured by the English during the Hundred Years War. Today, the castle is a protected historic monument which hosts events and exhibitions. Loire Valley = Vallée de la Loire (f), Val de Loire (m) 9. If you aren’t able to visit inside, you can still revel in its beauty from the path along the Cher, where I took the above photo. It served for centuries as a place of retreat for French royals, but Napoleon III decided in 1860 to donate the castle to the municipality of Paris. Located in the stunning region known as the Loire Valley, Château d’Amboise has been sitting for centuries in the center of the small town of Amboise. You might be surprised to learn it is smack dab in the center of the lively city. From the Paris region to out by me in the Loire Valley, there’s no shortage of breathtaking castles to visit in France, so let’s check out some of my favorites all worthy of a visit on your next trip to France! From the 17th-century to the 19th-century, the castle functioned as a prison. Château de l’Islette is one of the most unique castles in France due to its location on a small island on the River Indre, which has also given its name: l’Islette actually means “small island” in French. Going after what you want. Yes, I’m biased, but really, it is one of a kind. With 2,300 sumptuous rooms, immense gardens, and a Grand Canal, Versailles sees millions of visitors each year. During my travels I was fascinated by the history and beauty of castles and I created this space to share my passion with you. luxury guide. ), King Henry II’s mistress. Château de la Roche Courbon is a fortified castle built in the 15th-century, which was redesigned in the 17th-century to serve as a private residence. The construction on Château de Vaux le Vicomte began in 1656 and was overseen by Louis XIV, which led to the castle becoming the first example of French Classicism infused with Louis XIV style features, which later became immensely popular in France. Thanks again. Chateau d'Andlau (Bas-Rhin) It is the views as much as the castle itself at Chateau Andlau that provide a substantial part of the attraction. Hello, I am Chrysoula, welcome to my blog where I share my journey of discovering historical castles around Europe. The forest surrounding this French castle was teeming with wild boar and deer, perfect for hunting. One of the most attractive things about the castle is its location on a hill, with views over Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains. The site is incredibly well done! Besides the fairy-tale exterior with towers and turrets, the interiors of the castle are also stunning, housing magnificent art collections and Renaissance furniture and tapestries. The ruins of a large castle complex, Tours de Merle is located on a side of the Massif Central. Making time for your pet. We're a media company not an agent so we cover the entire 'castles for sale' market in South East France. The french architecture of all of the castles or chateaux ever built is nothing short of spectacular. With thousands of French castles out there (yes, thousands! Due to its location, the castle is highly attractive as a day trip from either Toulouse or Montpelier. Built for King Francis 1, the castle is a striking example of Renaissance style structures with unique features that contribute to its fairy-tale like aura. There is something about France that inspires our imaginations. Below is our list of the most extraordinary castles in France to visit. Quickly, the Palais became one of the main centers of European Christianity. Although in ruins due to several sieges during the 100 Years’ War, the feudal complex has retained some of its grandeur and is now a listed as a historic monument. Located in the Dordogne region, in the south of France, Château des Milandes is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The Palace of Versailles is another day trip from Paris but in the opposite direction of Château de Chantilly and a bit easier to get to if you don’t want to drive — a simple ride on the RER C. It was the principal royal residence from 1682-1789 and is the most visited castle in France. Please read my FAQ before placing an order for sizing help and my return policy. Situated in a region between France and Catalonia that now is part of the French Pyrenees, the castle has had a troubling history but lost its strategic importance after being repeatedly besieged. Although now a private residence, the castle can be visited with a guided tour which includes a visit to the former monastery, to the Amadeus room which houses a large collection of medieval objects, and to the terrace. Where: Rue Viollet le Duc, PierrefondsWhen: 1393-1407Open for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. Let’s keep moving forward. Where: PerigordWhen: 12th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Art from the Louvre and other museums was relocated there for safekeeping to protect it from the German forces. Take a day out of Paris’s hustle and bustle and head to Château de Chantilly, only 50 km north of the city. The forest is home to interesting prehistoric caves. The design of the building, the interiors, and the landscape followed the vision of Louis XIV who wanted to build the most magnificent castle in France. The oldest one is the Château de Thil, started in 850 AD, and the most recent one is the Château On the grounds of the castle, there are often free activities and entertainment available for both adults and children. Set amid plenty of other important medieval structures, the castle was built in the 13th-century and expanded in the 16th-century to its current form. The family also moved their rich art collections and period furniture into the castle. Where: Place Pierre de Brosse, LangeaisWhen: Between 1465 and 1469Open for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. Built at the end of the 12th-century by Richard Lionheart, the castle passed down from the English to the French and back several times, before being demolished at the order of French King Henry IV in 1599. In 1661, Louis XIV decided to enlarge and embellish the existing château into a palatial retreat for entertainment on a massive scale. Click here to buy your fast track tickets for Palais des Papes & Pont d’Avignon. The castle is located on the right bank of Indrois River, in the region known as Central Loire Valley. From 1914 to 1918, it was converted to a military hospital where 2250 wounded soldiers were treated. It has a wealth of useful information, and I wish I’d had such information available when I was a French student (many, many moons ago!). Castle Blet (18) Property with profitability ,feudal castle and outbuildings on 10ha 15a 61ca 8 km from a town with all amenities, 10ha 15a 61ca estate including an 11th, 16th and 19th century chateau and numerous outbuildings all undergoing rehabilitation. Even though it is only two hours from Paris, the forest surrounding this French castle makes it feel like you are in another world. If the weather allows for it, take your time visiting the gardens outside in addition to doing the tour that takes you inside the castle’s rooms. Click here to buy your skip the line tickets to the Chateau de Chantilly. Alsace. Visitors can explore the ruins all year round, while the king’s rooms are only open to access during the high season, from March to November. Built in the 12th-century, Merle included actually seven castles and two chapels at its peak of development in the 14th-century. How many castles in France have you had the pleasure of seeing in person? With pieces by Raphael, Botticelli, and Sassetta, it’s tempting to spend the whole day inside. Although not technically a castle, Mont Saint Michel is one of the most spectacular sights in France. Located in Verteuil, a small village on the banks of Charente River, the castle suffered a lot of damage throughout the centuries, being destroyed and rebuilt repeatedly. Perhaps the biggest castle in France, some of the walls of it date back to the 5th century! Thanks for this wonderful post! It’s on the left bank of the Loire River not far from Tours and is easily accessible by train. Where: Near AvranchesWhen: 13th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. During the summer, medieval-themed activities await curious visitors. They often welcomed literary figures and artists, including Leonardo da Vinci whose tomb is preserved at the château. Your email address will not be published. Work on the estate began in 1661, but it took 21 years before Louis the XIV deemed it large enough and opulent enough to move the entire royal court and the French government. Click here to book your tickets for the castle and the ramparts. The King promptly fired Fouquet and hired Colbert in his place. Fortunately, the demolition did not affect the thick walls, and the castle’s ruins remained an impressive sight for centuries to come. Château de Beynac is a wonderfully preserved fortress, strategically built atop a cliff in Perigord. Founded in the 9th century by the Counts of Anjou and expanded in the 13th century, this medieval Château d’Angers is easily the most stunning tourist attraction in Angers. Renovations are still ongoing today. close France. Château de Pierrefonds is a beautiful castle located on the edge of the Forest of Compiegne, near Paris. Carved out of rock, the 12th-century fortress is an authentic glimpse into early medieval times. The grounds of the castle include a tourist train which rides through the English-style gardens and a large pond where visitors can hire a boat. Where: Saint-Front-sur-LémanceWhen: 17th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Located in the Loire Valley near many other impressive castles, Château of Villandry is the last grand castle dating back to the Renaissance era. Where: 2 Promenade du Bout du Monde, ΑngersWhen: Its construction began in the 9th century and was expanded to its present size in the 13th century.Open for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. Perched on a tall hillside on the coast of Normandy, Saint Michel becomes an island when the tide comes in, which removes all access except by boat. Originally a medieval fortress, Montrésor was rebuilt into a beautiful Renaissance mansion, only to be neglected after the French Revolution. Where: 1 Place du Château, AnnecyWhen: 13th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. With 400 high-ceiling rooms, no amount of fireplaces could keep them warm in the winter. It’s free to park on the other side of the official castle visitors’ parking lot and you can get a little exercise in as you walk along the river. Disclaimer: This post contains Because all orders are custom printed, I cannot offer returns and exchanges. However, there was one caveat – that it remains exactly as it looked from that day forward. Where: MontrésorWhen: 1493Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Besieged in 1617, the castle regained its glory in the 19th-century when it served as a private residence for Napoleon. Located in a picturesque setting with views over the Seine, Château Gaillard is one of the most beautiful places in Normandy. Brittany = Bretagne (f) 3. While it looks like a castle, Saint Michel is a fortified city built around an 8th-century monastery. Jean-Baptiste Colbert, a French statesman and apparent puppet master whispered in King Louis XIV’s ear a little gossip. It was so memorable! Picardy = Picardie (f) 11. to restore = restaurer (v) 12. swamp = marécage (m) 13. tower = tour (f) 14. It’s a great option if you still want to see this magnificent French castle but don’t have time to head inside or show up after hours. Château de Chambord was only built as a hunting lodge by Francis I to be closer to his mistress. Click here to buy your skip the line tickets to Château Fontainebleau. Not that you’d expect any less with Da Vinci’s Italian touch throughout the French castle. Short on time? Built in the 12th-century, the castle was meant as a military fortress and features some of the most impressive architecture found in defense structures of this type. The most attractive feature of Langeais is the amazing collection of original medieval furniture and tapestries that adorn its interiors. Founded as early as the 10th-century, the castle entered in the possession of the Amboise family and continued to serve as a family residence for the Amboise descendants for over 500 years. The palace is located in the town of Avignon, in Provence. Click here to book your tickets to the Amboise Castle. Located in Saint-Front-Sur-Lemance, this was once a grand feudal castle with a solid defense system. From its spectacular heights, it offers amazing views of the Dordogne Valley and all the other castles in the region. Located in Bordeaux, Roquetaillade is a famous castle that replaced fortifications built by Charlemagne the Great more than a millennium ago. Best Castles in France – Castles of the Loire Valley. From medieval castles for sale to more recent chateaux for sale, Castleist is The website to discover castles for sale in France. Since it was the only bridge crossing the river for miles, it was necessary for the city’s commerce. Château de Chenonceau was built in the Renaissance style in the 16th-century by Catherine Briçonnet and her family. Maybe French castles? Before you head outside, the library inside the Petit Château has more than 1,500 historical manuscripts, 200 of which date back to medieval times. 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